Ultimate Yi Seong-Gye (YSG) Guide for Rise of Kingdoms 2025: Skills, Talents & Best Pairings

Introduction to Yi Seong-Gye

Yi Seong-Gye (YSG) is one of the most beloved legendary commanders in Rise of Kingdoms history. Despite being one of the first legendary commanders introduced through the Wheel of Fortune, YSG remains relevant even in 2025. Changes in gameplay and strategy have made investing in YSG more beneficial than ever, especially for new players.

How to Obtain YSG

• Wheel of Fortune: The most common way to obtain YSG. You need 10 sculptures to summon him.

• Daily Special Offer: YSG occasionally appears in special daily offers.

• Not available in Golden Chests: Unlike early game versions, YSG is no longer obtainable through Golden Chests.

• Special Events: Sometimes, Lilith reintroduces YSG through special events, though this is rare.

99% of players will obtain YSG through the Wheel of Fortune. He is best suited for Archer, Garrison, and Skill Tree builds.

YSG’s Skills

1. Rain of Arrows

• Deals direct damage to up to 5 targets in a fan-shaped area.

• Damage Factor: 1400 (increases to 1700 with expertise).

• Damage is reduced by 15% for each additional target.

2. Arrow Storm

• 10% chance to gain 100 extra rage when attacking.

• Grants 100% increased archer attack for 3 seconds (5-second cooldown).

3. Garrison General

• When serving as a city garrison commander, increases troop attack by 10%.

• Increases Watchtower attack by 10% (but Watchtowers are nearly useless in modern gameplay).

4. Art of War

• Increases skill damage by 50% (highest flat skill damage bonus in the game).

• Applies to both direct and additional skill damage.

5. Expertise: Destiny

• Changes the fan-shaped AoE skill to a circular AoE.

• Increases the damage factor from 1400 to 1700.

Museum Buff for YSG

In the Museum, YSG has a relic that significantly enhances his strength:

• Level 1: +10% Archer defense, +3% skill damage.

• Level 2: +20% Archer defense, +5% skill damage.

• Level 3: +20% Archer defense, +12% skill damage.

At max upgrade, YSG gains 20% defense and 12% additional skill damage, maintaining his viability even in Season of Conquest (SoC) battles.

Best Talent Build for YSG

Open Field (PvP) Talent Build

Focuses on maximizing rage regeneration and skill damage:

• Feral Nature: 10% chance to gain 100 rage per turn.

• Rejuvenate: Grants 60 rage upon using a skill.

• Venomous Sting: +8% skill damage.

• Tactical Mastery: +3% skill damage.

• Clarity: +6% skill damage after using an active skill.

Garrison Talent Build

YSG is not optimal for city defense, but if needed, he can pair with Sun Tzu or Charles Martel for added effectiveness.

Best Pairings for YSG

KvK 1-2 Pairings

1. Sun Tzu – Provides AoE damage, rage generation, and works well with both infantry and archers.

2. Herman – Increases march speed and reduces enemy rage.

3. El Cid – Boosts march speed and reduces incoming damage.

KvK 3+ Pairings

1. Alexander the Great – Adds survivability, allowing YSG to last longer in battle.

2. Saladin – Reduces incoming damage and enhances mobility.

Season of Conquest (SoC) Pairings

1. Herman Prime – Adds march speed and boosts skill damage.

2. Shajar al-Durr – Provides healing and additional skill damage.

3. Ashurbanipal – Enhances damage and rage generation.

Should You Invest in YSG in 2025?

• For new players: Investing in YSG is highly recommended, especially in KvK 1-2. Even though he’s not as dominant as before, the Commander Swap event allows you to exchange YSG for a better commander after KvK 2.

• For SoC players: If you don’t already have YSG, he is not essential unless you are an archer-focused player looking for diverse pairings.

Best Formations & Equipment for YSG

• Formation: The Wedge Formation boosts skill damage, making it the best choice for YSG.

• Equipment: Prioritize March Speed Buffs if mobility is needed, otherwise focus on Skill Damage Buffs.

Conclusion

YSG remains one of the strongest commanders in Rise of Kingdoms, especially in early-game KvK. By utilizing the Commander Swap feature, you can maximize his potential without wasting resources.

This guide aims to help you make the most out of YSG in 2025. Happy gaming!