Overview
- Commander Name: Richard I
- Rarity: Legendary
- Civilization: England
- Primary Role: Infantry Tank / Sustain Commander
- Best Troop Type: Infantry
- Best For: F2P, Low Spenders, Long-Term Accounts
Richard I, commonly known as Richard the Lionheart, remains one of the most enduring and reliable infantry commanders in Rise of Kingdoms. Even in 2026, his exceptional sustain, healing efficiency, and defensive bonuses make him a cornerstone for open-field infantry marches. While he is no longer a top-tier rally commander, his survivability and low micro-management requirements ensure continued relevance for both new and veteran players.
Commander Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Open Field | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rally | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Garrison | ⭐⭐ |
| PvE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Justification: Richard’s value comes from unmatched sustain and healing. While power creep has introduced higher burst damage commanders, Richard still excels at soaking damage and prolonging fights, especially in infantry-heavy open-field engagements.
Commander Background
Richard I of England earned the title “Lionheart” through his military prowess during the Crusades. In Rise of Kingdoms, this legacy is translated into a commander focused on resilience, battlefield endurance, and defensive supremacy rather than aggressive burst damage.
Commander Skills Breakdown
- Skill 1 – Lionheart: Deals direct damage and significantly reduces incoming damage, making Richard extremely difficult to burst down in open field.
- Skill 2 – Chivalry: Increases infantry defense and counterattack damage, reinforcing his tank role.
- Skill 3 – Crusader King: Grants health bonuses and healing effects, directly improving march longevity.
- Skill 4 – Lion of England: Further reduces damage taken and enhances sustain when surrounded.
- Expertise – Lionheart’s Legacy: Amplifies healing effects and defensive buffs, turning Richard into one of the hardest infantry commanders to eliminate.
Talent Tree Build
Recommended Talent Tree: Infantry + Defense
- Focus on damage reduction, health, and march speed.
- Key talents include Hold the Line, Iron Spear, and Defensive Formation.
- This build maximizes sustain and reduces hospital bills.
Alternative Build: Infantry + Support for PvE-focused accounts where healing efficiency is prioritized.
Best Equipment
- Early Game: Vanguard Set, Windswept accessories.
- Mid Game: Infantry-focused Epic gear such as Sakura Fubuki.
- Late / End Game: Legendary infantry sets emphasizing health and defense.
Key Features
- Exceptional sustain and healing.
- Beginner-friendly legendary commander.
- Low micro-management requirement.
- Highly effective in infantry balls.
- Scales well with defensive equipment.
Best Pairings
Best Primary Pairings: Richard + Alexander the Great, Richard + Guan Yu
Best Secondary Pairings: Charles Martel, Sun Tzu, Scipio Prime
Best Troop Composition
Recommended Troop Type: Full Infantry
| Troop Type | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Infantry | Excellent |
| Mixed | Not Recommended |
How to Use This Commander
- Open Field: Anchor infantry marches and absorb enemy focus.
- Rally / Garrison: Situational only, not meta.
- PvE: Excellent sustain for barbarians and events.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: Extreme tankiness, healing, F2P friendly.
- Weaknesses: Low burst damage, power creep in late-game rallies.
Is This Commander Worth Investing In?
F2P Verdict: Highly recommended long-term infantry investment.
Low Spender Verdict: One of the safest legendary commanders.
Whale Verdict: Solid but no longer top priority.
Final Verdict
Richard remains a top-tier sustain commander in 2026. While not dominant in rallies, his open-field utility, survivability, and beginner accessibility make him a smart long-term investment for infantry-focused accounts.
