Why Infantry Commanders Are Making a Comeback in ROK

For a long time, cavalry commanders have been the kings of open-field combat in mobile game Rise of Kingdoms. Infantry marches, while tanky, were often overlooked, better suited for garrisons or second-line play.

But that’s all changing.

With the release of Liu Che, infantry mains finally have a reason to get excited again. He’s not just another tank, he brings smite damage and excellent synergy with other top-tier infantry heroes, making him a real contender in the current game meta.

Why Infantry Is Worth Your Attention Again

Infantry’s always had staying power, but what it lacked was damage output and build diversity. Liu Che changes that. Not only does he bring a completely new damage type into the mix, but his skillset and talent options open up real differences for open-field play.

What Makes Liu Che Different?

Unlike many older infantry commanders, Liu Che brings a new layer of flexibility and damage output to the table. Whether you’re a free-to-play grinder or someone with a more established commander lineup, Liu Che offers a lot of value, especially when paired with commanders who focus on infantry damage.

But like all legendary commanders, Liu Che requires the right setup to shine. Talent trees, equipment, and pairing choices will make or break your effectiveness in the field. Check out this full Lui Che commander build for builds and tips on how to use him.

Why Liu Che Deserves a Spot in Your Lineup

Liu Che is a commander that scales. Early on, he’s useful even without max skills. As you invest more into gear and optimise his talents, his damage output becomes a real threat, especially in late game stages.

And for players looking to run multiple infantry marches, Liu Che opens the door to diverse combinations that go beyond just defense. You can mix and match commanders to build out infantry duos with specific battlefield roles, whether it’s raw AOE, normal damage focus, or sustain-heavy frontline play.

The Real Liu Che: Emperor Wu of Han

In real history, Liu Che — better known as Emperor Wu of Han — was one of China’s most influential rulers. He reigned for over 50 years during the Western Han Dynasty (141–87 BC) and is remembered for his military expansion, centralised rule, and promotion of Confucianism.

Under his leadership, China expanded its territory through numerous military campaigns, many of which relied heavily on infantry forces. He also laid the groundwork for the Silk Road, strengthening China's economic and diplomatic reach. It’s fitting, then, that in Rise of Kingdoms, Liu Che is portrayed as a strong and ambitious leader capable of shifting the balance on the battlefield.