Some Questions on the game

Ok ive been following this game off and on for a couple months now but have some questions.

1. Is the game now live, or still prelude or prelaunch (meaning theres gona be a wipe)

2. How big is the world is it so crowded there are people every section meaning harder to find a place to build?

3. Do you have to be in a tribe to really make any progress. The game almost seems to be more tribe oriented.

Now i dont mind pvp but for a game like this i just like to build stuff, Ive spent hours/days/weeks in minecraft having a blast just building stuff. I dont mind scavenging for materials either. I wouldnt mind joining a tribe with TS though to increase the enjoyment of the game.

Game is live

The world is big enough that people arent on top of each other

You dont have to be in a tribe, but it helps if you are. Check the tribe recruitment thread to help you find a tribe to join