Hey guys! Are you looking to dominate the battlefield in Rise of Kingdoms? Then you've come to the right place! One of the most crucial aspects of this game is understanding commander pairings, and when it comes to versatile and powerful commanders, Sun Tzu is a name that often comes up. This legendary Chinese general can be an absolute game-changer if paired correctly. In this guide, we're diving deep into the best Sun Tzu pairings to help you maximize your strategic advantage. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, mastering Sun Tzu's pairings will undoubtedly boost your gameplay and lead you to victory. So, let's get started and explore the optimal commander combinations that will make your enemies tremble!

Why Sun Tzu is a Great Commander

Sun Tzu is an exceptional commander in Rise of Kingdoms for several reasons, making him a favorite among players of all levels. First off, his versatility allows him to fit into various roles and strategies. He excels in leading infantry units, providing significant buffs that enhance their attack, defense, and health. This makes him a robust choice for both attacking and defending cities or strategic points on the map.

Another key reason to love Sun Tzu is his skill set. His primary skill, 'Art of War,' deals substantial AoE (Area of Effect) damage, hitting multiple enemies at once. This is incredibly useful in large battles where you need to inflict damage on numerous targets simultaneously. Additionally, Sun Tzu has skills that increase infantry attack and defense, reduce skill damage taken, and boost rage regeneration, ensuring he can use his active skill more frequently. This combination of skills makes him a formidable force on the battlefield.

Moreover, Sun Tzu is relatively easy to obtain and max out, especially for free-to-play players. His sculptures are readily available through various in-game events and the Expedition mode, making him a reliable choice for players who want a powerful commander without spending a fortune. This accessibility, combined with his impressive skill set, makes Sun Tzu an excellent investment for any player looking to strengthen their army. Understanding his strengths and how to leverage them is the first step in creating effective commander pairings that will lead you to triumph in Rise of Kingdoms. Sun Tzu's strategic abilities and leadership qualities make him a cornerstone for any successful campaign, ensuring that you are always a step ahead of your opponents.

Best Sun Tzu Pairings for Rise of Kingdoms

Alright, let's jump into the best pairings for Sun Tzu in Rise of Kingdoms! Pairing commanders effectively can significantly amplify their strengths, creating a synergy that makes your troops nearly unstoppable. We'll cover a variety of pairings suitable for different stages of the game and various combat scenarios.

Sun Tzu & Aethelflaed

Aethelflaed, the shieldmaiden of Mercia, makes an excellent partner for Sun Tzu, especially in large-scale battles and for weakening enemies before a main attack. Aethelflaed's primary skill applies a debuff to enemy troops, reducing their attack, defense, and damage output. This debuff synergizes perfectly with Sun Tzu's AoE damage, allowing him to inflict even more pain on weakened foes. Together, they can significantly disrupt enemy formations and make them easier to defeat. Aethelflaed also brings additional utility with her skill that reduces enemy healing effects, making her particularly effective against commanders who rely on self-healing or support skills. This pairing is fantastic for weakening and controlling the battlefield, giving your alliance a significant advantage in prolonged engagements. Their combined leadership and strategic prowess can turn the tide of battle in your favor, ensuring that your troops remain resilient and effective against even the toughest opposition. By strategically applying Aethelflaed's debuffs and capitalizing on Sun Tzu's AoE damage, you can create a formidable force that dominates the battlefield.

Sun Tzu & Richard I

Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, is another outstanding choice to pair with Sun Tzu. Richard I is renowned for his incredible tankiness and healing abilities, making him an ideal front-line commander. When paired with Sun Tzu, Richard I can absorb a massive amount of damage, allowing Sun Tzu to unleash his AoE attacks without being easily targeted. Richard's healing ensures that your troops remain in the fight longer, while Sun Tzu's damage output keeps the pressure on the enemy. This combination is particularly effective in defending cities or strongholds, as Richard's durability can withstand heavy assaults while Sun Tzu punishes attackers with constant barrages. Together, they form a nearly impenetrable defense, capable of holding off even the most determined enemies. This pairing provides a balance of sustainability and damage, making it a strong choice for both defensive and offensive maneuvers. Richard I's leadership and resilience, combined with Sun Tzu's strategic acumen, create a powerful synergy that can withstand the test of time.

Sun Tzu & Joan of Arc

For players seeking a support-oriented pairing, Joan of Arc is an amazing option alongside Sun Tzu. Joan of Arc is known for her exceptional support skills, providing buffs to troop attack, defense, and resource gathering speed. Pairing her with Sun Tzu enhances his damage output while also boosting the overall effectiveness of your army. Joan's healing abilities also help to keep your troops alive longer, ensuring sustained combat effectiveness. This combination is particularly useful in rallying armies or participating in alliance events, where her buffs can significantly improve the performance of your entire team. Joan of Arc's inspirational leadership and support skills, combined with Sun Tzu's strategic prowess, create a synergistic effect that maximizes your army's potential. This pairing is not only effective in combat but also enhances your resource gathering capabilities, providing a well-rounded boost to your gameplay.

Sun Tzu & Bjorn Ironside

Bjorn Ironside is a fantastic epic commander renowned for his damage-dealing capabilities, making him an excellent partner for Sun Tzu. Bjorn's skills focus on increasing damage output and reducing enemy defenses, which complements Sun Tzu's AoE attacks perfectly. Together, they can quickly eliminate enemy troops, making them a formidable offensive force. Bjorn's skill that increases damage dealt to enemies below a certain health threshold synergizes well with Sun Tzu's ability to weaken multiple targets simultaneously. This pairing is particularly effective in open-field battles where you need to quickly dispatch enemy formations. Their combined offensive power can overwhelm opponents, leading to decisive victories. Bjorn Ironside's aggressive fighting style and damage-enhancing skills, combined with Sun Tzu's strategic acumen, create a powerful synergy that can dominate the battlefield. This pairing is ideal for players who prefer an aggressive playstyle and want to maximize their damage output in every engagement.

Tips for Maximizing Sun Tzu's Potential

To truly maximize Sun Tzu's potential, keep these tips in mind:

• Skill Leveling: Focus on maxing out Sun Tzu's skills as quickly as possible. His primary skill, 'Art of War,' is the key to his damage output, so prioritize upgrading it. Then, work on his other skills that boost infantry stats and reduce skill damage.
• Equipment: Equip Sun Tzu with gear that enhances infantry attack, defense, and health. Look for items that provide skill damage bonuses as well, as this will further amplify his AoE damage. Good equipment can significantly boost his effectiveness in battle.
• Troop Composition: Sun Tzu excels with infantry units, so ensure that your army primarily consists of high-tier infantry. This will allow you to take full advantage of his buffs and maximize your overall combat effectiveness. A balanced mix of tanky and damage-dealing infantry units is ideal.
• Strategic Positioning: Position Sun Tzu strategically on the battlefield to maximize his AoE damage. Place him in locations where he can hit multiple enemy targets simultaneously, such as in the middle of enemy formations or near key strategic points. Careful positioning can significantly increase his impact on the battle.
• Rage Management: Sun Tzu's rage regeneration skill is crucial for using his active skill frequently. Utilize commanders and talents that further enhance rage regeneration to ensure that he can unleash his AoE attacks as often as possible. This will keep constant pressure on the enemy and disrupt their formations.

Final Thoughts

Sun Tzu is a fantastic commander in Rise of Kingdoms, and pairing him effectively can turn him into an unstoppable force. Whether you choose to pair him with Aethelflaed for debuffs, Richard I for tankiness, Joan of Arc for support, or Bjorn Ironside for raw damage, understanding the strengths of each pairing will help you dominate the battlefield. Remember to focus on skill leveling, equipment, troop composition, strategic positioning, and rage management to maximize Sun Tzu's potential. With these tips and pairings in mind, you'll be well on your way to achieving victory in Rise of Kingdoms! So go out there, experiment with different combinations, and find what works best for your playstyle. Good luck, governors, and may your kingdom rise to glory!