Richmond the holy grail?

[CSSS]

Is it just me or does the game force you as the Inion play concentrate almost exclusively to concentrate on taking Richmond, before your morale goes too far down?

[Platoonist]

Nah. I've had plenty of games where I've hollowed out the Confederacy in the west with Richmond still standing while keeping Fighting Spirit strong. Taking Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans really helps. Sometimes it's fun to save Richmond and Petersburg for last just to keep the game going a little longer.

[Beriand]

Yup, offensives there are not mandatory. Richmond is by far the most important area for CSA to hold, and well Union also have to firmly protect Maryland/Potomac/Washington. But sides are quite free to chose where they want to attack.