A Clash Of Kings 4.0 Guide offers players strategic insights into character builds, army compositions, and early-game tactics. CONDUCT.EDU.VN provides a comprehensive resource for mastering this challenging mod, ensuring players are well-equipped to conquer Westeros with blunt weapon armies and prisoner management skills. Discover advanced strategies for A Clash of Kings 4.0, including combat tactics, faction choices, and effective army management techniques.
1. Character Build: The Melee-Ranged Hybrid
When starting A Clash of Kings 4.0, focus on creating a versatile character capable of both melee combat and ranged attacks. This hybrid build ensures adaptability on the battlefield and maximizes your effectiveness in various scenarios.
1.1 Initial Attributes and Skill Progression
Start with a character layout of 12 Strength (Str) and 8 Agility (Agi). Immediately increase these attributes to 16 Str and 9 Agi. Next, raise your Charisma (Cha) to 15 to unlock level 5 Leadership and Prisoner Management. Maintain Charisma at 15 until Agility reaches 30 for maximum Weapon Skill and Athleticism.
- 16 Strength
- 9 Agility
- 4 Intelligence
- Charisma until 15
1.2 Essential Skills
Prioritize the following skills in this order:
- Prisoner Management
- Leadership
- Weapon Mastery
- Power Draw
- Athleticism
- Level 4 Riding
- Power Strike
- Iron Skin
Because Leadership and Prisoner Management can only be increased once every 3 points of Charisma, use the extra point to upgrade Power Draw, Athletics, or Riding.
1.3 The Importance of Melee Skills
Starting as a pure archer is not advisable. While ranged combat is powerful, a lack of melee skills can lead to frustration when facing infantry. Invest in melee skills, ideally with a long-reach weapon such as a 2H or Polearm. The 157 reach Great Sword is an excellent choice.
1.4 Balancing Ranged and Melee
It’s crucial to balance melee and ranged skills. Invest significantly in Ranged to snipe enemy archers before engaging in melee combat during sieges. Early investment in 5 Power Draw (from the 16 Str required for great swords) allows you to cripple enemy cavalry charges. Killing 3-5 armored horses before the charge reaches your line can significantly impact the battle’s outcome.
2. The Long Club: Your Early-Game Essential
The Long Club is one of the best starting weapons in A Clash of Kings 4.0. Equipping it around 90% of the time (except in sieges and key battles) can significantly enhance your early-game capabilities.
2.1 Why the Long Club is Superior
The Long Club costs only 46 gold and should be equipped by you and all your companions. Its strength lies in its balance across Reach, Speed, and Damage, combined with its Blunt damage type.
| Attribute | Long Club | Alternative Weapon (War hammer, Maces) |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | High | Bonus Damage and Reach |
| Speed | Fast | Slower |
| Damage | Decent | Higher |
| Stun Capability | High | Lower |
Experimenting with top-tier modified 150+ Reach blunt weapons (War hammers, Maces) may seem appealing, but the speed and stun-locking capability of the Long Club make it superior in most situations.
2.2 Advantages of Blunt Damage
Blunt damage is crucial for capturing prisoners, a key element in building your army. With the Long Club, you can often capture 10-12 of your 25 prisoner quota by yourself.
2.3 Long Club Tactics
The Long Club’s speed allows you to interrupt most attack animations and block long-reach weapons. While its blocking capability is not the best, its speed more than compensates. Stun-lock opponents from 100 reach, which is still high, to control the battlefield.
3. Building Your Starting Army
Your initial army should focus on castle recruits and prisoners converted to soldiers. Bandit hunting, trade, and tournaments are essential activities to fund and grow your forces.
3.1 Castle Recruits and Early Expansion
Begin by recruiting around 20 soldiers from castles. Equip yourself with a long-reach polearm (GLAIVE!) and a Long Club. Then, venture to Essos, particularly Norvos, to fight Dothraki. With 20 soldiers, you should be able to handle stacks of 40 Dothraki by utilizing high ground to avoid charges and using ranged weapons to eliminate archers.
3.2 Capturing and Converting Dothraki
Capture Dothraki by killing their horses and knocking them out with your club. At this stage, you will be the primary source of blunt damage in your party, so you will be the one taking all prisoners. Dothraki are easy to block and have poor aim, so move in circles to avoid their attacks.
3.3 The Cost-Effectiveness of Dothraki
Dothraki are incredibly cost-effective. They possess high stats (5+ in critical combat skills and 300 weapon skill!) but only cost 1-3 in upkeep per week. While Ko are stronger, with an upkeep of 13, they are not 13 times better than Dothraki warriors. Aim for a stack of 40 archers and warriors for an efficient army. Dothraki have poor gear but are extremely strong in all other aspects.
3.4 Avoiding Early-Game Threats
The most dangerous bandit group in the early game is MOUNTAIN BANDITS. Their javelins inflict 10-25 damage per hit (on easiest 1/4 damage mitigation) and can one-shot you on normal difficulty. They can easily wipe out elite infantry. Be cautious when engaging them early on.
4. Building Blunt Weapon Armies
Many guides are outdated. The best blunt weapon faction in A Clash of Kings 4.0 is the Riverlands. Their melee infantry, up to Mounted Riverlander Serjeants, use blunt weapons.
4.1 Riverland Units
Riverland units provide blunt weapons from the start, making them ideal for prisoner capture. Upgrading to Knights/HKnights replaces blunt weapons with piercing weapons, so focus on the lower-tier units for maximum prisoner-taking efficiency.
4.2 Sellsword Mounted Serjeants
Sellsword Mounted Serjeants are arguably superior to Riverlander Mounted Serjeants due to their +40 weapon skill. However, they have less leg armor because they cannot wear boots due to an oversight. They also use a longer-reach Mace variant.
If you acquire castles early, you’ll receive a set of Sellsword Mounted Serjeants already trained. Sellsword Infantry precursors use piercing weapons, so consider training a team of 20 Sellswords for their mace reach.
4.3 Northern Mounted Serjeants
Northern Mounted Serjeants also use blunt weapons but are squishier in exchange for 3 extra riding. Their Infantry precursors use piercing weapons, reducing prisoner capture during the build-up period. They are viable if you prioritize quick charges to end battles and capture prisoners faster.
4.4 Simplicity of Riverlanders
For simplicity, focus on Riverlanders. Northern and Sellsword variants are not objectively better and include piercing weapons in their Infantry precursors.
5. Mass Ranged/Melee Hybrid Armies
Consider using Vale Crossbows as your main force. They offer cost-effective benefits compared to other ranged units.
5.1 Vale Crossbowmen
Vale Crossbowmen are heavily armed and shielded swordsmen with nearly maximum HP. They have 3 power draw, making them slightly inferior for ranged damage, but their ability to handle most elite infantry more than compensates.
Edit: Power draw does not affect crossbows, making Vale Crossbows even stronger. They can be treated as melee units due to their sub-par ranged handling.
5.2 Alternative Ranged Units
For a fun mass bow strategy, Sellsword Archers cost only 11 upkeep and have a sword and shield, but they use Shortbows. This is a strong option since they cost 1/3 of their Elite Crossbow equivalent.
5.3 Longbowmen
Northern and Nights Watch Longbows are effective, but the Karhold Longbow, unique to Karhold Castle owned by the Starks, is the best. These Longbowmen have an extremely fast firing speed but lack a shield for melee, making them true archers.
6. Advanced Tactics and Strategies
Mastering A Clash of Kings 4.0 requires more than just understanding units and skills. Utilize advanced tactics to gain an edge on the battlefield.
6.1 Exploiting Terrain
Always use terrain to your advantage. High ground provides defensive bonuses and can mitigate the impact of cavalry charges. Use forests and other obstacles to disrupt enemy formations.
6.2 Effective Sieges
During sieges, prioritize eliminating enemy archers before engaging in melee combat. Use your ranged units to thin their ranks before your infantry advances. Breaching walls quickly can disrupt enemy defenses.
6.3 Cavalry Dominance
Cavalry can dominate the battlefield with proper positioning and timing. Flank enemy formations and disrupt their lines. Use hit-and-run tactics to harass enemy archers and infantry.
6.4 Economic Management
A strong economy is essential for sustaining your war effort. Invest in trade and infrastructure to generate income. Manage your resources carefully and avoid unnecessary expenses.
6.5 Diplomatic Strategies
Diplomacy can be as important as military strength. Forge alliances with powerful factions and use diplomacy to weaken your enemies. Maintain positive relations with key lords to avoid rebellions.
7. Faction Choices and Their Strengths
Each faction in A Clash of Kings 4.0 has unique strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right faction for your play style.
7.1 House Stark
House Stark excels in defensive warfare and has strong infantry units. Their Karhold Longbowmen are among the best archers in the game. They are well-suited for players who prefer a defensive, attrition-based play style.
7.2 House Lannister
House Lannister has a strong economy and access to elite units. Their crossbowmen are heavily armored and effective in both ranged and melee combat. They are ideal for players who prefer a balanced approach with strong economic backing.
7.3 House Targaryen
House Targaryen boasts powerful cavalry and dragon units. They are capable of overwhelming their enemies with brute force. They are best suited for players who enjoy aggressive, high-risk strategies.
7.4 The Night’s Watch
The Night’s Watch excels in defensive warfare and has access to unique units like the Ranger. They are well-suited for players who prefer a defensive, attrition-based play style.
7.5 Dothraki Horde
The Dothraki Horde relies on fast-moving cavalry and shock tactics. They can quickly overrun their enemies with their superior mobility. They are perfect for players who prefer aggressive, fast-paced gameplay.
8. Understanding Prisoner Management
Prisoner management is critical in A Clash of Kings 4.0. Capturing and converting prisoners can significantly bolster your ranks and weaken your enemies.
8.1 The Importance of Blunt Weapons
Using blunt weapons increases your chances of capturing prisoners instead of killing them. Equip your troops with maces, clubs, and warhammers to maximize prisoner capture.
8.2 Converting Prisoners
Once you have captured prisoners, you can convert them to your side. This can be a cost-effective way to increase your army size. However, converted prisoners may have lower morale and loyalty than native troops.
8.3 Prisoner Recruitment Tactics
Engage in regular battles with factions that offer valuable prisoner recruits. Focus on stunning and capturing high-tier units to add powerful soldiers to your ranks. Maintain a steady stream of prisoners to reinforce your army and replace casualties.
8.4 Prisoner Exchange and Ransom
Negotiate prisoner exchanges with enemy factions to recover captured lords and companions. Ransom high-value prisoners to generate additional income.
9. Essential Skills and Their Impact
Certain skills are crucial for success in A Clash of Kings 4.0. Prioritize these skills to maximize your effectiveness on the battlefield and in the strategic map.
9.1 Leadership
Leadership increases the maximum number of troops you can command and improves your army’s morale. This is an essential skill for leading large armies and maintaining their effectiveness.
9.2 Prisoner Management
Prisoner Management increases the number of prisoners you can hold and reduces the chance of prisoners escaping. This skill is crucial for managing your captured enemies and converting them to your side.
9.3 Training
Training allows you to quickly train your troops, improving their skills and equipment. This skill is essential for building a powerful and well-equipped army.
9.4 Wound Treatment
Wound Treatment increases the rate at which your troops recover from injuries. This skill is crucial for maintaining your army’s strength and reducing downtime between battles.
9.5 Surgery
Surgery increases the chance of your troops surviving serious injuries. This skill is essential for minimizing casualties and preserving your veteran units.
10. Mastering Combat Tactics
Effective combat tactics can turn the tide of battle, even when facing superior numbers. Understanding and implementing these tactics is crucial for success.
10.1 Flanking Maneuvers
Flanking enemy formations can disrupt their lines and create opportunities for your troops. Use cavalry to outflank the enemy and attack their flanks and rear.
10.2 Utilizing Terrain
Use terrain to your advantage. High ground provides defensive bonuses, while forests can conceal your movements and disrupt enemy formations.
10.3 Concentrated Fire
Concentrate your ranged fire on key targets, such as enemy archers or heavily armored units. Focus fire can quickly eliminate threats and weaken the enemy line.
10.4 Shield Walls
Form shield walls with your infantry to provide protection against ranged attacks and cavalry charges. Shield walls can absorb damage and allow your archers to inflict casualties on the enemy.
10.5 Hammer and Anvil
Use a hammer and anvil tactic by engaging the enemy with your infantry while flanking them with your cavalry. This can create a pincer movement and trap the enemy between your forces.
11. Economic Management and Trade
A strong economy is essential for sustaining your war effort in A Clash of Kings 4.0. Proper economic management and strategic trading can provide the resources needed to maintain your army and expand your influence.
11.1 Investing in Trade
Investing in trade routes and caravans can generate significant income. Establish trade agreements with neighboring factions to increase your profits. Protect your trade routes from bandits and enemy raiders.
11.2 Developing Infrastructure
Develop your towns and castles by building improvements such as mills, mines, and workshops. These improvements increase your income and provide valuable resources.
11.3 Managing Taxes
Manage your tax rates carefully to balance income with public order. High tax rates can lead to discontent and rebellions, while low tax rates may not generate enough income to sustain your army.
11.4 Looting and Raiding
Looting enemy towns and villages can provide a quick source of income. However, looting can damage relations with neighboring factions and lead to retaliatory raids.
11.5 Strategic Resource Management
Manage your resources strategically by prioritizing essential supplies for your army. Purchase food, weapons, and armor from merchants to ensure your troops are well-equipped.
12. Diplomatic Strategies and Alliances
Diplomacy can be as important as military strength in A Clash of Kings 4.0. Forming alliances and managing relations with other factions can significantly impact your success.
12.1 Forming Alliances
Forge alliances with powerful factions to gain military support and protection. Alliances can provide valuable assistance in times of war and deter potential enemies.
12.2 Managing Relations
Maintain positive relations with key lords and factions to avoid conflicts. Positive relations can lead to trade agreements, military support, and peaceful coexistence.
12.3 Using Diplomacy to Weaken Enemies
Use diplomacy to sow discord among your enemies. Support rival claimants to weaken their hold on power and create opportunities for your own expansion.
12.4 Negotiating Peace Treaties
Negotiate peace treaties with your enemies to end costly wars. Peace treaties can provide a period of respite to rebuild your forces and consolidate your gains.
12.5 Strategic Marriages
Arrange strategic marriages between your family members and members of other powerful families to strengthen alliances and improve relations.
13. Understanding Faction Politics
Navigating the complex political landscape of A Clash of Kings 4.0 requires understanding faction politics and the relationships between different lords and families.
13.1 Identifying Key Players
Identify the key players in each faction, including the ruling lords, influential vassals, and potential claimants. Understanding their motivations and relationships can help you predict their actions.
13.2 Supporting Claimants
Support claimants to destabilize enemy factions and create opportunities for your own expansion. Supporting a claimant can lead to civil war and weaken the ruling faction.
13.3 Managing Vassals
Manage your vassals carefully to maintain their loyalty. Grant them fiefs and titles to reward their service and avoid discontent.
13.4 Avoiding Rebellions
Take steps to prevent rebellions by maintaining high public order and addressing the grievances of your vassals. Rebellions can cripple your kingdom and leave you vulnerable to attack.
13.5 Understanding Cultural Differences
Be aware of cultural differences between factions and their impact on relations. Different cultures may have different values and priorities, which can affect their willingness to form alliances or engage in trade.
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about A Clash of Kings 4.0
Here are some frequently asked questions about A Clash of Kings 4.0, along with their answers:
14.1 What are the best starting factions for beginners?
For beginners, House Stark and House Lannister are good choices due to their balanced strengths and strong economies.
14.2 How do I effectively manage my army’s morale?
Ensure your troops are well-fed, paid regularly, and led by skilled commanders. Victory in battle also boosts morale.
14.3 What is the importance of blunt weapons?
Blunt weapons increase the chance of capturing prisoners, which can be converted to your side or ransomed for income.
14.4 How do I deal with mountain bandits in the early game?
Avoid engaging mountain bandits in open combat. Use ranged units to weaken them before engaging in melee, or hire a larger force to overwhelm them.
14.5 What skills should I prioritize for my character?
Prioritize Leadership, Prisoner Management, Training, Wound Treatment, and Surgery for a well-rounded character.
14.6 How do I form alliances with other factions?
Send emissaries to other factions and offer trade agreements or military support. Building positive relations can lead to alliances.
14.7 What are the benefits of developing infrastructure in my towns and castles?
Infrastructure improvements increase income, provide valuable resources, and improve public order.
14.8 How do I prevent rebellions in my kingdom?
Maintain high public order, address the grievances of your vassals, and avoid excessive taxation.
14.9 What are the best ways to generate income in A Clash of Kings 4.0?
Invest in trade routes, develop infrastructure, and manage your tax rates carefully. Looting enemy towns can provide a quick source of income, but be cautious of the consequences.
14.10 How do I effectively use cavalry on the battlefield?
Use cavalry to flank enemy formations, disrupt their lines, and harass their archers. Time your charges carefully and avoid engaging in prolonged melee combat.
15. Conclusion: Mastering the Game with the Right Strategies
Mastering A Clash of Kings 4.0 requires a combination of strategic planning, tactical acumen, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. By following this comprehensive guide, you can enhance your gameplay, build a formidable army, and conquer Westeros.
15.1 Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Stay updated with the latest strategies and tactics by visiting CONDUCT.EDU.VN. The modding community is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is key to staying ahead of the competition.
15.2 Leveraging Resources at CONDUCT.EDU.VN
For more in-depth guides and tips, visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN. Our website offers a wealth of information on A Clash of Kings 4.0 and other strategy games.
15.3 Final Thoughts
Embrace the challenges of A Clash of Kings 4.0, experiment with different strategies, and adapt to the ever-changing political landscape. With dedication and skill, you can lead your faction to victory and claim the Iron Throne.
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