Xanthe

How to Use Xanthe

Players who pick Xanthe typically commit to a focused construction strategy from the opening, since the advisor's bonus (fortresses have 20% more health and see 55% farther) compounds with every related upgrade and tech research.

In ranked play, Xanthe appears more often on the climb to upper-tier ladders. It rewards repetition and refined build orders rather than reactive play.

Overall, Xanthe earns its slot when your strategy is committed and your civilization is built to amplify the bonus.

Stacking Partners

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

• Bes (Uncommon, Age II) — Walls cost 33% less and build in 30% less time
• Sostrate (Rare, Age III) — Fortresses build 30% faster
• Tycho (Common, Age IV) — Wonders build 20% faster

Timing Within Age IV

By Age IV, both players are committed. An advisor like this one helps you execute your chosen plan rather than pivoting; flexibility matters less now.

Other Common Advisors to Consider

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

• Nekbet — Age III, military focused
• Etain — Age III, military focused
• Ammon — Age III, combat focused
• Hyginus — Age II, military focused
• Onesiphoros — Age III, economy focused

Where to Get Xanthe

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

Multi-civilization Heritage

From a flavor standpoint, Xanthe belongs to the Multi-civilization lineage of advisors, connected to the mixed historical tradition spanning multiple cultures. Visual and audio cues in-game reinforce this association.