According to the plot Cliff Empire The earth of the distant future has become uninhabitable due to nuclear wars and disasters. Squads of several thousand survivors end up in autonomous orbital colonies, but many are forced to freeze due to limited resources. Others remain, sacrificing their own lives to build platforms high in the mountains. When the fallout subsides, these islands above the nuclear fog will remain the only habitats on the planet. Players are responsible for bringing back peace by building cities in these harsh and cold mountains. This is not an easy task. Space is limited, Earth's ecology is destroyed, and extreme weather conditions are destroying the planet.

In Cliff Empire, problems arise when new buildings open and infrastructure improves in cities. Each city on the plateau has its own strengths and weaknesses. One may get a lot of sun, another a strong wind, another a more fertile soil or rich minerals. These cities use money for mutual trade and with people in orbit, and may eventually be connected by bridges and electric trains. Balancing how cities trade is a key part of the strategy.

At the same time, huge trade deficits can arise if goods are overproduced. Cities can lend to one another, but paying the interest can be devastating in an economy with a very narrow income margin. Here everyone needs the resources produced by buildings at a fixed rate.

Some of the resources are vital, such as wheat and water. Others, such as greens or fish, contain vitamins for the health of citizens and increase their efficiency. Still others, like virtual reality headsets and washing machines, are optional but improve quality of life and attract settlers from orbit.