Kleitos

Strategic Use

Players who pick Kleitos typically commit to a focused combat strategy from the opening, since the advisor's bonus (armory upgrades cost 20% less) compounds with every related upgrade and tech research.

The opportunity cost matters: every advisor slot you commit to Kleitos is one you cannot give to a flex pick. Make sure your build order can absorb the bonus throughput.

If you've previously underwhelmed with common-tier advisors, Kleitos is a useful test case for whether your build order rewards focused bonuses.

Stacking Partners

Within the combat archetype, several advisors layer cleanly with Kleitos. Players running a focused combat build often rotate one of these as a second slot:

• Ammon (Epic, Age III) — Warships can attack and see 20% farther
• Hathor (Uncommon, Age III) — Cavalry units deal 13% bonus damage against Siege and Ranged units
• Ammon (Uncommon, Age III) — Ships can attack and see 13% farther

Common-Tier Alternatives

If you want Common-tier alternatives that take your build in a different direction than Kleitos, these advisors offer distinct strategic angles:

• Seth — Age IV, military focused
• Bahadur — Age IV, military focused
• Sostrate — Age III, construction focused
• Etain — Age III, military focused
• Lionidas — Age IV, utility focused

Civilization & Lore Context

From a flavor standpoint, Kleitos belongs to the Egyptian lineage of advisors, connected to the Nile civilization of the pharaohs. Visual and audio cues in-game reinforce this association.

Timing Within Age II

By Age II, you have enough population and resources to start applying pressure. Advisor bonuses active at this tier influence mid-game army composition decisions.

How to Obtain Kleitos

You'll have Kleitos available very early. Don't underestimate Common-tier advisors — many remain meta-relevant well into mid-tier play.