Meta Check: Lessons from Master of Steel

Summary

In this video, the creator shares insights from the Masters of Steel Steel Series tournament, focusing on a specific ultra knight composition meta. The strategy spans both the feudal and castle ages, utilizing archers and knights, even with unconventional civilizations like the Byzantines. Emphasis is placed on preserving the feudal archers to support knights later, maintaining pressure on opponents, and adapting during gameplay. The video highlights key strategic moves, such as the importance of mobility, knight micro, and transitioning from feudal to castle age for a strong composition. The creator encourages viewers to adopt similar tactics for early game advantages.

Takeaways

• 😀 The tournament discussed in the video was highly enjoyable and served as a great teaching tool for understanding the meta.
• 😀 The strategy focuses on an ultra knight composition across two ages: Feudal and Castle Age.
• 😀 The meta is not limited to typical knight-heavy civilizations like the French or Roost; the Byzantines also play a crucial role.
• 😀 In Feudal Age, the key is to build a large archer mass and avoid losing them, as they support knight production in the Castle Age.
• 😀 Byzantines are a strong choice for this meta because of their fast unit production and strong archers in Feudal Age.
• 😀 Feudal Age is about being aggressive and testing your opponent's strategies without losing your archer mass.
• 😀 The goal in the early game is to pressure your opponent while avoiding unnecessary risks to your ultra mass.
• 😀 The ultra knight composition works well because knights and archers complement each other and provide flexibility against various enemy compositions.
• 😀 A strong Feudal Age leads to a smoother transition into Castle Age, where knights gain mobility and impact.
• 😀 In combat, using your longbows to kite and pull back knights is key to maximizing the value of your army and protecting your most important units.
• 😀 Small advantages gained in the early game, like villager picks or army positioning, can snowball into victory at top-tier play.
• 😀 The video concludes with a reminder that this is a strategy that top players use, highlighting its effectiveness in the hands of skilled players.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the meta discussed in the video?

The primary focus of the meta discussed is an 'ultra knight composition' that spans two ages—Feudal and Castle Age. This strategy involves building a strong mass of archers in the Feudal Age and transitioning into knights in the Castle Age, with the goal of utilizing mobility and unit synergy.

Why is the Byzantines civ chosen to showcase this meta?

The Byzantines are chosen because they have fast units and access to strong archers in the Feudal Age, specifically longbows. Despite being considered a non-traditional cavalry civ, their unit composition works well for this meta.

What is the key factor in the success of this ultra knight composition?

The key factor is maintaining a large archery mass in the Feudal Age without losing it, which is crucial for supporting the knights when transitioning to the Castle Age. Keeping archers alive throughout the game is essential for the success of this strategy.

How does the video suggest you should play the Feudal Age?

In the Feudal Age, players should focus on building a large archery mass and not losing those archers. At the same time, they should avoid hiding in their base and aim to pressure the opponent, while preparing to transition into knights in the Castle Age.

What is the importance of the Feudal Age archers in this strategy?

Feudal Age archers are crucial because they provide the necessary support for knights in the Castle Age. The mass of archers helps pressure the opponent and holds off enemy units until knights can be fully deployed.

What does the player mean by 'testing' the opponent's strategy?

Testing the opponent's strategy means applying early aggression to disrupt their plans and force them into unfavorable responses, such as building units that are less effective against the player's composition.

Why does the player focus on kiting with the longbows?

Kiting with the longbows is important because it allows them to stay alive while dealing damage, avoiding direct engagements where they might be destroyed. This tactic is key for preserving the archers until the knights are ready to take over.

How does the ultra knight composition counter men-at-arms?

While men-at-arms can be strong against archers, the strategy involves transitioning to knights and cataphracts, which are more resilient to men-at-arms. Additionally, the presence of spearmen from the Feudal Age further counters enemy knights and men-at-arms.

What is the advantage of having mobility in the Castle Age with this composition?

The mobility advantage in the Castle Age allows for quicker map control, allowing players to harass and pick off enemy units, such as villagers, while avoiding direct confrontations with heavier units like men-at-arms.

What role do the cataphracts play in this strategy?

Cataphracts play the role of heavy cavalry that can deal with a variety of enemy units, especially after transitioning from the initial Feudal Age composition of archers. Their high survivability and strength make them the backbone of the late-game push.