Combat is one of the core mechanics of Travian Kingdoms. Every battle compares the attack strength of the attacking army with the defense strength of the defending forces. The outcome depends not only on the number of troops, but also on their type, upgrades, and several other factors.
Every troop has an attack value and two defense values: one against infantry and one against cavalry.
For example, a Phalanx has the following base values:
15 Attack
40 Infantry Defense
50 Cavalry Defense
These values show that the Phalanx is poorly suited for attacking, but much stronger as a defensive unit, especially against cavalry.
During a battle, the attacker's total attack strength is compared to the defender's effective defense. The defender's total defense depends on the composition of the attacking army.
Example:
If the attacking army consists of 70% infantry and 30% cavalry, each defending unit contributes 70% of its infantry defense and 30% of its cavalry defense.
In general, stronger armies suffer fewer losses, while evenly matched battles often result in heavy casualties on both sides.
You can find the statistics for every unit in Troop Specifications.
Several factors can affect the outcome of combat:
Troop composition – Every unit has different strengths and weaknesses.
Walls – Defensive structures increase the defending army's strength.
Hero – Your Hero fights alongside your troops and can improve your army through equipment.
Smithy upgrades – Upgrading a troop type improves all of its combat values: Attack, Infantry Defense, and Cavalry Defense.
Morale – When a significantly stronger player attacks a much smaller opponent, the attacker receives a morale malus, reducing their effective attack strength.
Not every military movement has the same objective.
A full Attack continues until one army has been defeated. It is used when you want to defeat an enemy army, conquer a village, destroy buildings with Catapults, damage walls with Rams, or free troops captured by Trappers.
Learn more: Troop Actions: Attack
A Raid is a hit-and-run attack intended to steal resources. Unlike a full attack, battles end earlier, often allowing surviving attackers to return home with loot even if they cannot defeat the defending army.
Learn more: Troop Actions: Raid
A Siege is a special attack mode designed for heavily defended targets. It allows Rams and Catapults to damage walls and buildings while providing additional attack strength. In return, the attacking army travels more slowly and must meet certain requirements before a siege can be launched.
Learn more: Troop Actions: Siege
Reinforcements send troops to defend another village, while Scouting gathers information about enemy villages without engaging in a normal battle.
Some units have unique roles during combat.
Rams reduce the level of the defending wall, making future attacks more effective.
Catapults destroy buildings and resource fields during an attack or siege.
Destroying important buildings such as the Warehouse, Granary, or troop-training buildings can significantly weaken a village's economy and military production.
Cities can also be protected by a Water Ditch. Unlike walls, it cannot be damaged by Rams.
Before sending your army, consider the following:
What type of troops is your opponent likely defending with?
Is the village protected by a high-level wall or a Water Ditch?
Do you need Rams or Catapults?
Is a Raid sufficient, or do you need a full Attack or even a Siege?
If you are unsure what awaits you, scouting the target first can provide valuable information about its troops and defenses. This can help you choose the right army and troop action before committing your forces.
You can also use the Combat Simulator in the Rally Point to estimate the outcome before sending your troops. Enter the expected attacking and defending forces and relevant combat conditions to see how they may affect the battle.
A well-planned attack is often more effective than simply sending a larger army.
