Categories drive the chain
Each prompt asks for cities that satisfy a condition. The chain grows when you keep finding valid answers without running out of time.
Speed changes the skill
CityQ gives you time to think through a grid. Chain asks for quick recall, so broad geography knowledge matters more than one perfect solve.
Good answers come from anchors
Players improve by keeping anchor cities in mind for continents, capitals, islands, coasts, high elevations, and large populations.
A different daily rhythm
Chain is less about one hidden answer and more about how long you can keep producing correct city names under pressure.