Overview
- Commander Name: Sun Tzu
- Rarity: Epic
- Civilization: China
- Primary Role: Open Field & PvE Damage Dealer
- Best Troop Type: Infantry
- Best For: F2P & Low Spenders
Sun Tzu is widely regarded as one of the strongest Epic commanders in Rise of Kingdoms, especially for free-to-play and early-to-mid game players. His powerful area-of-effect (AoE) skill damage, combined with excellent rage generation, makes him extremely effective in open-field battles and PvE content. Thanks to his accessibility and long-term relevance, Sun Tzu remains a cornerstone commander even in 2026. When built correctly, he offers exceptional value with minimal investment.
Commander Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Open Field | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rally | ⭐⭐ |
| Garrison | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| PvE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Sun Tzu excels in situations requiring sustained AoE damage and rage cycling, making him a top-tier Epic commander for open field and PvE scenarios.
Commander Background
Sun Tzu was a legendary Chinese military strategist and the author of The Art of War, one of the most influential military treatises in history. His philosophies on strategy, deception, and adaptability are reflected in his in-game design, emphasizing intelligence, timing, and battlefield control rather than brute force.
Commander Skills Breakdown
- Skill 1 – Art of War: Deals massive AoE skill damage to up to 5 targets and reduces their rage. This is Sun Tzu’s core strength and makes him devastating in crowded open-field fights.
- Skill 2 – Master Strategist: Increases infantry defense and skill damage, significantly boosting survivability and overall damage output.
- Skill 3 – Ever-Changing Tactics: Grants additional rage restoration, allowing faster skill cycling and more frequent AoE bursts.
- Skill 4 – War Philosophy: Increases troop capacity and further enhances battlefield presence, especially in group engagements.
- Expertise Skill – The Art of War (Enhanced): Further amplifies AoE damage and rage efficiency, turning Sun Tzu into one of the most efficient Epic commanders in prolonged fights.
Talent Tree Build
The recommended talent build for Sun Tzu focuses on the Skill and Infantry talent trees to maximize rage generation and AoE damage.
- Recommended Tree: Skill + Infantry
- Key Talents: Rejuvenate, Clarity, Strong of Body
- Reasoning: Faster rage equals more AoE skill damage, which is Sun Tzu’s primary value.
- Alternative Build: Infantry-heavy build for garrison or canyon-focused play.
Best Equipment
- Early Game: Windswept Set, Iron Helm, Vanguard Greaves
- Mid Game: Infantry-focused Epic gear such as the Revival Set
- Late / End Game: Legendary Infantry sets if used as a secondary in late-game formations
Key Features
- Exceptional AoE skill damage for Epic rarity.
- Strong rage generation and skill cycling.
- Highly accessible for F2P players.
- Excellent synergy with many commanders.
- Strong PvE performance against barbarians.
- Long-term usability even in late game.
Best Pairings
- Best Primary Pairings: Sun Tzu + Charles Martel, Sun Tzu + Bjorn Ironside
- Best Secondary Pairings: Sun Tzu behind YSG, Richard I, or Alexander the Great
Best Troop Composition
Recommended Troop Type: Infantry. Infantry maximizes Sun Tzu’s defensive bonuses and skill damage amplification.
| Troop Type | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Infantry | Excellent |
| Mixed Troops | Average |
How to Use This Commander
- Open Field: Place Sun Tzu in crowded battles to maximize AoE damage value.
- Rally / Garrison: Situational use in early game garrisons only.
- PvE: Outstanding for barbarian chaining and events requiring sustained skill damage.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: Massive AoE damage, fast rage generation, F2P friendly.
- Weaknesses: Limited rally potential, requires positioning awareness.
Is This Commander Worth Investing In?
- F2P Verdict: Absolutely worth maxing; top Epic priority.
- Low Spender Verdict: Essential investment with long-term value.
- Whale Verdict: Useful as a secondary or niche AoE option.
Skill Priority: Max Skill 1 first, then Skill 3, followed by Skill 2 and Skill 4.
Final Verdict
Sun Tzu remains one of the best Epic commanders in Rise of Kingdoms. His AoE damage, accessibility, and synergy make him a must-build commander in 2026. Invest early, expertise him confidently, and use him throughout your Rise of Kingdoms journey.
