In the strategic realm of Kings of War, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each army is crucial for achieving victory. By meticulously parsing all available army lists (from CoK 2023) with a Python script, I’ve computed the average statistics for each faction, providing a data-driven foundation for strategic analysis. The resulting table distills the essence of each army into key metrics, revealing the inherent traits and potential tactical advantages they hold. This quantitative approach allows us to pinpoint statistical outliers and examine how their unique characteristics can be wielded on the battlefield to outsmart and outplay the opposition. In Kings of War, each army offers a unique playstyle and strategic potential on the battlefield. Delving into the data reveals which armies stand out as statistical outliers, each for different reasons. Let’s take a closer look at some of the factions that defy the norms with their distinct characteristics.
Dwarfs emerge as a defensive bulwark, with an average Defense (De) rating of 4.9, the highest among all factions. This, paired with 14 units capable of Piercing, makes them an army that can withstand fierce assaults while retaliating with lethal precision. Their slower speed (Avg Sp 4.6) is a trade-off for their resilience, shaping them into a force that excels in holding ground.
Elves contrast sharply with their Dwarven counterparts, showcasing the highest average speed (Avg Sp 6.9), which empowers them to outmaneuver opponents. However, they have fewer units with Crushing Strength (CS) or Piercing, hinting at a reliance on mobility and positioning over brute force.
Empire of Dust holds the title for the most complex army, with a Unique Keywords Count of 35. This complexity can be a double-edged sword, offering a variety of tactical options at the cost of a steeper learning curve.
Ogres stand out with their high average points cost per unit (Avg Pts 164.3), suggesting that each Ogre unit brings significant power to the field. This aligns with their lore as a small but mighty force, each warrior a powerhouse on their own.
Riftforged Orcs also command attention with an average point cost that’s on the higher end (Avg Pts 156.4) combined with a formidable average Defense (Avg De 4.6). They embody the quintessential elite army, where quality triumphs over quantity.
Sylvan Kin are an anomaly with their exceptional speed (Avg Sp 7), the fastest among all armies. They can swiftly claim objectives and reposition, presenting a challenging, fluid adversary that can strike from unexpected angles.
These outliers each tell a story of specialization. The Dwarfs are the anvil, Elves the arrow, Empire of Dust the enigma, Ogres the hammer, Riftforged Orcs the elite guard, and the Sylvan Kin the fleeting shadow. Commanders of Kings of War armies must not only understand these unique statistical profiles but also master the strategies that leverage them to turn the tide of battle. Whether you seek the steadfastness of Dwarfs, the swiftness of Elves, or the elite might of Riftforged Orcs, aligning your tactics to your army’s statistical strengths will be key to victory.
