Delving Deeper into Kings of War: Uncovering the Most Cost-Effective Units by Faction

Methodology Recap

Following my previous analysis of unit effectiveness in Kings of War (which you can find at https://ohz.wyv.mybluehost.me/backup/analyzing-kings-of-war-units-a-combat-simulation-study-with-selected-special-rules/), I've taken a further step to explore the game's dynamics. This time, I focus on identifying the three most cost-effective units within each faction and ranking the factions based on the cumulative scores of these top units.

• Simulations: Over 1.25 million combat simulations were conducted.
• ELO Ratings: Units were rated using an ELO system, with adjustments made after each combat.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Calculated as the unit's ELO rating divided by its point value.

Faction Analysis: Top 3 Units and Cumulative Scores

In this analysis, I focused on evaluating the cost-effectiveness of units within each faction. The top three units per faction were identified based on their cost-effectiveness scores, and these scores were then summed to provide a comparative ranking of the factions. However, it's crucial to note that this ranking primarily reflects the value offered by each faction's most cost-effective units and does not necessarily equate to overall army strength or battlefield dominance.

The effectiveness of an army in Kings of War is influenced by various factors beyond the cost-efficiency of individual units. For instance, powerful monsters that require unlocks or army list configurations can significantly impact an army's overall strength. These units might be exceptionally strong but not necessarily the most cost-effective in a direct comparison. On the other hand, highly cost-effective regiments might contribute to an army's strength in different ways, such as providing unlocks or fulfilling specific tactical roles.

While this ranking gives insights into which factions have efficient units in terms of point cost, it should be interpreted within the broader context of army composition and battlefield strategy. A faction with highly cost-effective units might not always translate to having the strongest army, as the dynamics of Kings of War encompass a range of strategic considerations, including unit synergies, army composition rules, and battlefield tactics.

Factions Ranked by Cost-Effectiveness

1. Goblins: Total Score: 25.2
   • Top Units: Goblin Slasher (9.8), Fleabag Chariots (8.1), Rabble (7.3)
2. Abyssal Dwarfs: Total Score: 25.0
   • Top Units: Blacksouls (9.1), Hellfane (8.5), Lesser Obsidian Golems (7.4)
3. Ogres: Total Score: 24.4
   • Top Units: Red Goblin Slasher (10.1), Giant -- Slayer (7.7), Warrior Chariots (6.6)
4. Dwarfs: Total Score: 24.3
   • Top Units: Shieldbreakers (8.7), Steel Behemoth (8.7), Greater Earth Elemental (7.0)
5. Salamanders: Total Score: 23.7
   • Top Units: Ghekkotah Slasher (9.8), Salamander Ceremonial Guard (7.6), Kaisenor Lancers (6.3)
6. Kingdoms of Men: Total Score: 23.2
   • Top Units: Charioteers (8.2), Foot Guard (7.7), Fanatics (7.3)
7. League of Rhordia: Total Score: 22.8
   • Top Units: Foot Guard (8.4), Dogs of War (8.0), Knights Paladins (6.4)
8. Elves: Total Score: 22.7
   • Top Units: War Chariots (8.2), Palace Guard (7.3), Therenian Sea Guard (7.2)
9. Halflings: Total Score: 22.3
   • Top Units: Iron Beast (9.0), Stalwarts (7.3), Juggers (5.9)
10. Forces of the Abyss: Total Score: 22.2
    • Top Units: Lower Abyssals (9.6), Molochs (7.0), Chroneas (5.6)
11. Orcs: Total Score: 22.0
    • Top Units: Greatax (7.6), Longax (7.3), Fight Wagons (7.1)
12. The Order of the Green Lady: Total Score: 21.5
    • Top Units: Naiad Ensnarers (7.7), Greater Earth Elemental (7.0), Water Elementals (6.8)
13. Empire of Dust: Total Score: 21.3
    • Top Units: Revenants (8.1), Enslaved Guardians (6.6), Reanimated Behemoth (6.5)
14. The Order of the Brothermark: Total Score: 21.3
    • Top Units: Paladin Monster Slayers (8.3), Order of the Abyssal Hunt (6.5), Exemplar Redeemers (6.5)
15. Free Dwarfs: Total Score: 21.2
    • Top Units: Free Dwarf Shieldbreakers (8.1), Greater Earth Elemental (7.1), Ironwatch Crossbow (6.0)
16. Forces of Nature: Total Score: 20.8
    • Top Units: Naiad Ensnarers (7.4), Salamander Primes (6.9), Earth Elementals (6.5)
17. Northern Alliance: Total Score: 20.7
    • Top Units: Huscarls (7.4), Ice Naiads (6.8), Hrimm (6.5)
18. Riftforged Orcs: Total Score: 20.4
    • Top Units: Riftforged Legionaries (7.7), Fight Wagons (6.7), Infernox (6.0)
19. Nightstalkers: Total Score: 20.3
    • Top Units: Blood Worms (6.9), Blood Worms (6.9), Shadow-hounds (6.5)
20. The Herd: Total Score: 20.2
    • Top Units: Minotaur Chariots (7.0), Centaur Bray Striders (6.6), Longhorns (6.6)
21. Trident Realm of Neritica: Total Score: 19.8
    • Top Units: Depth Horrors (7.1), Naiad Ensnarers (6.6), Coral Giant (6.1)
22. Basileans: Total Score: 19.4
    • Top Units: Sisterhood Infantry (7.0), Paladin Knights (6.3), Elohi (6.1)
23. Undead: Total Score: 19.1
    • Top Units: Wights (6.4), Revenant Cavalry (6.4), Soul Reaver Infantry (6.3)
24. Sylvan Kin: Total Score: 18.2
    • Top Units: Forest Guard (6.4), Tree Herder (6.2), Kindred Archers (5.6)
25. Ratkin Slaves: Total Score: 18.1
    • Top Units: Blacksouls (9.3), Cryza's Gore-Impaler (4.4), Hackpaw (4.4)
26. Varangur: Total Score: 17.2
    • Top Units: Huscarls (7.5), Frostfang Cavalry (5.3), Snow Trolls (4.4)
27. Ratkin: Total Score: 13.9
    • Top Units: Shock Troops (6.6), Scudku-z'luk, Demonspawn of Dooom (4.2), Brutes (3.1)

Conclusion

This faction-based analysis offers a new perspective on Kings of War, highlighting not only which units are the most cost-effective but also which factions have the strongest choices at the top of their roster. Such insights can guide players in building their armies and understanding the strengths of different factions.

Stay tuned for further explorations into the intricate world of Kings of War, and don't forget to check out the previous post for a broader look at unit effectiveness across the game.