This Rise of Kingdoms beginner guide starts with the step most guides skip: installing the free Windows PC version from the official site. After that, it covers how to pick a civilization, what to build first, how commanders level up, and how to get ready for KvK in Lilith Games’ real-time strategy MMO, which is on version 1.1.12 as of October 2026.
The PC client is free on Windows. Download Rise of Kingdoms free for Windows PC.
Key Takeaways
- The official Windows installer is a small launcher (about 86 MB) that downloads the game and keeps it updated in the background
- Link your account to a login method early so your city isn’t tied to one device
- Your civilization decides your starting commander and special unit, not your whole game
- City Hall comes first: its level unlocks buildings, troop capacity and, at 16+, the road to KvK
- Join an active alliance on day one and avoid pointless early fights
Step 1: Download and Install the PC Version
Rise of Kingdoms has had a native Windows client since April 2022, so you don’t need an Android emulator. Here’s the process:
- Get the installer. Use the download link above, or open the official site at rok.lilith.com and click the Windows download button. The file is an .exe of about 86 MB, because it’s a launcher, not the full game.
- Run the setup. Double-click the file and follow the prompts.
- Let the launcher download the game. Open the launcher and let it fetch the game files. For a sense of scale, the iOS version alone is 2.2 GB on the App Store.
- Keep the launcher. Lilith’s site says the PC version uses it for background updates, so you get new content without reinstalling.
On a Mac, the official site says you need an Apple M1 chip or newer. Older Intel Macs aren’t supported.
Step 2: Secure Your Account
Before you invest real time, open the account section in the settings and link a login method. That protects your progress if you reinstall and lets you move between PC and phone. Fan guides note that the same account area links to Lilith’s member center, which is also used for Lilith Pass rewards.
One tip from the official PC page: the Windows version has a shortcut that lets you read alliance messages during a battle without opening the chat panel. It’s worth learning early, because alliance chat is where most of your instructions will come from.
Choosing Your Civilization
You pick from 15 civilizations, and each gives you a starting commander and a special unit:
- China: Sun Tzu and the Chu-Ko-Nu
- Rome: Scipio Africanus and the Legionary
- Germany: Hermann and the Teutonic Knight
- Britain: Boudica and the Longbowman
- France: Joan of Arc and the Throwing Axeman
- Japan: Kusunoki Masashige and the Samurai
The others are Greece, the Vikings, Egypt, Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, Arabia, Spain, Korea and the Maya. Community guides disagree on the “best” start. One popular guide calls China the strongest pick for fast development, while another prefers Germany for a stronger early army. My advice is to pick the troop type you want to build around and not overthink it. Commanders matter more than the civilization once you’re past the first weeks.
Your First Days: City Hall First
Beginner guides agree on one rule: push your City Hall. Each level unlocks new buildings, more march queues and more troop capacity, and the other buildings you need are simply prerequisites for the next City Hall level. Keep both builders busy all the time, and only upgrade what you need for the next step.
- Follow the quests. The tutorial and chapter quests point you at the right buildings and pay out resources.
- Save speedups. PocketGamer recommends keeping them for big research and building upgrades rather than burning them on small timers.
- Stay out of early wars. Healing troops costs resources and speedups you’ll want for your city.
Commanders, Barbarians and Exploration
The official store listing explains the core loop: you level commanders by defeating barbarians and sending them into battle, then improve them through a talent tree and skills. Hunting barbarians near your city is the cheapest way to get your starting commander up to speed.
The map starts covered in fog. Send your scouts out early and often. They uncover tribal villages, mysterious caves and lost temples, which hand out rewards and show you where the good resource tiles are. Gather resources with spare marches, and you can split forces between several commanders to gather and fight at the same time. Once you have a few legendary commanders, check my Rise of Kingdoms tier list before you spend sculptures.
Alliances and Getting Ready for KvK
Join an active alliance as soon as you can. Alliance help shortens your build timers, and contributing to alliance technology earns alliance currency for the alliance shop, which can include speedups and resource packs.
Kingdom vs Kingdom is the long-term goal. PocketGamer says you need City Hall 16 or higher and must complete the Eve of Crusade event to unlock the Lost Kingdom. KvK then runs in seasons (KvK 1, 2 and 3, then the Season of Conquest) with breaks in between. Use that time before your first season to grow your city, train troops and finish key research. Lilith keeps adjusting the seasons too. The September 22, 2026 patch changed season matchmaking and added individual season rank rewards.
FAQ
Do I need an emulator to play Rise of Kingdoms on PC?
No. Lilith offers a native Windows client on the official website.
Which civilization should beginners pick?
There’s no single answer. China and Germany are common recommendations, but commanders matter more over time.
When does KvK start?
You need City Hall 16+ and must finish the Eve of Crusade event before the Lost Kingdom opens.
Want the full picture before committing? Read my Rise of Kingdoms review, then use the Rise of Kingdoms tier list to plan your commanders. More strategy games are in the MMO Strategy section, and the PC download is on the official Rise of Kingdoms website.
