Cao Cao Rise of Kingdoms is a strong choice if you want a fast and flexible Cavalry commander. He can deal single-target damage, weaken enemies, and improve Cavalry performance.
However, Cao Cao is not ideal for every situation. To get the most from him, you need the right talents, skills, and secondary commander. More importantly, you should use his speed to control the fight.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Cao Cao in Rise of Kingdoms. It also explains how to build a fast and effective Cavalry team.

Who Is Cao Cao in Rise of Kingdoms?
Cao Cao is a Legendary commander with Cavalry, Peacekeeping, and Mobility talents. Therefore, he works well for players who need fast troops and strong map mobility. His biggest strength is his high movement speed. Because of this, Cao Cao can quickly reach a target, collect a Rune, or escape when a fight becomes dangerous.
At the same time, Cao Cao is useful against Barbarians and other neutral targets. As a result, he can be very helpful during the early stages of the game. However, Cao Cao is not the best choice for long PvP battles. Instead, he works better when he can attack quickly, focus on one target, and move away before the enemy can surround him.
There is also one important rule to remember. Talents only work when Cao Cao is the primary commander. If he becomes the secondary commander, the army uses the primary commander’s talent tree instead.

What Makes Cao Cao’s Skills Special?
Cao Cao has a skill set built around single-target damage, movement speed, and Cavalry bonuses. Therefore, you should upgrade his skills based on your main playstyle.
Dragon Rider
Dragon Rider is Cao Cao’s main active skill. It deals damage to one enemy target. At the highest level, it can also reduce the target’s attack and movement speed for a short time. As a result, Cao Cao can put pressure on isolated enemy armies.
For this reason, Dragon Rider should usually be your first skill to max.
The Qingzhou Army
The Qingzhou Army increases Cao Cao’s damage against Barbarians. Therefore, it is especially useful for players who often farm Barbarians or take part in PvE activities. However, this skill does not provide the same value in PvP. Because of that, players who mainly fight other players may want to focus on other benefits first.
Tiger Knight
Tiger Knight increases Cavalry attack and movement speed. As a result, it helps Cao Cao perform better when leading a Cavalry army. When combined with Mobility talents, this skill can make the army extremely fast. Therefore, you can reach targets sooner and leave dangerous fights more easily.
Lofty Ambition
Lofty Ambition gives Cao Cao additional support through his normal attacks. It can provide healing, Rage recovery, and a short movement speed boost.
Therefore, the skill helps the army stay active during repeated movement and combat.
Emperor Wu of Wei
After completing the required skills, Cao Cao can unlock his expertise skill. This skill increases Cavalry attack but also reduces part of the Cavalry’s defense. Therefore, the army can deal more damage, but it may also become less effective in long battles.
For this reason, you should still avoid fighting stronger armies for too long.

How to Build Cao Cao’s Talents
Cao Cao has three main talent trees: Mobility, Peacekeeping, and Cavalry. Each tree supports a different role. Therefore, you should choose your talents based on how you use Cao Cao.
Mobility for Fast Map Movement
If your main goal is speed, prioritize the Mobility tree.
This build is useful when you need to:
- Collect Runes quickly.
- Reach structures faster.
- Chase weak armies.
- Move between objectives.
- Take part in activities that require high movement speed.
After that, you can invest some points into Cavalry to improve combat performance.
This build is especially useful for players who want Cao Cao to move around the map quickly.
Peacekeeping for Barbarian Farming
If you mainly fight Barbarians, prioritize the Peacekeeping tree. This build makes Cao Cao more efficient in PvE activities. In addition, you can invest some points into Mobility to improve his movement speed.
As a result, this setup works well for newer players who need to farm Barbarians and save Action Points.
Cavalry for Early PvP
If you want Cao Cao to lead your army in early PvP, focus on the Cavalry tree. This setup improves the army’s combat power. However, Mobility is still useful because speed gives Cao Cao more control over the battlefield.
Most importantly, avoid staying in large fights for too long. Cao Cao is much stronger when he can attack quickly and retreat safely.

Which Commanders Should Pair With Cao Cao?
Cao Cao can work with several commanders. However, the best pair depends on your goal.
Minamoto + Cao Cao is a strong option for single-target damage. Minamoto can usually take the primary position, while Cao Cao adds useful skills and support.
Pelagius + Cao Cao is another good option for an early Cavalry army. Pelagius offers better sustain, while Cao Cao provides speed and single-target pressure.
Baibars + Cao Cao can also work well in early open-field fights. Baibars can deal damage to multiple targets. Therefore, he helps cover Cao Cao’s weakness against groups of enemies.
Meanwhile, Belisarius + Cao Cao is a good choice for a highly mobile army. This pair can chase weak targets, collect Runes, or quickly move across the map.
If you mainly fight Barbarians, you can also consider Boudica + Cao Cao. This combination can provide strong value for early PvE activities.
How to Play Cao Cao Effectively
To use Cao Cao well, do not focus only on damage. Instead, make full use of his speed.
First, use a Cavalry-focused army. Cao Cao’s skills provide more value when most of your troops are Cavalry.
Next, look for isolated targets. Dragon Rider can weaken one enemy. Therefore, try to attack armies that are separated from their allies.
Also, avoid long fights. If more enemy armies arrive, use Cao Cao’s speed to retreat. This is one of his biggest advantages.
In addition, separate your PvE and PvP roles. When fighting Barbarians, Peacekeeping talents provide more value. On the other hand, Mobility or Cavalry talents are better for movement and combat.
Finally, consider moving Cao Cao to the secondary position when you unlock stronger primary commanders.
You can still benefit from his skills this way. At the same time, your army can use the stronger talent tree of the primary commander.

Is Cao Cao Worth Investing In?
Cao Cao Rise of Kingdoms is still worth investing in if you need a fast Cavalry commander, especially during the early stages of your account. He offers high movement speed, single-target damage, and useful PvE abilities. Moreover, he can support other Cavalry commanders when used as a secondary commander.
However, Cao Cao should not be treated as a must-have late-game PvP commander. As your account grows, you will likely unlock stronger commanders for specific combat roles. At that point, Cao Cao becomes more useful for mobility, PvE, and secondary-command duties.
Therefore, invest in Cao Cao based on your account’s needs. Do not spend all your resources on him simply because he is a Legendary commander.

Conclusion
Cao Cao Rise of Kingdoms is a flexible Cavalry commander with excellent mobility. He is especially useful for fighting Barbarians, moving around the map, chasing weak targets, and taking part in early-game PvP.
To build Cao Cao effectively, prioritize Dragon Rider, choose the right talent tree, and pair him with a suitable commander.
Most importantly, use his speed to attack quickly and retreat when necessary. With the right setup, Cao Cao can become a highly useful commander for a fast and flexible Cavalry army.
Read more:
Vesna: How to Build the New Anemo DPS
Luna Delta Force: Powerful Recon Tips to Win More
#RiseofKingdoms #CaoCaoRiseofKingdoms #GamePC