Charles Martel Rise of Kingdoms Guide: Skills, Talent Builds, and Best Uses (2025)

Introduction

Charles Martel is one of the most iconic commanders in Rise of Kingdoms (RoK). With his impressive defensive capabilities and strong counterattack damage, he remains one of the top choices for city defense and infantry leadership in open-field battles.

How to Obtain Charles Martel

• Gold Key Commander: Charles Martel is a Gold Key commander, so he’s relatively easy to unlock for free-to-play (F2P) players.

• Mightiest Governor Event: Occasionally available in the first Mightiest Governor event.

• Expedition Medal Shop: Can be obtained here if lucky.

• Daily Special Offers: Available in daily offer packs.

• Login Events: Occasionally gives out 10 Charles Martel sculptures on day 17 of login.

• Universal Sculptures: Can be used to unlock or upgrade him, but not recommended (we’ll explain why).

Charles Martel’s Skills

1. Shield of Francia
   Effect:

   • Deals 30% increased damage for 4 seconds.

   • Provides a shield that absorbs 1,200 damage for 4 seconds.
     Analysis:

   • The AoE damage boost is substantial, making Martel a huge threat in both offensive and defensive roles.

   • The shield is useful but weak at later game stages and can easily be broken in large battles.

2. Solid as a Rock
   Effect:

   • Increases infantry defense and health by 15%.
     Analysis:

   • This is the main reason Martel is so tanky. The additional defense and health give him excellent survivability, especially in prolonged fights.

3. City Guardian
   Effect:

   • Increases city defense by 10% and tower defense by 10%.
     Analysis:

   • This is most useful in city defense. Tower defense is virtually useless since towers are easily destroyed during city defense situations.

4. Iron Wall
   Effect:

   • Increases counterattack damage by 30%.
     Analysis:

   • This is Martel's signature skill, making him a pain to attack. His high counterattack damage punishes enemy commanders who target him.

5. The Iron Duke (Expertise)
   Effect:

   • Increases infantry defense, health, and march speed by 20%.
     Analysis:

   • The expertise skill significantly boosts Martel’s tankiness and mobility, making him a more formidable presence on the battlefield.

Talent Builds for Charles Martel (2025)

A. Open Field PvP Build

• Focus: Balanced between survivability and counterattack damage.

• Key Talents:

  • Master Armorer: Reduces incoming damage.

  • Loose Formation: Reduces skill damage taken.

  • No Weakness: Reduces regular damage taken.

  • Spiked Armor: Increases counterattack damage.

  • Focus on infantry: Health, defense, and march speed.

B. Anti-Swarm Counter-Rally Build

• Focus: Maximize Martel’s durability against multiple targets.

• Key Talents:

  • Hold the Line: Reduces damage taken by 20% for 2 seconds.

  • Iron Spear: Increases damage against cavalry.

  • Medicinal Supplies: Provides healing over time.

C. City Defense Build

• Focus: Boost city defense when using Martel to protect your city.

• Key Talents:

  • No Thy Enemy: Reduces damage taken when surrounded.

  • Impregnable: Increases shield durability.

  • Double-Headed Axe: Increases regular damage and counterattack damage.

Best Pairings for Charles Martel

• Charles Martel + Richard I (Classic Tank Combo)

  • High healing and defense, great for city defense or open-field tanking.

• Charles Martel + YSG (Damage & Defense Combo)

  • Combines Martel’s counterattack potential with YSG’s powerful AoE.

• Charles Martel + Constantine (Super Defensive Duo)

  • Extremely durable and capable of withstanding enemy rallies.

• Charles Martel + Alex (Balanced Frontline Duo)

  • Balances Martel's tankiness with Alex’s burst damage.

Charles Martel Statue (Updated 2025)

Statue Stats:

• Tier 1: 25% Damage, 5% Health.

• Tier 2: 40% Damage, 8% Health.

• Tier 3: 50% Damage, 10% Health.

Statue Analysis:
Martel becomes a monstrous tank with 50% more damage and 10% more health.
This statue makes him incredibly effective in KVK scenarios where high damage and health can punish enemies.

Pros and Cons of Using Charles Martel

Pros:
✅ F2P Friendly – Easily unlocked with Gold Keys.
✅ High Counterattack Damage – Punishes enemies who attack him.
✅ Excellent Tank – Great for city defense or open-field tanking in KVK.
✅ Versatile – Can be used in city defense, open-field, and rally defense.

Cons:
❌ No AoE Damage – Not as effective in large-scale battles.
❌ Lacks Skill Damage – Struggles to deal high burst damage.
❌ No Debuffs – Lacks ways to weaken enemies, making him predictable.
❌ Outdated in Meta – Not great for high-level competitive gameplay without statues.

Should You Invest in Charles Martel in 2025?

Early Game (KVK1 - KVK2):
Charles Martel is an excellent choice for city defense early in the game. Use him to guard your city or lead your first infantry armies.

Mid to Late Game (KVK3 - Season of Conquest):
Only useful with his Statue.
Do not use Universal Sculptures on him at this stage.

F2P/Low-Spending Players:
Focus on unlocking him via Gold Keys.
Avoid using Universal Sculptures.

Whales/High-Spending Players:
Not worth investing unless you have spare statues and want to experiment.

Conclusion: Is Charles Martel Worth It in 2025?

Charles Martel has regained his strength in 2025 thanks to his statue and high counterattack damage. While he’s not for everyone, he can still be a powerhouse in city defense or open-field tanking for those who understand his strengths—especially in the early and mid-game. If you're looking for a reliable tank and city defender, Charles Martel is still a solid option.