SvS Defense Example
In this comprehensive guide, we provide a practical example of a defense setup for a young K35 in Evony. While there are many approaches to SvS defense, this guide focuses on countering ranged troop attacks, the most common offensive strategy used by players. By following these principles, you’ll also learn how to adapt to defending against ground and mounted troop attacks effectively.Whilst this is written from a K35 persective, the technique works for all levels, I use K35 as this is a good SvS level and where T14 troops open up.
Understanding the Combat Triangle
Evony’s combat system is based on a combat triangle where:
- Ranged Troops are best at defeating Mounted Troops.
- Mounted Troops are best at defeating Ground Troops.
- Ground Troops are best at defeating Ranged Troops.
This triangle defines both offensive and defensive strategies. While it may seem obvious to counter with the opposite troop type, this approach alone won’t maximize your defense's potential. Instead, this guide introduces a layered defense strategy that absorbs attacks and minimizes losses.
How PvP Battles Work
To build an effective defense, understanding how PvP battles work in Evony is critical. Here is a simplified overview:
- The attacker’s troops engage in a layer-by-layer calculation, starting at Tier 1 (T1) and working upwards.
- Buffs and debuffs from both sides are applied to determine the final effectiveness of each attack.
- The attacker’s troop type targets the defending counter-troop type (e.g., ranged attacking mounted).
- The attack progresses through each troop tier until the attacker either fails or defeats all defending troops.
Based on this mechanism, a strong defense requires a balance of troop tiers and layers to absorb attacks effectively.
Layered Defense Strategy
Layering your troops ensures that the attacker must expend significant resources to breach your defenses. Here’s a practical layering example for defending against ranged troop attacks with mounted troops:
| Attacker Ranged Troops | Defending Mounted Troops |
|---|---|
| T14 x 1 | T1 x 14 |
| T13 x 1 | T1 x 13 |
| T12 x 1 | T1 x 12 |
| T11 x 1 | T1 x 11 |
| T10 x 1 | T1 x 10 |
| T9 x 1 | T1 x 9 |
| T8 x 1 | T1 x 8 |
| T7 x 1 | T1 x 7 |
| T6 x 1 | T1 x 6 |
| T5 x 1 | T1 x 5 |
| T4 x 1 | T1 x 4 |
| T3 x 1 | T1 x 3 |
| T2 x 1 | T1 x 2 |
| T1 x 1 | T1 x 1 |
For every 1 million T14 ranged troops, you would require approximately 14 million T1 mounted troops to absorb their attack. While this is simplified, it serves as an effective baseline for defense planning.
Additionally, skipping tiers (e.g., 14M T1, 12M T2, 10M T5) creates voids in the attacker’s calculations, further enhancing your defense.
Defending Generals and Enhancements
Your defending generals significantly impact the effectiveness of your defense. Below is an example setup:
Main General: Queen Boudica
- Gear: Archimedes Gear (refined for mounted attack, defense, and HP).
- Skill Books: Mounted Troop Attack, Mounted Troop Defense, Ranged Troop Defense.
- Specialties: Max out all specialties and enhance fixed skill books.
Assistant General: Leonidas I or Nero
- Skill Books: Siege Machine Attack, Siege Machine Defense, Ground Troop Defense.
- Specialties: Max out all specialties and enhance fixed skill books.
- Note: Nero’s skill and specialties drain attacker HP, making him effective in defense.
Practical Tips for Defense
- Maximize Buffs: Focus on refining your general’s gear and selecting the right monarch talents.
- Balance Layers: Ensure enough low-tier troops are present to absorb attacks efficiently.
- Adapt Strategies: Regularly review your defense to account for new troop tiers and evolving strategies.
The Final Piece: Configure Your Buffs
A successful strategy for SvS wouldn't be complete without maximizing your buffs. Properly configuring your buffs can make a significant difference in both offense and defense. Start by optimizing your Monarch Gear. Equip the best gear for your objectives, whether it’s boosting troop attack, defense, or resource gathering.
Additionally, ensure that all other buffs are at their peak. This includes troop buffs, march speed boosts, and defense enhancements. For a comprehensive guide on how to build up and stack buffs effectively, check out Maximizing Buffs in Evony. This resource outlines everything from using items and research to refining gear and activating temporary boosts.
By carefully configuring your buffs, you’ll be fully prepared to take on your enemies, defend your cities, and secure victory for your server in SvS.
Troop Buffer Calculator for Defense
Use the calculator below to determine the number of defending troops needed to counter an incoming attack. Enter the number of attacking troops, select the tier of the attacking troops, and then select the tier of the defending troops. The calculator will estimate the defending troop requirement based on the combat mechanics of Evony.
Conclusion
This SvS defense example provides a practical approach to countering ranged troop attacks effectively. By layering your troops strategically and enhancing your generals, you can withstand even the most formidable attacks. In our next guide, we will dive into Troop Layering to optimize your defense and attack configurations for SvS battles.