Cao Cao in Rise of Kingdoms: Comprehensive Guide to Skills, Talent Builds, and Strategies

Cao Cao, a legendary commander in “Rise of Kingdoms,” is renowned for his exceptional cavalry leadership, unparalleled mobility, and versatility in both PvP and PvE scenarios. His unique skill set makes him a formidable force on the battlefield, capable of swift maneuvers and effective combat strategies.
How to Obtain Cao Cao
To summon Cao Cao, you’ll need 10 of his sculptures. These can be acquired through various means:
- Golden Chests: Available in the Tavern, golden chests offer a chance to obtain Cao Cao’s sculptures.
- VIP Shop: Players can purchase his sculptures directly from the VIP shop.
- Events: Participate in special events that feature Cao Cao as a reward.
It’s advisable to accumulate his sculptures through these methods rather than using universal sculptures, as the latter are often better reserved for other commanders.
Skills Overview
![]() Dragon Rider Active Skill | Rage Requirement: 1000 Deals direct damage to the target, and reduces its attack and march speed for 3 seconds. Upgrade Preview: Direct Damage Factor: 600 / 800 / 1000 / 1200 / 1400 Attack Reduction: 20% / 25% / 30% / 35% / 40% March Speed Reduction: 5% / 6% / 7% / 8% / 10% |
![]() The Qingzhou Army Passive Skill | Troops led by this commander deal increased damage against barbarians. Upgrade Preview: Bonus Damage To Barbarians: 10% / 20% / 30% / 40% / 50% |
![]() Tiger Knight Passive Skill | Cavalry units led by this commander gain increased march speed and increased attack. Upgrade Preview: Cavalry March Speed Bonus: 3% / 4.5% / 6% / 8% / 10% Cavalry Attack Bonus: 10% / 15% / 20% / 25% / 30% |
![]() Lofty Ambition Passive Skill | The normal attacks of troops have a 10% chance to heal a portion of the slightly wounded units, restore rage, and increase troops’ march speed by 20% for 3 seconds. This effect can only trigger once every 5 seconds. Upgrade Preview: Healing Factor Bonus: 500 / 600 / 700 / 800 / 1000 Rage Restored: 50 / 60 / 70 / 80 / 100 |
![]() Emperor Wu of Wei New skill: Passive Skill | Cavalry units led by this commander gain 25% increased attack at the expense of 10% reduced defense. |
Optimal Talent Builds
Cao Cao’s talent trees can be customized to emphasize different aspects of his capabilities:
- Mobility Build: This build maximizes march speed, making Cao Cao the fastest commander in the game. It’s ideal for chasing down enemies or quickly retreating when necessary. Key talents include “Hasty Departure” and “Time Management” from the Mobility tree, and “Charge” from the Cavalry tree.
- PvP (Open Field) Build: Focuses on enhancing cavalry attack, defense, and health to improve combat effectiveness in open-field battles. Important talents are “Galea” and “Halberd” from the Cavalry tree, and “Spiked Armor” from the Mobility tree.
- Peacekeeping Build: Designed for battling barbarians and neutral units, this build increases damage against these targets and reduces action point cost. Essential talents include “Insight” and “Trophy Hunter” from the Peacekeeping tree.
Cao Cao mobility talent tree

Cao Cao Talent Tree Build For FIELD PVP

Cao Cao Talent Tree Mobility and Barbs

Effective Commander Pairings
Pairing Cao Cao with the right commanders can amplify his strengths:
![]() | Minamoto no Yoshitsune: Both commanders specialize in cavalry and deliver strong single-target damage, making them a formidable duo in both PvP and PvE scenarios. |
![]() | Genghis Khan: Genghis Khan’s powerful active skill and rapid rage regeneration complement Cao Cao’s abilities, resulting in a high burst damage pairing. |
![]() | Saladin: Saladin’s defensive capabilities and debuffs synergize well with Cao Cao’s offensive prowess, creating a balanced and resilient cavalry force. |
Strategies for Maximizing Cao Cao’s Potential
- Utilize Superior Mobility: Leverage Cao Cao’s unparalleled march speed to outmaneuver opponents, chase down fleeing enemies, or retreat from unfavorable engagements.
- Target Barbarians and Forts: His enhanced damage against barbarians and rapid march speed make him ideal for farming experience and resources from neutral units and forts.
- Engage in Hit-and-Run Tactics: In PvP, use his speed to strike vulnerable targets swiftly and withdraw before the enemy can mount a counterattack.
- Equip Appropriate Gear: Focus on equipment that boosts cavalry attack, defense, and health to further strengthen his combat effectiveness.
By understanding and leveraging Cao Cao’s unique skills and talents, commanders can effectively harness his strengths to gain a strategic advantage in Rise of Kingdoms.