Introduction

Welcome to this in-depth guide on how to play Raven effectively in team games. My name is Lars, also known as Northgard, and as a high ELO Northgard player, I want to share my insights and strategies to help you dominate with this exceptional clan. In the current meta, Raven stands out as the most powerful clan, and due to its overwhelming impact on the game, it is often a mandatory mirror pick in competitive matches. The sheer speed at which Raven scouts the map, its synergy with aggressive clans like Snake and Wolf, and its ability to control coastal tiles make it a force to be reckoned with.

Understanding Raven’s Strengths

Unlike many other clans that have complex strategies, Raven is relatively easy to pick up because its core objective is straightforward: scout the map as quickly as possible. Efficient scouting provides valuable Fame and Lore bonuses, accelerating Raven’s progress. What sets Raven apart is its unique ability to raid and even control neutral or enemy coastal tiles. This forces opponents to constantly adapt, making them vulnerable to unexpected attacks.

Previously, Raven was known primarily for its economic and scouting advantages, but after the recent balance patch, its military power has significantly improved. Players now need to be constantly wary of surprise attacks from Raven, especially as the game progresses into late 800 or early 801. Additionally, due to the clan’s limited food resources, it is crucial to utilize coins for colonization instead of food.

Core Strategies and Gameplay Approach

To maximize Raven’s potential, you must prioritize two key elements: fast scouting and efficient resource management. Keeping at least two scouts active at all times is non-negotiable, as this will be your primary source of Lore income. One of the key objectives is to reach Lost Guild Rangers as your second Lore skill, even at the cost of delaying your ruins and shipwrecks. Ask your teammates to assist with scouting by revealing their second-ring tiles early. This dramatically speeds up your exploration without consuming all of your own scouting resources.

Additionally, communication is vital. Inform your teammates that they should not fully complete the scouting of their second ring but can instead delete their Scout Camp after assisting you. This small optimization can make a big difference in early-game tempo.

Build Order for Optimal Performance

A successful Raven game starts with a precise and efficient build order. The objective is to rush an upgraded Scout Camp as soon as possible while ensuring a stable economy:

1. Start with a Scout Camp and House.
2. If playing against another Raven, consider building your House on your main tile and placing your Woodcutter’s Lodge on a non-coastal tile to protect it from enemy raids.
3. Food production must be built on non-coastal tiles to avoid disruptions from raids.
4. If there is no shipwreck, forest, or Nostrand, a second Woodcutter’s Lodge is required to maintain enough wood for expansions.
5. Unlock the Mining Efficiency perk and start mining stone early to facilitate fast upgrades.
6. Construct a Lighthouse, which enables you to raid with five mercenaries.
7. Upgrade your Scouts, Food building, and Harbor to maintain a stable economy.
8. Begin scouting enemy tiles and prepare for mercenary raids with six units, costing 120 coins per attack.
9. Build a second Harbor and upgrade it.
10. Construct Training Camps if there is sufficient wood.
11. A Silo on your food tile is beneficial for long-term sustainability.
12. Prioritize building a Forge before mining iron unless additional iron can be acquired by raiding enemy tiles.

Late Game Transition

Once your economy is stable, the next step is preparing for the late game by continuing expansion and increasing military strength:

• Build additional non-coastal food buildings.
• Upgrade Training Camps to significantly boost the attack power of warriors.
• Expand into the military path with key Lore upgrades.

Key Upgrade Order

There are only two essential upgrades for Raven that must not be overlooked:

• Sailors Upgrade: Increases coin production, ensuring a continuous economy.
• Warriors Upgrade: Boosts military power, making your attacks significantly stronger.

Lore Path and Priorities

Raven’s success is deeply tied to its Lore progression. The ideal path follows this order:

1. Sharp Axes: Boosts wood production.
2. Rangers: Unlocks faster scouting with minimal risk.
3. Mining Efficiency: Accelerates stone mining, allowing quicker upgrades.
4. Exotic Goods: Unlocks the Lighthouse and boosts coin production from Harbors.
5. Journeyman: Increases happiness without relying on alcohol, maintaining stability.
6. Carpentry Mastery: Reduces building upgrade costs, saving valuable stone.
7. Gear Upgrade: Enhances military power.
8. Recruitment: Improves unit recovery rate after battles.
9. Further Military Upgrades: Depending on the situation, Fur Coats, Military Strategy, and Legendary Heroescan be chosen to strengthen late-game combat capabilities.
10. Legions is the ideal backup for an extended late game if opponents are still standing.

Alternative Build: Tempo Raven

For players who prefer high-tempo aggressive gameplay, an alternative build sacrifices late-game potential in favor of faster attacks:

• Skip Carpentry and Recruitment.
• Instead of Legions, opt for Leadership and prioritize forging mercenaries.
• Focus on an early-game chief rush, overwhelming opponents before they have time to prepare defenses.

Key Takeaways

• Scouting is the primary focus. Reach Lost Guild Rangers as soon as possible to maintain consistent Lore income.
• Expect food shortages in the first winter. Stockpile food in October and November and leverage November Feast for survival.
• Always mine stone early to prioritize Scout upgrades for faster map control.
• Mercenary raids should be executed efficiently by setting Harbors as control groups, allowing for seamless attacks.
• Adapt based on your game speed preference. If you want a longer game, focus on economic sustainability; if you want faster wins, lean into Tempo Raven.

Conclusion

Raven’s unique combination of rapid scouting, economic flexibility, and aggressive raiding makes it one of the most impactful clans in Northgard’s team-based meta. Mastering this clan requires strategic resource management, strong map awareness, and precise timing with scouting and attacks. Whether you choose a standard build or a fast-paced rush strategy, Raven will keep your opponents on edge. Now go forth and terrorize your enemies with Raven’s unparalleled speed and power!