Introduction

Welcome to this in-depth guide on playing the Horse Clan in Northgard. My name is Lars, and today I will walk you through the fundamentals of effectively managing this eco-focused clan. Horse is one of the smoothest and most balanced clans in the game, excelling at steady progression through forging and upgrading buildings. Unlike other clans, Horse does not require a dedicated economy for scouting, feasting, or mining, as its WarChiefs can efficiently handle multiple tasks, making it one of the most flexible and self-sufficient clans.

Strengths of the Horse Clan

• Natural progression: Steady economic and military scaling through forging.
• Independent playstyle: Can scout, clear, and sustain itself without relying on allies.
• Double relic potential: Unique ability to forge two relics per game for various strategies.
• Efficient WarChiefs: Can mine, build, repair, and fight, ensuring constant productivity.
• Smooth eco management: Easy access to stone, making feasting and expansion simple.

Key Weaknesses

• Relies heavily on proper forging and upgrades.
• WarChief injuries can significantly reduce productivity.
• Early game vulnerabilities if not played optimally.

Build Order for an Efficient Start

Horse follows a structured build order to maximize early economy and secure a solid foundation:

1. Start with a Scout Camp, House, and Longship Dock.
2. Save food and purchase two tiles before building a Woodcutter’s Lodge.
3. Save up 140 Krowns and place the Villain’s Forge to spawn Aitria.
4. Before expanding further, build a second Woodcutter’s Lodge.
5. Construct a House, followed by two food buildings (e.g., Farm, Fisherman’s Hut).
6. If space allows, build a Silo for improved food storage and efficiency.
7. Build a second Longship Dock or a Trading Post if lacking coastal tiles.
8. If planning aggression, construct War Camps; otherwise, prioritize an Altar of Kings.
9. Upgrade your Longship Dock and primary food building before advancing further.
10. Ensure proper scouting if needed and continue with essential upgrades.

Upgrade and Economy Management

• Healer’s Hut and additional training camps are necessary for long-term sustainability.
• Prioritize an upgraded economy: Ensure upgraded Longship Docks, Trading Posts, and food buildings before investing in relics.
• Forging Order:
  • If you have two coastal tiles, forge Sailors first.
  • Otherwise, forge Merchants before proceeding to Woodcutters.
  • If planning aggression, skip Woodcutter forging and move directly to Warrior forging.

Lore Path and Prioritization

1. Excavation → Sharp Axes → Villain Fire for Fame scaling.
2. Shipbuilding → Quality of Life to maintain happiness.
3. Negotiation (situational): Take if needing Marketplace resources.
4. Weaponsmith (situational): Prioritize if expecting early aggression.
5. Ancestral Influence: Unlocks the ability to forge two relics.

Military and Combat Strategy

• WarChiefs should always stay productive, whether mining, repairing, or clearing zones.
• Stick WarChiefs together for the +10% Craftsman Bonus while performing tasks.
• If scouting is needed, prioritize upgrades to mitigate risks from nerfed WarChief combat abilities.
• Utilize Champions and Cheat Bearers for late-game domination.

Alternative Playstyle: The Jar Build

For those favoring a late-game-heavy economy, the Jar Build offers a greedier approach:

• Mine stone first and prioritize happiness scaling.
• Buy resources from the Marketplace to enable constant upgrades.
• Focus on securing an overwhelming late-game economy.
• Stay above 10 happiness to ensure maximum clan productivity.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Early game: Mine iron first, Forge early, and secure 200 Fame ASAP.
• Mid-game: Build Altar of Kings, scale eco, and Forge relics in 801/802.
• Late-game: Establish multiple War Camps and aim for a 12-unit conversion.
• Adapt based on enemy strategy: Take a defensive stance if necessary or rush if the opportunity arises.

Final Thoughts

The Horse Clan offers an incredibly rewarding playstyle with smooth scaling, efficient forging, and powerful economic versatility. By following the outlined strategies and adjusting based on the game’s state, you can dominate any match while maintaining strong eco progression.

If you enjoyed this guide, feel free to check out my other content. Thanks for reading, and best of luck in your Northgard conquests!