Overview
Commander Name: John Hunyadi
Rarity: Legendary
Civilization: Eastern European / Hungarian
Primary Role: Cavalry Defender / Anti-Cavalry Specialist
Best Troop Type: Cavalry
Best For: Low Spender / Whale
John Hunyadi is a formidable cavalry commander in Rise of Kingdoms, specializing in anti-cavalry defense and counterattacks. His skills make him excellent for leading defensive marches or halting enemy cavalry advances. With the right talent tree and pairings, John Hunyadi is a versatile commander suitable for both open-field skirmishes and rally support.
Commander Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Open Field | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rally | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Garrison | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PvE | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
John Hunyadi shines as a defensive cavalry commander, especially effective against enemy cavalry marches and in city defense scenarios.
Commander Background
John Hunyadi was a renowned Hungarian general and statesman, famous for his victories against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. In Rise of Kingdoms, his abilities translate to strong cavalry leadership, anti-cavalry effectiveness, and defensive resilience, making him a valuable commander in both offense and defense.
Commander Skills Breakdown
Skill 1 – Countercharge: Deals damage to enemy cavalry and reduces their attack, making him ideal for countering enemy mounted units.
Skill 2 – Iron Wall: Boosts cavalry defense and reduces damage taken from all units, increasing survivability.
Skill 3 – Tactical Maneuver: Increases rage generation and skill damage for allied cavalry, enhancing sustained combat efficiency.
Skill 4 – Bastion of Faith: Provides additional damage reduction for John Hunyadi and nearby allies during prolonged engagements.
Expertise Skill – Hero of Hungary: Unlocks enhanced anti-cavalry damage, further strengthening his role as a counter-cavalry commander.
Talent Tree Build
Recommended Talent Tree: Cavalry / Defense
Key Talents: Counter Cavalry, Mounted Fury, Veteran’s Discipline, Iron Wall
Reasoning: Optimizes anti-cavalry damage, cavalry defense, and survivability.
Alternative Builds: Cavalry / Leadership for increased march speed and rage management in rallies.
Best Equipment
Early Game: Cavalry Starter Set, Shield of Protection
Mid Game: Spear of the General, Cavalry Armor
Late / End Game: Legendary Cavalry Set, Helm of Leadership, Plate of the Commander
Key Features
- Exceptional anti-cavalry damage.
- High defensive capability for cavalry marches.
- Excellent for city and garrison defense.
- Expertise enhances anti-cavalry effects and skill damage.
- Good synergy with cavalry-centric commanders in rallies.
- Durable in prolonged engagements.
Best Pairings
Best Primary Pairings: John Hunyadi + Charles Martel, John Hunyadi + Richard I
Best Secondary Pairings: John Hunyadi + Scipio Africanus, John Hunyadi + Takeda Shingen
Best Troop Composition
Recommended Troop Type: Cavalry
Why It Works: All skills scale with cavalry numbers and provide anti-cavalry bonuses.
Troops to Avoid: Infantry-heavy or archer marches reduce anti-cavalry effectiveness.
| Troop Type | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Cavalry | Excellent |
| Mixed | Good |
| Infantry | Average |
How to Use This Commander
Open Field: Lead anti-cavalry strikes to counter enemy mounted units.
Rally / Garrison: Excellent as a defensive or secondary commander providing anti-cavalry utility.
PvE: Effective against cavalry-dense barbarian camps and fort defenses.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
• Powerful anti-cavalry damage
• Strong defensive bonuses
• High survivability in prolonged battles
• Expertise amplifies key skills
Weaknesses:
• Less effective in pure infantry marches
• Requires skill management for maximum impact
• Open field utility depends on enemy cavalry composition
Is This Commander Worth Investing In?
F2P Verdict: Useful for garrison defense but less versatile in open field.
Low Spender Verdict: Strong investment if facing cavalry-heavy opponents.
Whale Verdict: Highly valuable in competitive settings and anti-cavalry-focused strategies.
Skill Priority: Skill 1 → Skill 2 → Skill 4 → Skill 3 → Expertise.
Final Verdict
John Hunyadi is a legendary cavalry commander designed for anti-cavalry dominance and defensive excellence. He is a solid investment for players looking to control cavalry-heavy battles and strengthen city defenses in Rise of Kingdoms 2026.
