How to Make Archers Meta Again in Rise of Kingdoms: Ultimate Guide and Solutions for 2025

Archers in Rise of Kingdoms have historically been a formidable troop type, famed for their ranged damage and devastating area-of-effect (AoE) skills. However, in the current meta, archers are struggling to compete effectively in open-field PvP battles. Despite still having strong marches like Ju Leong paired with Herman or Philip, archers are often sidelined due to several design and balance issues. But don’t lose hope — with the right changes, archers can be brought back to the top tier very quickly.

As a long-time player and strategist in Rise of Kingdoms, I’m here to break down the problem with archers today, and provide a comprehensive set of solutions that could realistically restore archers to meta dominance within just one commander release cycle.

Why Are Archers Struggling? A Deep Dive

1. Lack of a Unique and Effective Damage Type

One of the biggest drawbacks for archers is the absence of a strong, exclusive damage mechanic. Infantry specialize in smite damage, cavalry in combo damage, but archers’ current “true damage” is underwhelming and confusing.

• True Damage is Misleading: The name itself doesn’t clearly communicate how it works or why it matters.

• Future Meta Shifts: Developers have indicated that upcoming formations will focus on skill, smite, and combo damage — leaving true damage seemingly neglected.

• No New Archer-Specific Damage: Instead of enhancing or replacing true damage, no new unique damage type has been introduced for archers.

2. Limited AoE Skill Patterns

Currently, archers mostly rely on circular AoE patterns (e.g., Ju Leong’s 5-target circular AoE). While effective, this shape limits tactical versatility. Other troop types have access to:

• Half-circle AoE (e.g., infantry, cavalry commanders)

• Rectangular or fan-shaped AoE which can better cover battlefield formations.

This narrow AoE style reduces archers’ ability to influence fights in complex terrain, especially in choke points and narrow passes.

3. Low Mobility: March Speed

Archers generally suffer from lower base march speeds compared to cavalry and sometimes even infantry, limiting their ability to reposition quickly, chase fleeing enemies, or retreat from unfavorable battles.

How to Fix Archers: Four Core Solutions

1. Introduce a New Unique Damage Type: Piercing Damage

To give archers a signature edge, developers could create a brand-new damage type, tentatively called Piercing Damage. Here’s how it could work:

• Ignores Shields: Since most shield buffs come from infantry (like William Wallace, Alexander the Great), piercing damage would cut through shields, symbolizing archers’ natural advantage against infantry.

• Partial Defense Ignorance: Instead of fully ignoring defense like true damage, piercing damage could reduce enemy defense by a percentage (e.g., 20-50%). This preserves balance while enhancing effectiveness.

• Scales Like Normal Damage: It could maintain simple scaling similar to skill or combo damage, avoiding confusion.

Lore-wise, this represents reinforced bows or crossbows firing bolts that penetrate armor and shield. This design would:

• Restore archers as the natural infantry counter.

• Add strategic depth and clarity to damage types.

• Open doors for unique talents, inscriptions, and formation synergies.

2. Innovate Archer AoE Patterns

Archers should have access to more diverse and strategic AoE patterns reflecting their ranged nature:

• Snipe-Shaped AoE: A long, narrow rectangle that shoots straight ahead, ideal for hitting enemies lined up at choke points, passes, or bridges.

• Extended Range: Allows sniping fleeing units far from the frontline.

• High-Risk, High-Reward: Although aiming such an AoE is more challenging, it rewards precision with multiple kills (7-10 targets), providing a niche playstyle.

This would keep archers as ranged specialists without fundamentally changing combat mechanics or turning them into “ranged melee” units.

3. Release Two New Archer Commanders

Archers need a powerful open-field commander and a field-viable rally commander:

• Open-Field Commander:

  • Should be the strongest archer in the game.

  • Must have at least 20% march speed to counter their mobility weakness.

  • Features powerful AoE and offensive/defensive skill sets.

• Rally Commander:

  • Provides constant stat buffs and 20%+ march speed.

  • Buffs should not be conditional (e.g., not limited to rally or city attacks only).

  • Balanced kit allowing field use, similar to Nebu or Asher Bonopal’s historic role.

This duo ensures archers can compete both in large rallies and skirmishes on the open field, filling a historical gap where archers often lacked reliable rally presence.

4. Enhance Archer Formations and Buffs

To complement the above, archers need improved formation bonuses:

• Skill Damage Formation:

  • Minimum 10-15% skill damage buff.

  • Possibly combine with a march speed bonus (e.g., 12% skill damage + 5% march speed) to address mobility.

  • Comparable special inscriptions and synergy bonuses as cavalry (Pinser) and infantry (Delta) formations.

Improved formations empower archers to consistently output damage and maneuver effectively, balancing weaknesses in troop speed and survivability.

Additional Practical Notes

• Archers currently still have strong core marches, particularly Ju Leong + Herman or Philip combos.

• Rally archers like Asher Bonopal remain viable but need better support and design focus.

• Archers are not broken but are behind meta — a combination of these changes would elevate them significantly.

Final Thoughts: Archer Revival Is Within Reach

Archers in Rise of Kingdoms aren’t dead; they just need clear identity, better mobility, and strategic options to regain their rightful place in the meta.

By introducing piercing damage, innovating AoE patterns, releasing two well-designed commanders, and improving formation buffs, archers can leap back to relevance — all achievable within one season or update cycle.

If these changes come, expect archers to become a thrilling and competitive force once again.