Rise of Kingdoms is one of the most fun and challenging strategy and resource management games for mobile phones. Created by the Chinese developer Lilith Games, the title invites us to build our own empire and become the most powerful and feared leader in history. To achieve this, we'll have to learn different real-time strategy mechanics, resource management and construction techniques, and combat elements.
In our Rise of Kingdoms guide, you'll learn the basics to take your first steps and begin forging your empire . The game mechanics combine some of the most addictive and acclaimed aspects of real-time strategy, but also include elements of city building, resource management, and MMO gameplay. Take note and start taking your first steps toward success as the leader of a kingdom making history, all from your mobile device.
Starting strategies: Jumpers and sleeper beads
For players seeking a competitive edge from the outset, advanced concepts like jumpers and dormant accounts exist . This technique involves developing the account only to level 7 in all buildings and training only level 1 troops during the first week. Afterward, the player uses the beginner teleport (available only up to level 8) to migrate to a newly opened kingdom.
The goal is to reach a new server with a head start of approximately 10 days, which greatly facilitates joining the top alliance . Being in the most powerful alliance is crucial, as it grants access to the best gold chests and rewards, driving exponential account growth.
Choose your civilization and optimize your evolution
At the start of the game, you can choose from different civilizations and historical groups. The choice isn't just aesthetic; each one comes with distinct passive bonuses and starting commanders that define your play style.
- China: It's the undisputed choice for beginners. It offers a +5% construction speed and faster Action Point (AP) regeneration, in addition to granting Sun Tzu, the best epic commander in the game.
- Germany: Ideal for the mid-game. It stands out for a +10% recovery of PA and a +5% troop training speed, essential to quickly reach T4 units.
- Japan and Spain: Recommended for farm accounts due to their bonuses in the collection speed and resource production.
- Combat Civilizations (KvK): In the late game, it is recommended to switch depending on the main troop: Rome or France for infantry (defense and healing), Arabia or Germany for cavalry (attack), and Ottoman Empire for archers (skill damage).
Develop your town and manage the buildings
The ultimate goal is to level up your village to unlock new technologies and special units. The Town Hall is the central building ; the level of any other building is limited by its level. We recommend prioritizing the Town Hall up to level 5 to unlock the second troop rank , allowing you to send two armies simultaneously.
Additional gears are unlocked at levels 11, 17, and 22. Once you reach Town Hall 22 (5 gears), it's advisable to stop using universal speed boosters on buildings and reserve them exclusively for Academy research , especially to reach Tier 5 troops.
To optimize construction, reaching VIP 6 is vital , as it unlocks a second permanent building row. To achieve this, gems should be prioritized for VIP leveling, aiming for VIP 10 and then 12 or 14 to maximize competitive advantages.
Player-versus-player (PvP) fights and advanced combat
PvP mode is the competitive core of the game. A large army isn't enough; skill is the deciding factor. In open-field battles, formation and commander selection determine the outcome.
For engagements in the Lost Canyon or KvK wars, an effective formation usually consists of placing two very tough marches (tanks) in front to absorb the damage, while two attack marches (usually archers) strike from behind, supported by a strong flank march.
Commanders Guide: The best for each role
The collectibles system is crucial. There are over 50 commanders, and specializing them requires a massive investment of resources. For free-to-play or low-spending players , it's a mistake to try to level them all up; it's better to focus on two or three strong marches.
Recommended Commanders
- Harvest: Cayo Mario, Constanza, and Sárka are essential for optimizing resource collection and filling deposits quickly.
- World and Group PvP: Sun Tzu It is the best epic option due to its AOE damage and fury generation. Baibars offers the highest pure AOE damage, while Aethelflaed It is excellent at weakening enemies and working well with mixed troops.
- Legendary: If there's a budget, Yi Seong-Gye (YSG) It is a massive source of deaths in KvK1. minamoto It offers great value for money for investors.
- Peace-keeping: Essential for hunting barbarians, as they reduce the AP cost and increase the resources obtained.
Unique Equipment and Troops
The equipment scales with the power of your troops. For infantry , purple gear is recommended for pants, headgear, and chest armor. For cavalry , green gear for weapons and pants is acceptable due to its stats. Archers are the most expensive and require the full purple set to be competitive.
Unique Units per Civilization (T4/T5)
Each culture has a special unit that unlocks Town Hall 21 and the Academy at the same level. These units have superior stats compared to generic units.
- Arabia (Mameluco): Fast cavalry ideal for mobility and damage.
- China (Chu-Ko-Nu): Archers with repeating sub-crossbows and very high attack.
- Japan (Samurai): Infantry with direct damage and powerful blows.
- Rome (Legionnaire): Balanced infantry with excellent attack and defense.
- France (Lancer with Axe): Resilient and balanced infantry.
- Germany (Teutonic Knight): Armored cavalry with large carrying capacity.
- Great Britain (Longbowman): Superior firepower.
- Korea (Hwarang): Archers specialized in eliminating infantry.
- Ottoman (Janissary): Goalkeepers with an advantage in raw attack.
- Spain (Conqueror): Fast cavalry with high offensive damage.
Resource and Action Point (AP) Management
To remain competitive, it is necessary to create farm accounts (between 2 and 4). These secondary accounts should use civilizations like Japan or Spain to transfer resources to the main account.
Regarding Action Points (AP) , the expert advice is not to waste them on minor events. It's preferable to save them for KvK1 and spend them on level 36+ barbarians to climb the honor rankings and obtain legendary city appearances. The only exception recommended is the 7k gem event.
Technical optimization: Playing on PC with BlueStacks
While Rise of Kingdoms is comfortable to play on mobile, playing through BlueStacks on PC offers tactical advantages. The larger screen allows for better map management, and using the Keymapping Tool and Macro Recorder automates repetitive tasks, improving efficiency in troop gathering and training.
Rise of Kingdoms is an addictive experience that combines the depth of Age of Empires and Civilization in a mobile format. Success depends not only on economic investment but also on macro-level planning : choosing the right civilization at each stage, prioritizing the Town Hall, specializing only key commanders, and joining a top-tier alliance. Mastering Action Point management and the strategic use of unique units will allow any ruler, whether free-to-play or paid, to leave an indelible mark on their kingdom's history.