Rise of Nations city capture, assimilation and national borders
Capture and hold the city long enough for it to become useful.
Edition covered
The original Rise of Nations systems, with expansion features labelled where relevant. Pictures show Extended Edition, which includes Thrones and Patriots and modern presentation changes. Nation totals and Conquer the World campaigns differ from the base 2003 release.
Damage and capture are separate steps
Siege can reduce a city, but ground troops must secure it. Bring suitable infantry into the assault plan instead of expecting artillery alone to produce a stable conquest.
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Bring escorted siege and supply | Survive the enemy border |
| Bombard | Reduce the defended city | Avoid wasting infantry on full defenses |
| Capture | Use suitable ground troops | Take control of the city |
| Assimilate | Hold against counterattacks | Turn conquest into a stable base |
| Repair and expand | Restore the position | Support the next operation |
Protect the assimilation period
A captured city takes time to assimilate. It is vulnerable to a counterattack during this period, so leave a defense and keep reinforcements close rather than immediately marching the entire army onward.
| Tool | Effect | Strategic use |
|---|---|---|
| City | Core national territory and economy | Expands the usable map |
| Temple | Border and civic support | Strengthens territorial influence |
| Fort | Military foothold | Controls a contested approach |
| Attrition technology | Damages unsupported invaders | Makes deep raids costly |
| Supply Wagon | Counters enemy attrition nearby | Enables an extended offensive |
Use borders as a military system
Cities and other national structures extend territory. Borders influence construction and attrition, so taking the right city can change the entire logistical shape of a war.
Check the capital countdown
Losing a capital can start a defeat countdown under the relevant rules. Respond to the displayed timer immediately; retaking it may be more urgent than completing an unrelated siege.
Losing a capital can start a defeat countdown under the relevant rules. Respond to the displayed timer immediately; retaking it may be more urgent than completing an unrelated siege.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Publisher game and edition listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Publisher manual | shared.fastly.steamstatic.com |