Edward of Woodstock in Rise of Kingdoms: Comprehensive Guide to Skills, Talent Builds, and Strategies
Edward of Woodstock, also known as the Black Prince, is a legendary archer commander in “Rise of Kingdoms” (RoK). Renowned for his exceptional single-target damage and versatility, he is a formidable choice for players focusing on archer units. This guide provides an overview of Edward’s skills, methods to obtain him, optimal talent builds, effective commander pairings, and strategies to maximize his potential.
How to Obtain Edward of Woodstock
Edward becomes available in kingdoms that are over 120 days old. Players can summon him by collecting 10 of his sculptures, which are obtainable through events, the VIP shop, and golden chests. Notably, Edward often features in the “Wheel of Fortune” event, offering an opportunity to acquire his sculptures.
Skills Overview
 Archer’s Honor Active Skill | Rage Requirement: 1350 Deals direct damage to the target [the corresponding damage factor if serving as secondary commander]. When using an active skill, troops led by this commander lose 300 rage (will not drop below zero [0]). Upgrade Preview: Direct Damage Factor: 1500 / 1700 / 1900 / 2200 / 2500 Damage Factor (When Secondary Commander): 750 / 850 / 950 / 1100 / 1250 |
 Vengeful Crusade Passive Skill | While on the map, archer units led by this commander gain increased health and increased march speed. Upgrade Preview: Archer Health Bonus: 10% / 15% / 20% / 25% / 30% Archer March Speed Bonus: 10% / 15% / 20% / 25% / 30% |
 Crécy’s Campaign Passive Skill | When troops led by this commander consist only of archer units, they deal increased skill damage. At the same time, archers deal [an] extra damage to infantry units. Upgrade Preview: Skill Damage Bonus: 5% / 10% / 15% / 20% / 25% Damage To Infantry Units Increased By: 1% / 2% / 3% / 4% / 5% |
 Limoges’ Ambush Passive Skill | When the army led by this commander has 70% or more units remaining, increases attack of archer units and decreases defence by 10%. Upgrade Preview: Archer Attach Bonus: 15% / 20% / 25% / 30% / 40% |
 All or Nothing New Skill: Passive Skill | For 2 seconds after using an active skill, all normal attacks and counterattacks deal 50% increased damage. |
Optimal Talent Builds
Edward’s talent trees focus on the Archer, Versatility, and Skill paths. Given his high active skill damage and reliance on rage generation, it’s essential to build his talents to maximize these aspects.
Open Field Build
- Skill Tree:
- Prioritize talents that enhance rage regeneration and skill damage, such as “Rejuvenate” and “Feral Nature.”
- Archer Tree:
- Focus on talents that boost archer attack and health, like “Armed and Armored” and “Venomous Sting.”
This build emphasizes rapid rage accumulation and maximizes skill damage, making Edward a formidable presence in open-field battles.
Rally Build
- Skill Tree:
- Similar to the open field build, prioritize rage regeneration and skill damage.
- Archer Tree:
- Invest in talents that enhance archer durability and damage output during rallies, such as “Phoenix-Tail Arrows” and “Whistling Arrows.”
This build ensures Edward can lead effective rallies, dealing substantial damage while maintaining archer unit resilience.
Effective Commander Pairings
 | Tomyris: A legendary archer commander, Tomyris pairs exceptionally well with Edward. Her poison stacking ability complements Edward’s high single-target damage, making them a lethal combination in both open field and rally scenarios. |
 | Yi Seong-Gye (YSG): YSG’s area-of-effect (AOE) damage and skill damage bonus synergize effectively with Edward’s high active skill damage, enhancing overall damage output. |
 | Ramesses II: Ramesses offers additional defense and can reduce enemy defense, making this pairing durable and effective against various targets. |
Strategies for Maximizing Edward of Woodstock’s Potential
- Rage Management: Edward’s active skill has a high rage requirement (1,350). Building talents and pairing him with commanders that enhance rage regeneration are crucial to maintain frequent skill activation.
- Army Composition: To fully benefit from Edward’s skills, it’s essential to field armies composed exclusively of archer units. This composition maximizes his damage output and skill effectiveness.
- Engagement Strategy: Given the defense reduction from “Limoges’ Ambush,” it’s advisable to monitor Edward’s troop strength and avoid prolonged engagements when his army strength falls below 70%. Utilizing hit-and-run tactics can help maintain his army’s effectiveness.
In summary, Edward of Woodstock is a powerful archer commander in “Rise of Kingdoms,” capable of delivering devastating single-target damage. By optimizing his talent builds, selecting effective commander pairings, and employing strategic battle tactics, players can maximize Edward’s potential on the battlefield.
