Starting in Evony presents a critical decision point: which generals to prioritize. For new players, the sheer volume of options can feel overwhelming, yet early general choices significantly influence resource acquisition, PVE progression, and foundational defense. The right initial selections streamline growth, allowing for more efficient resource gathering, successful monster hunts, and effective early-game combat scenarios. Conversely, suboptimal choices can lead to wasted resources, slower progression, and unnecessary setbacks. This guide focuses on generals that offer immediate, tangible benefits to beginners, balancing ease of acquisition with practical utility across essential early-game activities.
What to Look For in Beginner Generals
When selecting your initial generals in Evony, focus on attributes that directly support early-game stability and growth. Prioritize generals who are readily available through tavern recruits or common events, minimizing the need for premium currency or extensive grinding. Versatility is also key; generals who excel in multiple roles—such as gathering and monster hunting—provide more value. Simple, straightforward skill sets are preferable, as they reduce complexity and offer clear benefits without requiring intricate troop compositions or advanced strategies. Finally, consider cost-effectiveness; generals that deliver strong performance without demanding significant investment in ascension or expensive gear are ideal for new players managing limited resources.
1. Queen Jindeok
Queen Jindeok stands out as an indispensable general for any new Evony player due to her unparalleled gathering capabilities. Acquirable early from the Tavern, her primary skill, "The Queen of Gathering," significantly boosts resource production rates. This makes her foundational for maintaining a steady flow of lumber, food, stone, and ore, which are crucial for consistent building upgrades and troop training. Her accessibility and immediate impact on resource management cement her status as a top-tier beginner general, providing a reliable backbone for empire expansion.
Best for: Maximizing resource gathering efficiency from the outset.
Pros:
- Easily obtainable through the Tavern, making her accessible to all new players.
- Provides substantial buffs to gathering speed for all resource types.
- Low investment required to make her effective in her primary role.
- Directly accelerates base development and troop production.
Cons:
- Virtually no combat utility, making her a dedicated non-combat general.
- Her skills do not scale beyond gathering, limiting her versatility in other game aspects.
Verdict: A non-negotiable first general for any beginner. Jindeok's ability to secure vital resources ensures a stable foundation for early game progression, freeing up other generals for combat roles.
2. Constance
Constance serves as another excellent early-game gathering general, often complementing Queen Jindeok. Her unique skill set focuses on specific resource types, allowing for specialized gathering teams. While Jindeok provides a broad buff, Constance can push specific resource gains even higher, which becomes critical when a player needs large quantities of a particular resource for a major upgrade. She is also a common Tavern recruit, ensuring easy access for beginners looking to optimize their resource flow.
Best for: Specialized and accelerated resource gathering, particularly for specific resources.
Pros:
- Readily available from the Tavern, making her an easy acquisition.
- Offers high-percentage boosts for specific resource types, enhancing targeted gathering.
- Requires minimal investment to be effective in her core function.
- Helps maintain a balanced resource economy alongside other gatherers.
Cons:
- Similar to Jindeok, she possesses no combat utility.
- Her specialization means she's less universally effective than Jindeok for all resource types.
Verdict: An essential addition to any beginner's gathering fleet. Constance solidifies resource acquisition, providing flexibility to target specific materials crucial for rapid early-game development.
3. Baibars
Baibars is a strong contender for a beginner's first monster hunting general. His mounted troop buffs and monster attack bonuses make him highly effective against early and mid-level monsters on the world map. Monster hunting is a primary source of valuable materials, experience, and speed-ups for new players, and Baibars accelerates this process significantly. His relatively easy acquisition from the Tavern and straightforward skill set make him an ideal choice for players looking to quickly establish a reliable PVE presence.
Best for: Efficient early-game monster hunting and PVE progression.
Pros:
- Accessible through the Tavern, making him easy to obtain early on.
- Provides strong mounted troop attack and monster damage buffs.
- Accelerates the acquisition of crucial monster drop rewards (gems, materials, experience).
- Effective without needing extensive investment in gear or ascensions initially.
Cons:
- His utility diminishes in high-level PvP combat.
- Requires a focus on mounted troops to maximize his effectiveness.
Verdict: A reliable and cost-effective choice for new players aiming to dominate early monster hunts. Baibars provides a clear path to obtaining essential resources and experience from PVE activities.
4. Elisabeth I
Elisabeth I is a versatile mounted general who offers solid performance in both monster hunting and early PVE combat. Her skills boost mounted troop attack and defense, providing a balanced approach to engaging world bosses and barbarians. For beginners, her ability to lead mounted troops effectively means she can clear monster camps faster and with fewer losses than generic generals. She is often available through various events or the Tavern, making her a relatively easy and impactful acquisition for early combat needs.
Best for: Balanced mounted troop combat, suitable for monster hunting and early PVE engagements.
Pros:
- Good balance of mounted attack and defense buffs, reducing troop losses.
- Effective for a wide range of early and mid-game monster types.
- Can be acquired through common means, including the Tavern.
- Provides a solid foundation for players interested in mounted troop compositions.
Cons:
- Not a top-tier PvP general, her utility is primarily PVE-focused.
- Requires some investment in mounted troops to fully leverage her skills.
Verdict: A practical choice for beginners seeking a reliable mounted general for PVE. Elisabeth I offers a cost-effective way to clear monsters and barbarians, supporting faster resource and experience gains.
5. Theodora
Theodora is an excellent ground troop general, making her valuable for early PVE challenges and providing a defensive backbone. Her skills focus on ground troop HP and defense, which translates to fewer casualties when facing barbarian camps or early boss monsters. For beginners, maintaining troop counts is crucial, and Theodora helps achieve this by making ground armies more resilient. She is generally available from the Tavern, offering an accessible option for players looking to diversify their combat generals beyond mounted specialists.
Best for: Leading ground troops in early PVE, particularly for barbarian camps and initial boss encounters, and contributing to base defense.
Pros:
- Enhances ground troop HP and defense, improving survivability.
- Reduces troop losses in PVE, conserving resources for training.
- Accessible through the Tavern, making her an easy early acquisition.
- Provides a strong defensive component for early PVE and base defense.
Cons:
- Less effective for offensive PvP engagements compared to specialized attack generals.
- Requires a focus on ground troops to maximize her benefits.
Verdict: A solid general for beginners who need a robust ground troop leader. Theodora helps new players tackle PVE content with fewer losses, contributing to a more stable early game.
6. Minamoto no Yoshitsune
Minamoto no Yoshitsune is a powerful mounted general, particularly strong for monster hunting. His skills provide significant buffs to mounted troop attack and monster damage, allowing beginners to defeat higher-level monsters earlier than with generic generals. While he might be slightly less common than Tavern generals, he is frequently available through events or specific packages, making him a worthwhile target for players who want to accelerate their monster hunting progression. His efficiency in clearing monsters translates directly into faster access to valuable resources and experience.
Best for: High-efficiency monster hunting and rapid PVE progression with mounted troops.
Pros:
- Exceptional monster damage buffs, enabling higher-level monster kills.
- Accelerates acquisition of monster drops, including rare materials and gems.
- Strong mounted troop attack, making him effective in early PVE.
- Scales well into mid-game monster hunting.
Cons:
- May require slightly more effort to acquire compared to basic Tavern generals.
- Primarily focused on PVE; less optimal for competitive PvP.
Verdict: A highly recommended general for beginners serious about monster hunting. Minamoto no Yoshitsune provides a significant boost to PVE efficiency, accelerating overall empire growth.
7. Trajan
Trajan is an excellent choice for a beginner's first defensive general. His skills boost ground troop defense and HP, and he often comes with a debuff skill for enemy attacks. For new players, having a dedicated defensive general is crucial for protecting their city from barbarian attacks and early PvP aggression. Trajan's ability to reduce incoming damage and bolster ground troops makes him a reliable choice for holding the line. He is often available through events or specific general recruitment opportunities, making him an accessible defensive asset.
Best for: Early-game city defense and leading ground troops defensively.
Pros:
- Significant buffs to ground troop defense and HP, increasing city resilience.
- Can debuff enemy attacks, further reducing damage taken.
- Provides a strong deterrent against early aggressors.
- Relatively easy to acquire through events or specific general pools.
Cons:
- Limited offensive capabilities, making him a specialized defensive general.
- Requires investment in ground troops to maximize defensive output.
Verdict: A fundamental general for establishing robust city defenses. Trajan offers new players peace of mind and a strong bulwark against early threats, allowing them to focus on economic development.
8. Washington
Washington is a valuable ranged troop general for beginners, excelling in PVE combat and providing support in early PvP scenarios. His skills boost ranged troop attack and HP, making him effective against barbarian camps, early boss monsters, and even some player armies. Ranged troops are a versatile component of any army, and Washington helps new players leverage them effectively. He is typically available through the Tavern, ensuring easy access for players looking to build a balanced combat force.
Best for: Leading ranged troops in PVE combat and providing ranged support in early PvP.
Pros:
- Enhances ranged troop attack and HP, improving their effectiveness.
- Versatile for both PVE and early PvP engagements.
- Easily obtainable from the Tavern, making him an accessible choice.
- Helps diversify a beginner's combat general roster.
Cons:
- May require specific ranged troop compositions to fully utilize his buffs.
- Not a top-tier offensive PvP general in later stages.
Verdict: A reliable general for beginners who want to integrate ranged troops into their army. Washington provides solid PVE performance and foundational ranged support for early combat.
9. Scipio Africanus
Scipio Africanus is a versatile ground troop general, offering a balanced mix of attack and defense buffs. For beginners, his utility extends across various PVE activities, from clearing barbarian camps to engaging early boss monsters. His ability to lead ground troops effectively means fewer losses and more efficient combat. He is often available through the Tavern, making him an accessible and practical choice for new players looking for a general who can contribute to both offense and defense in early-game PVE.
Best for: Balanced ground troop combat in PVE, suitable for attacking and providing some defensive utility.
Pros:
- Provides a good balance of ground troop attack and defense buffs.
- Effective for a wide array of PVE content, including barbarian camps and early bosses.
- Easily obtainable from the Tavern, ensuring early access.
- Can serve as a temporary defensive general in a pinch.
Cons:
- Not specialized enough to be a top-tier offensive or defensive general in later stages.
- Requires ground troops to maximize his effectiveness.
Verdict: A practical all-rounder for beginners needing a reliable ground troop leader. Scipio Africanus offers versatility for early PVE and contributes to a well-rounded combat force.
10. Kusunoki Masashige
Kusunoki Masashige is another strong ranged troop general, particularly useful for PVE and early defensive setups. His skills boost ranged troop attack and defense, making his armies resilient and effective against various world map targets. For beginners, having a dedicated ranged general like Kusunoki can significantly improve efficiency in clearing barbarian camps and participating in alliance events. He is typically available through the Tavern, offering an accessible option for players looking to build a robust ranged contingent.
Best for: Leading ranged troops in PVE, reinforcing city defense, and early alliance event participation.
Pros:
- Enhances ranged troop attack and defense, improving combat efficiency.
- Valuable for clearing PVE content and contributing to alliance activities.
- Readily available from the Tavern, making him an easy acquisition.
- Offers a strong foundation for developing ranged troop strategies.
Cons:
- His utility in high-level PvP is limited compared to specialized generals.
- Requires a focus on ranged troops to fully leverage his buffs.
Verdict: A solid and accessible general for beginners focusing on ranged troops. Kusunoki Masashige provides consistent performance in PVE and offers valuable defensive capabilities for early game stability.
11. Seondeok
Seondeok is a specialized gathering general, particularly known for her exceptional ore gathering speed. While Queen Jindeok covers all resources, Seondeok can provide an even greater boost for specific, high-demand materials like ore, which becomes crucial for advanced building upgrades and research. For beginners, having a dedicated ore gatherer ensures they don't bottleneck on this vital resource. She is often available through the Tavern, making her an easy and impactful addition to a beginner's resource management strategy.
Best for: Maximizing ore gathering efficiency, supporting advanced building and research needs.
Pros:
- Provides significant boosts specifically to ore gathering speed.
- Easily obtainable from the Tavern, ensuring early access.
- Essential for maintaining a balanced resource economy as demands increase.
- Low investment required for her primary role.
Cons:
- No combat utility, making her a dedicated non-combat general.
- Her specialization means she's less versatile than Jindeok for all resource types.
Verdict: A highly recommended general for beginners needing to optimize their ore production. Seondeok addresses specific resource bottlenecks, enabling faster progression in construction and technology.
12. Subutai
Subutai is a strong mounted general, primarily focused on monster hunting. His skills provide substantial buffs to mounted troop attack and monster damage, allowing beginners to efficiently clear world map monsters for valuable rewards. Similar to Baibars and Minamoto, Subutai accelerates the acquisition of experience, materials, and speed-ups, which are all critical for early game progression. He is often available through the Tavern or specific events, making him an accessible choice for players prioritizing PVE content.
Best for: Efficient monster hunting and rapid PVE progression with mounted troops.
Pros:
- Provides strong mounted troop attack and monster damage buffs.
- Accelerates the acquisition of crucial monster drop rewards.
- Accessible through the Tavern or common events.
- Effective without needing extensive investment in gear or ascensions initially.
Cons:
- His utility diminishes in high-level PvP combat.
- Requires a focus on mounted troops to maximize his effectiveness.
Verdict: A reliable and cost-effective choice for new players aiming to dominate early monster hunts. Subutai provides a clear path to obtaining essential resources and experience from PVE activities.
How to Choose Your First Generals
Selecting your initial generals should align directly with your immediate gameplay priorities. If your primary goal is rapid base development and troop training, prioritize gathering generals like Queen Jindeok and Constance. Their resource boosts directly translate to faster upgrades. If you aim to progress quickly through PVE content and acquire valuable monster drops, focus on monster hunting generals such as Baibars or Minamoto no Yoshitsune. These generals reduce troop losses and increase damage output, making monster kills more efficient.
Consider the troop types you intend to focus on. If you plan to build a mounted army, generals like Elisabeth I or Subutai will provide the most benefit. For ground troops, Theodora or Scipio Africanus are strong starting points. Avoid over-investing in generals that have limited long-term scalability. While a general might be excellent for early game, assess if their skills will remain relevant as your keep level and power increase. Balance immediate utility with potential for growth, ensuring your early choices contribute to a sustainable and efficient empire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many generals should a beginner have?
A beginner should aim for at least 5-7 active generals initially. This typically includes 3-4 dedicated gathering generals (one for each primary resource type plus a generalist), and 2-3 combat generals focused on monster hunting and early PVE. As your keep level increases, you will expand this roster to include dedicated defensive generals, more specialized offensive generals, and generals for specific tasks like sub-city management or debuffing.
Should I focus on offense or defense first?
For beginners, a balanced approach is generally most effective. Prioritize gathering generals to ensure a strong economic foundation. Simultaneously, invest in one or two reliable monster hunting generals to acquire resources and experience from PVE. A basic defensive general, like Trajan, is also important to protect your city from early barbarian attacks or opportunistic players. Purely offensive PvP generals are usually a later-game investment once your economy and PVE capabilities are stable.
What are general specialties?
Generals in Evony have distinct specialties, categorized by their primary role and troop type. Common specialties include: Gathering (resource collection), Monster Hunting (PVE combat against world monsters), Mounted General (buffs mounted troops), Ground General (buffs ground troops), Ranged General (buffs ranged troops), Siege General (buffs siege machines), and Defensive General (buffs city defense). Understanding these specialties helps you assign the right general to the right task for maximum efficiency.
How do I get more generals?
The primary method for acquiring generals is through the Tavern, where you can recruit them using gold. Higher-quality generals (Epic and Legendary) are often available through special events, general fragments obtained from monster drops or event rewards, or direct purchases via packages. Participating in alliance events and completing daily quests can also reward general fragments or even full generals.
