When embarking on your adventure in the vast world of Rise of Kingdoms, the choice of your starting commander plays a pivotal role in shaping your early game strategy. Whether you prefer to conquer territories with overwhelming force or outmaneuver opponents with cunning tactics, selecting the right commander can give you a formidable advantage. In this guide, we will delve into the best starting commanders in Rise of Kingdoms, providing you with in-depth insights into their unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. By understanding the nuances of each commander’s skillset, you can make an informed decision that will propel you towards victory.
Among the most formidable starting commanders, Julius Caesar stands out as a master of both offensive and defensive warfare. His skill, “Divide and Conquer,” unleashes a powerful AOE attack that deals significant damage to enemy troops while simultaneously reducing their attack power. Furthermore, Julius Caesar’s passive ability, “Iron Will,” grants your troops increased defense against ranged attacks, making them resilient in the face of enemy archers and siege weaponry. Moreover, his leadership talent, “Unbending Will,” provides an army-wide boost to health and attack damage, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your forces. Whether you are facing hordes of barbarians or engaging in intense PvP battles, Julius Caesar’s versatility and prowess make him an invaluable asset to any aspiring conqueror.
In contrast to Julius Caesar’s balanced approach, Sun Tzu excels as a commander specializing in strategic warfare. His skill, “Art of War,” allows him to deploy his troops in a defensive formation, significantly reducing the damage taken from enemy attacks. Additionally, Sun Tzu’s passive ability, “Commander’s Insight,” grants increased scouting range and movement speed, giving you a tactical advantage in both exploration and combat. Furthermore, his leadership talent, “Guerrilla Tactics,” boosts your army’s attack damage against cities and forts, making him a formidable force for conquering territories. If your strategy revolves around outsmarting opponents and exploiting their weaknesses, Sun Tzu’s cunning and strategic prowess make him the perfect commander to lead your armies to victory.
Joan of Arc: Conquer the Fields with Ease
Joan of Arc is a legendary commander who excels in leading cavalry charges and defensive formations. Her unique skills, “Maid of Orleans” and “Divine Protection,” make her an exceptional choice for both beginners and experienced players alike.
Rallying the Troops: “Maid of Orleans”
Joan of Arc’s active skill, “Maid of Orleans,” is a powerful debuff that inflicts damage and reduces the target’s march speed for a short duration. This ability is particularly effective in cavalry battles, as it can slow down enemy units and make them vulnerable to counterattacks. Additionally, “Maid of Orleans” grants Joan of Arc a temporary damage boost, making her a formidable force in close-quarters combat.
Forming an Impenetrable Shield: “Divine Protection”
Joan of Arc’s passive skill, “Divine Protection,” is a defensive powerhouse. It provides a substantial shield to her and nearby allied units, absorbing a portion of incoming damage. This skill makes Joan of Arc an ideal tank commander, capable of absorbing enemy fire while protecting her troops. The shield effect is particularly useful in defending against enemy cavalry charges or siege attacks.
| Skill | Effect |
|---|---|
| Maid of Orleans | Inflicts damage and reduces target’s march speed; grants Joan of Arc damage boost |
| Divine Protection | Grants Joan of Arc and nearby allies a shield that absorbs damage |
Sun Tzu: Unrivaled Stratagem
Sun Tzu, the legendary Chinese military strategist, is an exceptional starting commander in Rise of Kingdoms. His unparalleled strategic prowess grants him an edge in various aspects of the game.
Tactician
Sun Tzu excels as a tactician. His active skill, Art of War, boosts troop attack and defense, making his armies formidable in battle. Additionally, his passive skill, General’s Tactics, increases the damage his troops deal to enemy commanders. This combination makes Sun Tzu a threat on the battlefield, both in attacking and defending.
Rally Leader
Sun Tzu’s strategic abilities extend beyond the individual battlefield. His passive skill, Rally Commander, enhances the attack and defense of allied troops participating in rallies he initiates. This ability makes him an ideal choice for leading large-scale attacks against enemy territories, as it amplifies the overall combat effectiveness of the alliance.
Garrison Defender
Sun Tzu’s strategic thinking also translates into a strong defense. His passive skill, Garrison Defense, increases the health of his garrisoned troops. When combined with his Art of War skill, which boosts troop defense, Sun Tzu transforms into a formidable garrison defender. Enemy attackers will find it challenging to breach his fortified positions, making him an invaluable asset in defending key outposts and cities.
Boudica: Fierce and Unstoppable
Boudica is a legendary Celtic queen who led a fierce rebellion against the Roman Empire. In Rise of Kingdoms, she is a formidable commander who excels in leading cavalry charges and devastating enemy formations with her powerful abilities.
Leadership Bonus
Boudica’s leadership bonus, “Warlord’s Wrath,” increases the attack and health of cavalry units by 10%. This bonus makes her an excellent commander for cavalry-based armies, allowing them to deal more damage and withstand more punishment in battle.
Active Skills
Boudica has two active skills: “Charge of the Iceni” and “Warrior’s Rage.” “Charge of the Iceni” is a devastating cavalry charge that deals massive damage to enemy units in its path. “Warrior’s Rage” grants Boudica a temporary boost to her attack and defense, making her even more formidable in combat.
Talent Tree
Boudica’s talent tree offers several options to enhance her abilities. The “Cavalry Mastery” branch focuses on improving the strength and survivability of her cavalry units, while the “Leadership” branch boosts her own leadership skills. The “Rallying Cry” talent is particularly useful as it increases the attack and defense of all friendly units within a radius around Boudica.
| Talent | Effect |
|---|---|
| Cavalry Mastery | Increases the attack and health of cavalry units |
| Leadership | Increases the leadership of Boudica |
| Rallying Cry | Increases the attack and defense of friendly units within a radius |
Cao Cao: A Mastermind’s Strategy
Cao Cao is a legendary warlord from the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He was known for his cunning, ruthlessness, and political prowess. In Rise of Kingdoms, Cao Cao is a powerful commander who can be used to great effect in both PvP and PvE battles.
Talents and Skills
Cao Cao has a variety of talents and skills that make him a versatile commander. His first talent, “Cunning,” gives him a bonus to attack and defense when fighting against commanders with a higher leadership. His second talent, “Ruthlessness,” increases his damage output when fighting against enemy troops. His third talent, “Politician,” gives him a bonus to troop health and defense when fighting against enemy commanders with a higher intelligence.
Equipment
Cao Cao can equip a variety of equipment to enhance his stats. The best equipment for Cao Cao is equipment that increases his attack, defense, and health. Some of the best equipment for Cao Cao includes the following:
| Equipment | Stats |
|---|---|
| Sword of the Overlord | +15% attack, +10% defense |
| Armor of the Unbreakable | +10% defense, +10% health |
| Helmet of the Conqueror | +10% attack, +10% health |
Skill Combinations
Cao Cao can be paired with a variety of other commanders to create powerful skill combinations. Some of the best skill combinations for Cao Cao include the following:
| Commander | Skill | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Cao Cao | Cunning | Increases attack and defense when fighting against commanders with a higher leadership |
| Sun Tzu | Art of War | Increases attack and defense of all allied troops |
| Joan of Arc | Divine Inspiration | Increases the morale of all allied troops |
Hermann: The Barbarian’s Might
Hermann is a legendary commander from the Germanic tribes who excels in leading infantry units. His unique skills make him an exceptional choice for players looking to establish a strong military foundation in Rise of Kingdoms.
Leadership Skills
Hermann’s leadership skills are unmatched among infantry commanders. His first skill, “Inspire,” boosts the attack and defense of all infantry units under his command, making them more formidable in battle. His second skill, “Rapid Deployment,” allows his infantry to enter battles faster, giving them an early advantage.
Barbarian Tactics
Hermann’s deep understanding of barbarian warfare grants him exceptional combat capabilities against barbarians. His “Tactics Master” skill increases the damage inflicted by his infantry units against barbarians, making him a deadly adversary for these hostile forces.
Guerrilla Warfare
Hermann’s background in guerrilla tactics allows him to excel in lightning-fast strikes against enemy settlements. His “Raiding Tactics” skill grants his infantry a significant march speed boost, enabling them to raid enemy villages and fortresses with devastating efficiency.
Gatherer of Spoils
Hermann’s tactical prowess extends beyond combat. His “Gatherer of Spoils” skill increases the resource yield from defeated barbarians, providing his kingdom with valuable resources for growth and expansion.
Master Tactician
Hermann’s experience as a seasoned commander shines through in his “Master Tactician” skill. This skill reduces the cost of upgrading infantry units under his leadership, saving players precious resources and time.
Leadership Mastery
Hermann’s leadership mastery reaches its peak with his “Leadership Mastery” skill. This passive ability enhances the stats of all infantry units in his army, further bolstering their combat capabilities.
Equipment Recommendations
To maximize Hermann’s potential, it is recommended to equip him with the following items:
| Item | Effect |
|---|---|
| Dragon’s Helmet | Increases infantry attack |
| Plate Armor | Increases infantry defense |
| Mounted Spear | Increases infantry march speed |
Scipio Africanus: Roman Dominance at Your Fingertips
Scipio Africanus, the legendary Roman general, stands as a formidable commander in Rise of Kingdoms. His exceptional military prowess and strategic brilliance make him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
Sublime Commander Skills
Decisive Charge (Active Skill): Scipio unleashes a devastating charge, launching javelins at enemies within a radius, ignoring their defense for a brief period.
Unstoppable (Passive Skill): Scipio’s troops surge forward with unstoppable momentum, granting them increased movement and attack speed.
Dominant Unit Type
Scipio’s preferred unit type is Cavalry. He enhances their speed, attack, and defense, transforming them into a lethal force.
Expert Leadership
Scipio’s leadership abilities are unparalleled. He grants his troops increased attack damage and defense, while also reducing their march and healing cooldown time.
Excellent Pairing Skills
Scipio pairs exceptionally well with other commanders who enhance Cavalry units, such as Gaius Marius or Caesar.
Versatile Role
Scipio can fulfill multiple roles on the battlefield. He can serve as a frontline commander, a flanking attacker, or even a support unit with his healing abilities.
Acquisition
Scipio Africanus is obtainable through Commander Sculptures, which can be collected through events, expeditions, or the Guild Shop.
Talon of Rome
Scipio’s unique talent, Talon of Rome, activates when he leads a full Roman legion. This grants his Cavalry units a substantial boost in attack and defense, making them an unstoppable force.
Unlockable Skills
As Scipio levels up, he unlocks additional skills that further enhance his effectiveness:
- Caesar’s Writ (Lvl 25): Grants Cavalry units increased critical damage rate.
- Phalanx Formation (Lvl 30): Reduces damage taken from infantry units.
- Lightning Strike (Lvl 35): Decisive Charge deals additional damage and has an increased area of effect.
Alexander the Great: Unifying the Ancient World
Alexander the Great, renowned throughout history as a legendary military strategist and conqueror, stands as a formidable option for novice commanders in Rise of Kingdoms.
Leadership and Training
Alexander’s exceptional leadership abilities motivate his troops, granting them a 5% bonus to attack and a 10% boost to defense. His “Call to Arms” active skill further enhances these attributes, increasing both attack and defense by an additional 15% for 30 seconds.
Rallying Point
As a seasoned commander, Alexander possesses an impressive Rally Capacity of 60,000. This allows him to lead a substantial army during rallies, coordinating attacks against enemy targets.
Troop Marching
Alexander’s proficiency in troop movement grants him a 5% bonus to troop march speed, enabling him to swiftly deploy forces across the game world.
Garrison Defense
In defensive scenarios, Alexander proves equally effective. His troops gain a 10% boost to defense while garrisoned in a city or fort, making them formidable opponents for invading armies.
City Development
While renowned for his military prowess, Alexander also exhibits a keen interest in city development. His “Great Planning” passive skill reduces the construction time of all buildings in his city by 5%.
Talent Tree
Alexander’s talent tree specializes in cavalry and siege combat, granting bonuses to these troop types. He also receives a unique talent, “King’s March,” which increases the march speed of cavalry units by an additional 5%.
Skill Progression
As Alexander levels up, his skills become increasingly formidable. At level 5, he unlocks the “Phalanx” skill, granting infantry units a 15% bonus to defense. At level 10, he gains access to the “Conqueror” skill, providing a 20% bonus to attack against barbarians.
Formation Tactics
Alexander’s recommended formation for cavalry is the wedge formation, emphasizing their mobility and attack power. For siege combat, the line formation maximizes their range and efficiency.
Counter Strategies
When facing commanders with a focus on infantry or ranged units, Alexander may encounter challenges. Commanders like Joan of Arc or Minamoto no Yoshitsune can effectively counter his cavalry-heavy strategy.
Best Starting Commanders in Rise of Kingdoms
Starting with the right commanders can give you a significant advantage in Rise of Kingdoms. Here are some of the best starting commanders to consider:
Sun Tzu: A versatile commander with good stats in all areas. His “Art of War” skill increases the damage output of your troops, making him a great choice for both offense and defense.
Joan of Arc: A defensive commander with high health and defense stats. Her “Divine Protection” skill reduces the damage taken by your troops, making her ideal for protecting your city and defending against attacks.
Julius Caesar: An aggressive commander with high attack and damage stats. His “March of the Eagles” skill increases the march speed of your troops, allowing you to attack and retreat quickly.
Boudica: A cavalry commander with high mobility and damage stats. Her “Chariot Charge” skill increases the attack power of your cavalry troops, making her a great choice for raiding and attacking enemy cities.
People Also Ask
Which commander is best for farming?
Sun Tzu is the best commander for farming due to his high attack and damage stats. His "Art of War" skill also increases the damage output of your troops, making him even more effective at gathering resources.
Which commander is best for PvP?
Julius Caesar is the best commander for PvP due to his high attack and damage stats. His "March of the Eagles" skill also increases the march speed of your troops, allowing you to attack and retreat quickly.
Which commander is best for PvE?
Joan of Arc is the best commander for PvE due to her high health and defense stats. Her "Divine Protection" skill reduces the damage taken by your troops, making her ideal for protecting your city and defending against attacks.
