Why Your Civilization Choice Matters
In Rise of Kingdoms, your civilization provides passive bonuses, a unique special unit, and a starting commander. While you can change civilizations later in the game, your early choice significantly affects your development speed and playstyle. This guide breaks down each civilization so you can make an informed decision.
Civilization Comparison Table
| Civilization | Specialty | Starting Commander | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Building Speed | Sun Tzu | Beginners, fast development |
| Britain | Troop HP & versatility | Richard I | Garrison & all-round play |
| France | Training Speed | Joan of Arc | Alliance events, support |
| Germany | Counterattack & Action Point | Hermann | Barbarian hunting, PvP |
| Japan | Research Speed | Kusunoki Masashige | Long-term progression |
| Korea | Hospital Capacity | Eulji Mundeok | Heavy combat, large armies |
| Arabia | Cavalry Attack & Speed | Baibars | Cavalry open-field PvP |
| Ottoman | Troop Attack Bonus | Osman I | Aggressive PvP |
| Spain | Gathering Speed | Pelagius | Resource farming |
| Byzantine | Food Upkeep & Combat | Belisarius | Cavalry & mixed play |
Best Civilizations by Playstyle
Best for Beginners: China
China's construction speed bonus is the single most impactful early-game bonus in the entire game. Every building upgrade is faster, meaning you unlock troops, research, and events sooner than other players. Sun Tzu is also a powerful infantry commander who stays relevant well into the mid-game. If you're new, start here.
Best for PvP Combat: Ottoman or Arabia
The Ottoman civilization provides raw troop attack bonuses that make your armies hit harder from the moment combat begins. Arabia's cavalry bonuses and the starting commander Baibars make it a top pick for players who love fast cavalry raids and open-field dominance. Both civilizations reward aggressive, battle-hungry players.
Best for Research: Japan
Research speed may seem unexciting, but it compounds massively over time. Japan players unlock advanced troops, combat bonuses, and economy boosts faster than almost any other civilization. This is a popular choice for players planning to play for the long haul and want a lasting advantage.
Best for Alliance Events (KvK): Britain
Richard I is one of the best commanders in the entire game for garrison and large-scale battles. Britain's troop HP bonuses make your armies more durable in extended fights — perfect for the chaos of Kingdom vs. Kingdom events.
Best for Gathering: Spain
Spain's gathering speed bonus means you accumulate resources faster than any other civilization. Combined with the right commander build (like a dedicated gathering setup on Constance), Spain players can sustain their development without relying as heavily on resource packs.
Can You Change Civilizations Later?
Yes — you can change civilizations using a Civilization Change item. Many experienced players start with China for the building speed advantage, then switch to a combat-focused civilization like Ottoman or Arabia once their city is fully developed. This is a legitimate and popular long-term strategy.
Final Recommendation
- New player? → China
- Love PvP? → Ottoman or Arabia
- Long-term planner? → Japan
- Alliance-focused? → Britain or France
- Resource focused? → Spain
There is no single "best" civilization — it depends on how you want to play. The most important thing is understanding what each civilization offers and building around its strengths.