Kusunoki Masashige in Rise of Kingdoms: Comprehensive Guide to Skills, Talent Builds, and Strategies
Kusunoki Masashige is an Epic commander in Rise of Kingdoms, renowned for his leadership over archer units and his versatility in both open-field engagements and garrison defenses. His skill set offers a blend of offensive prowess and defensive capabilities, making him a valuable asset for players aiming to maximize their archer units’ effectiveness.
How to Obtain Kusunoki Masashige
Players can summon Kusunoki Masashige by collecting 10 of his sculptures. These sculptures are obtainable through various in-game events, the VIP shop, and golden chests. Additionally, selecting Japan as your starting civilization grants immediate access to Kusunoki Masashige as your initial commander.
Skills Overview
 Shichisei Hōkoku Active Skill | Rage Requirement: 1000 Removes all Control [includes effects suc as silence, disarm, and heal immune], Slow-down [March speed reduction effects include any effects which lower the march speed of target troops], Poison [inflicted by Tomyris’ “Massagetae’s Counterattack” skill], Exhaust [inflicted by Chandragupta Maurya’s “Arthashastra” skill], and other debuffs [normal debuffs weaken the targeted troops by reducing their attack, defense, and/or health, or things like weakening their healing effects] from troops led by this commander. At the same time, deals massive damage to up to 3 targets in a fan-shaped area, as well as additional damage per second for the next 2 seconds. Upgrade Preview: Direct Damage Factor: 150 / 180 / 210 / 250 / 300 Additional Damage Factor: 100 / 130 / 160 / 200 / 250 |
 The Worthy Man Passive Skill | While this commander is leading the garrison of your own city, garrison troops gain increased counterattack damage. Upgrade Preview: Garrison Counterattack Damage Bonus: 1% / 2% / 3% / 5% / 7% |
 Bravery and Wisdom Passive Skill | Archers led by this commander gain increased attack and increased defense. Upgrade Preview: Archer Attack Bonus: 4% / 5% / 6% / 8% / 10% Archer Defense Bonus: 4% / 5% / 6% / 8% / 10% |
 Tragedy’s End Passive Skill | The normal attacks of troops led by this commander have a 10% chance to cause the target to take extra damage per second for 2 seconds. Upgrade Preview: Additional damage factor: 150 / 200 / 250 / 350 / 450 |
 Soul of the Samurai Enhanced: Bravery and Wisdom | Archers led by this commander gain 15% increased attack and 15% increased defense. |
Optimal Talent Builds
Open-Field Build
This build focuses on maximizing damage output and enhancing the survivability of archer units during open-field battles. Prioritize talents that boost archer attack, defense, health, and march speed. Key talents include:
- Archer Tree: Full Quiver, Arrows Nocked, Thumb Ring, Rapid Fire, Armed and Armored, Phoenix-Tail Arrows, Venomous Sting, Whistling Arrows.
- Skill Tree: Burning Blood, Heraldic Shield, All For One, Tactical Mastery, Rejuvenate.
Garrison Build
Designed for players who utilize Kusunoki as a garrison commander, this build emphasizes fortifying defenses and enhancing counterattack capabilities. Focus on talents that bolster garrison durability and damage. Key talents include:
- Garrison Tree: Empty Fortress Stratagem, Impenetrable Fortifications, Impregnable, Adamantine Walls, City Guardian, Nowhere To Turn, Know Thy Enemy, Divine Favor.
- Skill Tree: Burning Blood, Heraldic Shield, Latent Power, All For One, Tactical Mastery, Rejuvenate.
Effective Commander Pairings
 | Yi Seong-Gye: A legendary archer commander whose skills synergize well with Kusunoki, enhancing overall damage output and providing formidable area-of-effect attacks. |
 | Hermann: An epic archer commander who complements Kusunoki by offering rage regeneration, enemy rage reduction, and increased march speed. |
 | Boudica: Provides healing, rage regeneration, and reduces enemy attack, making her a supportive pairing that enhances Kusunoki’s sustainability in prolonged battles. |
Strategies for Maximizing Kusunoki Masashige’s Potential
- Pure Archer Composition: To fully capitalize on Kusunoki’s skill set, it’s advisable to lead armies composed entirely of archer units. This ensures that all his buffs and talents are effectively utilized.
- Debuff Management: Utilize Kusunoki’s active skill to cleanse negative effects, maintaining the combat effectiveness of your troops and mitigating enemy debuffs.
- Equipment Optimization: Equip Kusunoki with gear that enhances archer attributes, focusing on items that boost attack, defense, and health to improve overall performance.
By strategically building Kusunoki Masashige’s talents, pairing him with complementary commanders, and employing effective battle tactics, players can unlock his full potential and dominate the battlefield in Rise of Kingdoms.
