Quick answer
The Season 9 patch nerfs English longbow rush consistency, buffs French trade economy, and adjusts Delhi Sultanate elephant HP. French moves to S-tier while English drops to A-tier in the current ranked meta.
Key takeaways
- English longbow opener is weaker — Council Hall now costs 50 more wood.
- French trade buff makes them the strongest late-game civ in the current patch.
- Delhi Sultanate elephants are tankier but slower — changes their role from shock to sustained pressure.
- Chinese tax collector nerf is minor — they remain strong in aggressive feudal play.
Civ Tier Changes
| Civ | Previous Tier | New Tier | Key Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | A | S | Trade bonus increased by 15%, economics upgraded |
| English | S | A | Longbow rush delayed, Council Hall cost increased |
| Delhi Sultanate | B | A | Elephant HP up 20%, move speed down 5% |
| Chinese | A | A | Tax collector training time slightly increased |
| Mongols | B | B+ | Tower rush timing adjusted, minor eco buff |
Most Impactful Changes
- English Council Hall: Wood cost increased from 150 to 200. Delays the first longbow power spike by roughly 45 seconds.
- French Trade Bonus: Merchants now generate 15% more gold when trading on neutral routes. This pushes French into a stronger late-game position.
- Delhi Elephant Adjustments: HP buff makes them more durable in sustained fights, but the speed reduction means they need better positioning.
Build Order Adjustments
- English players: Delay Longbow rush by one villager cycle. Consider a transitional spearman opener to defend against early cavalry raids.
- French players: Prioritize an early Market for trade route control. The new trade bonus makes Map control more rewarding than pure aggression.
- Delhi players: Use elephants as a second-wave pressure tool instead of a first-move option. Pair them with archers for the best results.
FAQ
FAQ
Is English still viable in ranked?
Yes. They drop from S to A tier but remain strong. Adapt your build order to the delayed longbow timing.
What is the best counter to French now?
Mongols tower rush pressure can disrupt the French trade setup before it becomes profitable.
Should I switch civs after this patch?
Not unless you are playing at top 500 level. Meta shifts matter most in high-elo play. French mains benefit the most from this patch.
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