Orcish Blacksmith Upgrades
The Orcish Blacksmith is a vital structure for any Warchief looking to empower their forces on the battlefield. Much like its Human counterpart, the Blacksmith provides access to a range of combat enhancements that significantly boost the offensive and defensive capabilities of your Orcish units. Strategic investment in these upgrades can turn the tide of battle, making your Grunts tougher, your Ogres more devastating, and your Troll Axethrowers deadlier.
To access these upgrades, you must first construct an Orcish Blacksmith. Once built, click on the structure to reveal the available research options. Each upgrade requires a certain amount of Gold and Lumber, and a specific research time. Plan your resource gathering accordingly to ensure you can afford these crucial advancements.
Available Orcish Blacksmith Upgrades:
- Axe Upgrades (Level 1 & 2):
- Effect: Increases the attack damage of all melee Orcish units, specifically Grunts and Ogres. This is a fundamental upgrade for any ground-based assault.
- Strategy: Prioritize this early if you plan on fielding a large number of Grunts or Ogres. The damage boost helps them cut through enemy lines more efficiently. Level 1 is a good initial investment, with Level 2 becoming critical in mid-to-late game engagements.
- Cost & Time: Varies per level.
- Shield Upgrades (Level 1 & 2):
- Effect: Increases the armor rating of all melee Orcish units, primarily Grunts and Ogres. This reduces the damage they take from enemy attacks.
- Strategy: Essential for improving the survivability of your front-line units. Researching Shield Upgrades alongside Axe Upgrades creates a well-rounded, resilient fighting force. This is particularly important when facing ranged units or powerful spellcasters.
- Cost & Time: Varies per level.
- Axe Throwing Upgrades (Level 1 & 2):
- Effect: Enhances the attack damage of your Troll Axethrowers. This makes your ranged units more effective at softening up enemy formations or picking off high-priority targets.
- Strategy: If Troll Axethrowers are a core component of your army composition, these upgrades are indispensable. They allow your Trolls to deal significant damage from a distance, supporting your melee units or defending your base.
- Cost & Time: Varies per level.
- Troll Regeneration:
- Effect: Grants all Troll units (Troll Axethrowers, Troll Berserkers) the ability to slowly regenerate health over time. This passive healing significantly increases their staying power in prolonged battles.
- Strategy: This is a highly valuable late-game upgrade, especially if you rely on Troll units. The ability to regenerate health reduces the need for constant healing spells from Ogre-Mages or returning units to base for repairs, allowing your Trolls to remain on the front lines longer. It's particularly potent in sustained engagements or when pushing into heavily defended enemy territory.
- Cost & Time: Typically more expensive than basic attack/armor upgrades.
Strategic Considerations:
- Early Game: Focus on the first levels of Axe and Shield Upgrades for your Grunts to establish early map control and defend against initial enemy pushes.
- Mid Game: As your army expands to include Ogres and Troll Axethrowers, begin investing in their specific upgrades (Axe Throwing Upgrades). Consider the second levels of Axe and Shield Upgrades to maintain superiority.
- Late Game: Troll Regeneration becomes a powerful asset, especially in large-scale battles where unit longevity is key. Max out all relevant attack and armor upgrades for your primary unit types.
- Resource Management: Upgrades can be costly. Ensure a steady income of Gold and Lumber to avoid delaying crucial research.
- Adaptability: Always assess your opponent's army composition. If they are heavily armored, prioritize Axe Upgrades. If they deal high damage, focus on Shield Upgrades.
