Lu Bu is a Legendary Leadership commander introduced to Rise of Kingdoms through the limited Dynasty Warriors 9 crossover. His kit focuses on multi-target skill damage, enemy Defense reduction, attacks against cities, general troop Attack, and increased troop capacity.
His active skill can hit up to three targets and reduce their Defense, making him useful as a secondary debuffer in older rally or field setups. However, Lu Bu has been surpassed by newer commanders in damage, durability, utility, and rally performance. Therefore, he should be treated as a niche legacy commander rather than a new investment priority.
Lu Bu is not worth a major Universal Legendary Sculpture investment for most players. If he is already unlocked, a 5-1-1-1 build provides his maximum standard Defense debuff at the lowest practical cost. Expertise improves the debuff further, but the sculpture cost is difficult to justify in a modern roster.
Lu Bu can still be used behind Mehmed II, Attila, Chandragupta Maurya, or another compatible rally leader. His pairing with Diaochan has direct skill synergy, although it has a much lower PvP ceiling.
Is Lu Bu Still Worth Investing In?
Lu Bu is no longer a recommended investment for most F2P players, low spenders, or accounts building their first competitive marches. His active Defense reduction remains useful, but his direct damage is low compared with modern commanders.
In addition, Horse of Horses only works against cities, Man of Men relies on a chance-based trigger, and Flying General mainly increases capacity rather than improving troop efficiency. Expertise strengthens Sky Piercer, but reaching 5-5-5-5 requires a large number of Legendary Sculptures.
| Player Type | Recommendation | Reason |
| F2P player with limited sculptures | Do not invest | Newer commanders offer much stronger long-term value. |
| Low spender building a first rally march | Choose another commander | Lu Bu is no longer competitive as the foundation of a modern rally. |
| Player with Lu Bu unlocked at 5-1-1-1 | Usable as a debuffer | Sky Piercer already provides its maximum standard 40% Defense reduction. |
| Player with expertised Lu Bu | Use selectively | Sky Scorcher provides a stronger three-target debuff for legacy marches. |
| Player with Mehmed II already developed | Situational legacy pairing | Both commanders support skill damage, Leadership, and structure attacks. |
| Player with Attila or Chandragupta | Possible rally support | Lu Bu can add Defense reduction behind a cavalry rally primary. |
| Sunset Canyon player | Usable if already developed | AOE, Defense reduction, and troop capacity can provide lineup utility. |
| Player without Lu Bu unlocked | Do not plan around him | His original acquisition was tied to a limited crossover event. |
Reasons to Use Lu Bu
- Sky Piercer can hit as many as three targets.
- His active skill reduces enemy Defense for three seconds.
- His skills do not require one specific troop type.
- Man of Men provides permanent troop Attack.
- Flying General increases both march and rally capacity.
- He has direct synergy with Diaochan.
- He can work as a secondary debuffer behind an older rally commander.
Reasons to Skip Lu Bu
- His direct skill damage is low by modern standards.
- Horse of Horses only works when attacking cities.
- Man of Men depends on a 10% normal-attack trigger.
- Diaochan improves his third skill but does not create a competitive late-game march.
- Flying General increases capacity without adding strong defensive statistics.
- He has no healing, strong damage reduction, or reliable control effect.
- His original crossover acquisition was limited.
- Modern rally and open-field commanders provide better value.
Lu Bu Quick Overview
| Attribute | Lu Bu |
| Nickname | The Powerful Demon God |
| Rarity | Legendary |
| Origin | China |
| Talent trees | Leadership, Conquering, and Skill |
| Main identity | Multi-target Defense debuffer and legacy rally commander |
| Best remaining use | Secondary rally debuffer, Canyon, or legacy field support |
| Main strength | Defense reduction against up to three targets |
| Main weakness | Low modern damage and limited durability |
| Troop restriction | None from Lu Bu’s own skills |
| Low-cost skill target | 5-1-1-1 |
| Acquisition | Originally released through a limited Dynasty Warriors 9 crossover |
How to Get Lu Bu in Rise of Kingdoms
Lu Bu was originally released during the limited Rise of Kingdoms and Dynasty Warriors 9 crossover. During that event, players could recruit him through the limited Powerful Demon God bundle.
He was not introduced as a normal Wheel of Fortune commander. Therefore, new players should not expect Lu Bu to appear in the regular Wheel rotation, daily chests, or standard Mightiest Governor schedule.
A future rerun or new acquisition method is possible, but it should not be assumed. Always check Lu Bu’s commander page and the active event interface for current availability.
What Existing Owners Should Check
- Confirm that Lu Bu is already unlocked on the account.
- Check whether the commander interface currently accepts Universal Legendary Sculptures.
- Review his current skill levels before using any sculptures.
- Do not expect the standard Wheel of Fortune to provide Lu Bu sculptures.
- Avoid planning a new march around a commander who may not be obtainable.
- Compare the sculpture cost with currently available commanders.
Best Lu Bu Skill Order
Sky Piercer should always reach level five before Lu Bu gains additional stars. It contains his multi-target damage and his most important Defense-reduction effect.
Afterward, the best stopping point depends on whether Lu Bu is being used as a low-cost secondary debuffer, a city attacker, or part of an existing legacy rally roster.
| Skill Target | Recommendation | Practical Meaning |
| 5-1-1-1 | Best low-cost target | Provides maximum standard active damage and 40% Defense reduction. |
| 5-5-1-1 | City-attack partial build | Adds the maximum 10% damage bonus against cities. |
| 5-1-5-1 | Field support target when controllable | Adds permanent Attack and the maximum chance-based Attack buff. |
| 5-5-5-1 | Legacy rally build | Maximizes his damage and Attack effects without paying for the final capacity skill. |
| 5-5-5-5 | Legacy expertise only | Unlocks Sky Scorcher with stronger damage and Defense reduction. |
Recommended Progression
- Keep Lu Bu at one star until Sky Piercer reaches level five.
- Stop at 5-1-1-1 when only his Defense debuff is needed.
- Improve Horse of Horses only for a real city-attacking role.
- Prioritize Man of Men for field, Canyon, or general combat.
- Improve Flying General when troop or rally capacity is important.
- Expertise Lu Bu only when he is already part of an established legacy roster.
Investment warning: Lu Bu’s expertise improves his best skill, but it does not fix his limited durability, low modern damage, or outdated rally role. Most accounts will gain more value by using Universal Legendary Sculptures on a current open-field, rally, or garrison commander.
Lu Bu Skills Explained
Sky Piercer
Skill type: Active
Rage requirement: 1,000
Sky Piercer deals direct damage to as many as three targets in a forward-facing fan. Every additional target reduces the damage dealt to each target by 15%.
Enemies hit by the attack also suffer reduced Defense for three seconds.
| Skill Level | Damage Factor | Defense Reduction |
| 1 | 400 | 20% |
| 2 | 500 | 25% |
| 3 | 600 | 30% |
| 4 | 700 | 35% |
| 5 | 800 | 40% |
The direct damage is modest. However, the 40% Defense reduction can help allied marches deal more damage during the three-second debuff window.
In open-field combat, position Lu Bu so the fan reaches several enemies. Against a city or alliance structure, the AOE component is less important because the rally normally attacks one main target.
Horse of Horses
Horse of Horses increases all damage dealt by Lu Bu’s troops while attacking another governor’s city.
| Skill Level | City-Attack Damage Bonus |
| 1 | 2% |
| 2 | 4% |
| 3 | 6% |
| 4 | 8% |
| 5 | 10% |
This skill does not improve ordinary open-field combat. It also should not be assumed to work against every alliance structure unless the current skill description explicitly includes that target type.
Consequently, field-focused players receive limited value from Horse of Horses.
Man of Men
Man of Men permanently increases the Attack of all troops led by Lu Bu. In addition, normal attacks have a 10% chance to provide a larger temporary Attack bonus for three seconds.
The triggered effect has a five-second cooldown. When Diaochan is included in the same march, the temporary Attack bonus becomes stronger.
| Skill Level | Permanent Attack | Triggered Attack | Triggered Attack with Diaochan |
| 1 | 3% | 30% | 50% |
| 2 | 6% | 40% | 65% |
| 3 | 9% | 50% | 80% |
| 4 | 12% | 65% | 100% |
| 5 | 15% | 80% | 120% |
The large percentages are temporary and chance-based. They are not permanent Attack increases.
Although Diaochan improves the triggered effect, pairing a low-priority Legendary commander with an Epic commander does not automatically create a strong competitive march.
Flying General
Flying General increases the troop capacity of Lu Bu’s march. When he launches a rally, it also increases the maximum capacity of the rallied army.
| Skill Level | Troop Capacity | Rallied Army Capacity |
| 1 | 2% | 2% |
| 2 | 4% | 4% |
| 3 | 6% | 6% |
| 4 | 8% | 8% |
| 5 | 10% | 10% |
Additional capacity increases total troop count, damage, and durability. Nevertheless, capacity alone does not make Lu Bu a competitive rally commander. Modern rallies also require strong skill damage, damage reduction, troop statistics, debuffs, and specialized rally mechanics.
Sky Scorcher
Sky Scorcher is Lu Bu’s expertise. It enhances Sky Piercer rather than creating a separate active or passive attack.
After expertise:
- Sky Piercer’s damage factor increases from 800 to 1,000.
- The maximum Defense reduction increases from 40% to 50%.
- The skill can still hit as many as three targets.
- Every additional target still reduces damage dealt by 15%.
- The Defense reduction still lasts for three seconds.
The 50% Defense reduction is Lu Bu’s strongest feature. Even so, the expertise cost is difficult to justify when stronger modern commanders are available.
Best Lu Bu Talent Tree
Talent correction: Lu Bu has Leadership, Conquering, and Skill talent trees. He does not have a Garrison talent tree. Therefore, the old “Garrison build” should be treated as a Leadership and Skill support build instead.
Only the primary commander’s talent tree applies. When Lu Bu is secondary, his skills activate normally, but none of his selected talents affect the march.
Lu Bu Rally and Conquering Talent Tree
Lu Bu’s Conquering and Skill build is intended for attacking cities or serving as the primary commander in a legacy rally. Prioritize talents that improve Rage generation, damage against garrisons, counterattack protection, and active-skill cycling.
Recommended Rally Talent Priorities
- Take Hidden Wrath. Additional starting Rage helps Lu Bu cast Sky Piercer sooner.
- Add Buckler Shield. Reduced counterattack damage improves rally durability.
- Use Moment of Triumph. It supports the beginning of a rally while troop strength remains high.
- Take Entrenched. It improves combat against garrisoned targets.
- Add Meteor Shower. This supports damage during structure attacks.
- Reach Rejuvenate. Rage restoration after an active skill helps Lu Bu cycle his debuff.
- Add Clarity. It improves subsequent skill damage after casting.
This talent route only applies when Lu Bu leads. In most practical pairings, another commander will provide a better primary talent tree.
Lu Bu Support and Field Talent Tree
For open-field support or Sunset Canyon, use Leadership and Skill talents rather than attempting to turn Lu Bu into a garrison commander.
Recommended Support Talent Priorities
- Take Rejuvenate. Faster active-skill cycles create more Defense-reduction windows.
- Add Clarity. It improves skill damage after Lu Bu casts Sky Piercer.
- Consider Feral Nature. Chance-based Rage generation can help him cast more frequently.
- Use Fresh Recruits. Extra troop capacity works with Flying General.
- Add Strategic Prowess. Temporary Defense after casting improves short-term durability.
- Consider Healing Herbs and Steely Soul. These provide limited sustain and control resistance.
- Use mixed-troop talents only when the troop composition supports them.
Lu Bu remains vulnerable in open field even with a defensive Leadership route. Position him behind stronger frontline marches and avoid prolonged focus.
Best Lu Bu Pairings
Lu Bu works best as a secondary commander behind a leader with stronger rally, troop-type, or general combat talents. His main contribution is the Defense reduction from Sky Piercer.
The following pairings are legacy or situational options. They should not be treated as the strongest current rally combinations.
| Pairing | Suggested Primary | Best Use | Main Advantage | Main Limitation |
| Mehmed II and Lu Bu | Mehmed II | Legacy rally, Canyon, or general skill march | Leadership synergy, skill damage, capacity, and Defense reduction | Both commanders have been surpassed in modern PvP |
| Attila and Lu Bu | Attila | Legacy cavalry rally support | Normal-attack pressure combined with Lu Bu’s Defense debuff | Lu Bu is weaker than Attila’s established secondary options |
| Chandragupta and Lu Bu | Chandragupta | Legacy cavalry rally | Cavalry rally statistics with additional Defense reduction | Outdated compared with newer cavalry rallies |
| Lu Bu and Diaochan | Build dependent | Thematic field or Canyon march | Direct Man of Men synergy and accessible secondary commander | Low modern damage and durability |
| Julius Caesar and Lu Bu | Build dependent | Early legacy mixed-troop march | General troop statistics, capacity, and debuffs | Very low late-game ceiling |
Mehmed II and Lu Bu
Mehmed II is one of Lu Bu’s more natural partners because both commanders have Leadership, Conquering, and Skill identities. Mehmed contributes active-skill damage, troop capacity, and structure-attack bonuses, while Lu Bu applies Defense reduction.
Mehmed should generally lead because his talent tree and Museum improvements can provide a more complete combat setup. This pairing is most useful for accounts that already developed both commanders.
Attila and Lu Bu
Attila can lead a full-cavalry rally while Lu Bu supplies an active Defense debuff. Attila’s normal-attack and counterattack pressure can benefit when the target’s Defense is reduced.
Nevertheless, Lu Bu is not Attila’s strongest traditional secondary. Use this setup only when stronger compatible commanders are unavailable or committed to other rallies.
Chandragupta Maurya and Lu Bu
Chandragupta provides cavalry rally statistics, damage effects, and target debuffs. Lu Bu then adds multi-target skill damage and Defense reduction.
The combination can function for an account that already owns both commanders. However, players should not build Chandragupta and Lu Bu from zero to create a modern rally march.
Lu Bu and Diaochan
Diaochan directly improves the temporary Attack bonus from Man of Men. She can also provide healing and additional damage through her own skills.
This pairing is thematically appropriate and can work in casual field combat or Canyon. Still, the synergy does not compensate for Lu Bu’s low modern investment value and Diaochan’s Epic-level combat ceiling.
Best Troops for Lu Bu
Lu Bu’s own skills do not require Infantry, Cavalry, Archers, or mixed troops. His troop composition should follow the primary commander, equipment set, and intended battle role.
When Paired With Attila or Chandragupta
Use full Cavalry because the primary commander’s skills and talents depend on Cavalry units. Adding other troop types can deactivate important cavalry bonuses.
When Paired With Mehmed II
Use the troop type supported by the account’s strongest equipment and technology. A mixed march is possible, but one dominant troop type usually makes equipment and armament optimization easier.
When Paired With Diaochan
Neither commander requires a specialized troop type. Therefore, use the account’s strongest available troops and equipment. Avoid mixing weak troop classes only for thematic reasons.
Rally Reinforcement Rule
When Lu Bu is secondary behind a specialized primary, every rally reinforcement should match the primary commander’s required troop type. Lu Bu’s flexible skills do not override the partner’s restrictions.
Best Equipment and Formation
Equipment Priorities
Lu Bu does not have a universal equipment set because he can lead several troop compositions. Equipment should support the dominant troop type used by the march.
Prioritize:
- Health for the dominant troop type
- Defense for the dominant troop type
- Skill damage or general damage
- Attack for the dominant troop type
- March Speed for field combat
- Rally damage and capacity effects for structure attacks
Health and Defense are especially important because Lu Bu has no strong healing or consistent damage-reduction skill.
Best Formation
Wedge is the safest general formation when Lu Bu is used for active-skill damage and Defense reduction. It supports Sky Piercer and works with skill-focused primary commanders such as Mehmed II.
However, Lu Bu often serves as a secondary commander. In that case, choose the formation that best supports the primary commander, troop type, equipment, armament attributes, and inscriptions.
Reviewing a legacy commander roster? Lu Bu’s value depends on whether he is already unlocked, his skill levels, his pairing, equipment, armaments, troop technology, and current kingdom. Players comparing available ROK accounts should evaluate the complete commander roster rather than treating a limited crossover commander as proof of competitive strength.
How to Use Lu Bu in PvP
Open-Field Support
Lu Bu performs best when allied marches can immediately take advantage of his Defense reduction. Use him near a coordinated group rather than sending him into isolated battles.
- Position Lu Bu behind durable frontline marches.
- Approach grouped enemy targets from an angle that supports the fan-shaped attack.
- Cast Sky Piercer before allied marches deliver their largest skills.
- Focus targets already being attacked by teammates.
- Avoid remaining exposed after the debuff expires.
- Retreat before the march takes inefficient hospital losses.
Supporting a Rally
Lu Bu can serve as the secondary commander inside an older rally. His main purpose is to reduce the target’s Defense so the primary commander and allied swarms deal more damage.
However, alliance leaders should compare him with every stronger secondary option. A useful debuff does not automatically compensate for low direct damage and weak defensive mechanics.
Sunset Canyon
Sunset Canyon is one of Lu Bu’s safer remaining uses because hospital costs do not apply. His AOE, Defense reduction, Attack bonuses, and troop capacity can support a Canyon lineup.
Place him behind a durable frontline and pair him with a commander that adds stronger damage, healing, control, or support.
Garrison Defense
Lu Bu is not a garrison commander. He does not have a Garrison talent tree and lacks structure-specific defensive skills.
Do not use the old Garrison-labeled talent build for city or structure defense. Use a dedicated garrison commander instead.
Lu Bu Strengths and Weaknesses
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Hits as many as three targets | Low direct damage factor |
| Applies strong Defense reduction | Debuff lasts only three seconds |
| Works with any troop type | Lacks troop-type specialization |
| Provides permanent troop Attack | Largest Attack effect is chance-based |
| Increases troop and rally capacity | Capacity does not replace durability or damage |
| Can support several legacy commanders | Limited crossover acquisition and low modern priority |
Players should compare Lu Bu with stronger alternatives in the Rise of Kingdoms commander tier list before spending Legendary Sculptures.
Common Lu Bu Mistakes
- Expecting Lu Bu from the Wheel of Fortune: He was released through a limited crossover event.
- Using a Garrison build: Lu Bu has no Garrison talent tree.
- Unlocking stars before maxing Sky Piercer: Always improve the first skill first.
- Calling Sky Scorcher a separate passive attack: It upgrades Sky Piercer.
- Using Lu Bu as a current top rally commander: His main role is now legacy support.
- Overvaluing the Diaochan bonus: A large temporary Attack percentage does not guarantee a competitive march.
- Ignoring target reduction: Every additional target reduces Sky Piercer’s damage by 15%.
- Expecting Horse of Horses to work everywhere: It is restricted to city attacks.
- Building only Attack: Lu Bu needs Health and Defense because he lacks reliable sustain.
- Mixing troops behind a specialized primary: Follow the partner’s troop requirements.
- Expertising him automatically: Compare the sculpture cost with modern commanders first.
- Using him as a standalone field march: He performs better when allies can exploit his debuff.
FAQ
Is Lu Bu still good in ROK?
Lu Bu is usable as a legacy debuffer, Canyon commander, or secondary in an older rally. However, he is no longer a priority investment for most modern accounts.
Is Lu Bu worth investing in?
Usually not with Universal Legendary Sculptures. A 5-1-1-1 Lu Bu already provides his maximum standard Defense reduction and is the safest stopping point for most existing owners.
What is the best Lu Bu talent tree?
Use Conquering and Skill talents for a legacy rally build. Use Leadership and Skill talents for support, open field, or Sunset Canyon. Lu Bu does not have a Garrison talent tree.
What is the best Lu Bu skill order?
Max Sky Piercer first. Stop at 5-1-1-1 for a low-cost debuffer. Improve Man of Men for field use and Horse of Horses for city attacks.
Who pairs best with Lu Bu?
Mehmed II is one of his most compatible general partners. Attila and Chandragupta can use Lu Bu as a legacy rally secondary, while Diaochan provides direct but lower-level synergy.
How do you unlock Lu Bu?
Lu Bu was originally obtained during the limited Dynasty Warriors 9 crossover through the Powerful Demon God bundle. He is not a standard Wheel of Fortune commander.
Does Lu Bu require a specific troop type?
No. His own skills work with any troop type. However, the primary commander may require full Cavalry, Infantry, Archers, or a particular mixed composition.
Is Lu Bu good with Diaochan?
Diaochan increases the temporary Attack bonus from Man of Men. The pairing is thematic and usable in casual content, but it is not a competitive late-game march.
Conclusion
Lu Bu has a clear identity as a multi-target Defense debuffer. Sky Piercer can hit up to three enemies, while Man of Men provides general troop Attack and Flying General increases troop and rally capacity.
Nevertheless, Lu Bu is now a low-priority legacy commander. His direct damage is modest, his city bonus has limited use, and his largest Attack effect depends on a chance-based trigger. Furthermore, his limited crossover acquisition makes him unavailable to many newer players.
Existing owners can stop at 5-1-1-1 and use Lu Bu as a secondary debuffer. Players who already expertised him can continue using Sky Scorcher in Canyon, legacy rallies, or coordinated field support.
When Lu Bu leads a rally, use Conquering and Skill talents. For support or Canyon, use Leadership and Skill. Do not use him as a garrison commander, and always follow the primary commander’s troop requirements.
Explore more commander builds, event strategies, progression advice, and account-development content in the Rise of Kingdoms guide collection.
