Commander Sculptures are one of the most important progression resources in Rise of Kingdoms. They summon commanders, upgrade commander skills, and eventually unlock Expertise for Epic and Legendary commanders.
A summoned Legendary commander requires 690 sculptures to max all four standard skills. A summoned Epic requires 440, an Elite requires 340, and an Advanced commander requires 240.
If the commander is still locked, you normally need 10 commander-specific sculptures to summon it first. Therefore, a Legendary commander requires 700 sculptures in total when counting the 10 used for summoning plus the 690 skill-upgrade sculptures.
ROK sculpture totals:
- Legendary: 690 after summoning / 700 including summon
- Epic: 440 after summoning / 450 including summon
- Elite: 340 after summoning / 350 including summon
- Advanced: 240 after summoning / 250 including summon
Do not spend Universal Legendary Sculptures simply because you have enough to upgrade a skill. First decide whether the commander fits your troop type, current season, and long-term pairing.
ROK Commander Sculpture Requirements
The amount required depends on commander rarity.
| Commander Rarity | To Summon | Skill Upgrades After Summoning | Total From Locked |
| Legendary | 10 specific sculptures | 690 | 700 |
| Epic | 10 specific sculptures | 440 | 450 |
| Elite | 10 specific sculptures | 340 | 350 |
| Advanced | 10 specific sculptures | 240 | 250 |
The summon cost and skill-upgrade cost should be kept separate when planning a commander.
For example, the commonly quoted 690 Legendary sculptures applies after the commander has already been summoned. If you begin with a completely locked commander, the 10 specific sculptures used to summon it are additional.
Important: Universal sculptures normally upgrade eligible commanders you already own. A locked commander generally needs its own commander-specific sculptures for summoning.
How Many Gold Heads Expertise a Legendary Commander?
690 skill-upgrade sculptures are required to take a summoned Legendary commander through all 16 standard skill upgrades.
Players commonly call Universal Legendary Commander Sculptures gold heads. However, you do not necessarily need 690 Universal gold heads yourself.
Commander-specific sculptures can also cover skill upgrades for that commander. Therefore, every specific sculpture you obtain can reduce the amount of Universal Legendary Sculptures needed.
For example, if you already have 200 usable specific sculptures for a summoned commander, up to 490 Universal Legendary Sculptures would cover the remaining 690-sculpture requirement.
Does 690 Include Summoning?
No. The 690 figure covers the 16 skill upgrades after a Legendary commander has been summoned.
From a completely locked commander, the basic calculation is:
- 10 commander-specific sculptures to summon
- 690 specific and/or eligible Universal Legendary Sculptures for skill upgrades
- 700 total sculptures from locked to fully skilled
How Many Sculptures Max an Epic Commander?
A summoned Epic commander requires 440 Epic sculptures to complete all 16 skill upgrades.
Including the 10 commander-specific sculptures normally required for summoning, the total becomes 450 sculptures from locked to fully skilled.
Epic sculptures are generally much easier to accumulate than Legendary gold heads. Consequently, new accounts can often Expertise important Epic commanders such as Sun Tzu, Baibars, Joan of Arc, or other useful Epics while protecting their Legendary sculpture reserve.
For help deciding which commanders deserve investment, use the Rise of Kingdoms Commander Tier List & Hub.
Legendary Sculpture Cost by Skill Upgrade
Each commander begins with four standard skills at level 1. Raising all four to level 5 requires 16 skill upgrades.
The sculpture cost increases as more upgrades are completed.
| Upgrade Number | Legendary Cost | Cumulative Legendary Cost |
| 1 | 10 | 10 |
| 2 | 10 | 20 |
| 3 | 15 | 35 |
| 4 | 15 | 50 |
| 5 | 30 | 80 |
| 6 | 30 | 110 |
| 7 | 40 | 150 |
| 8 | 40 | 190 |
| 9 | 45 | 235 |
| 10 | 45 | 280 |
| 11 | 50 | 330 |
| 12 | 50 | 380 |
| 13 | 75 | 455 |
| 14 | 75 | 530 |
| 15 | 80 | 610 |
| 16 | 80 | 690 |
What Do 50, 190, 380 and 690 Sculptures Mean?
These numbers are useful planning milestones:
- 50 sculptures: cost of the first 4 Legendary skill upgrades
- 190 sculptures: cumulative cost after 8 upgrades
- 380 sculptures: cumulative cost after 12 upgrades
- 690 sculptures: cumulative cost after all 16 upgrades
They are often associated with patterns such as 5-1-1-1, 5-5-1-1, and 5-5-5-1. However, those patterns should not be treated as automatically guaranteed simply because you spent the corresponding number of sculptures.
Once additional skills become available, the upgrade system can distribute upgrades among available non-maxed skills. Therefore, always check the individual commander’s recommended skill order and current skill-management options before increasing stars or spending sculptures.
Complete Sculpture Cost by Rarity
| Upgrade | Legendary | Epic | Elite | Advanced |
| 1 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 2 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 3 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 4 | 15 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
| 5 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
| 6 | 30 | 20 | 20 | 10 |
| 7 | 40 | 20 | 20 | 10 |
| 8 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 10 |
| 9 | 45 | 30 | 20 | 10 |
| 10 | 45 | 30 | 20 | 20 |
| 11 | 50 | 30 | 30 | 20 |
| 12 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 20 |
| 13 | 75 | 40 | 30 | 20 |
| 14 | 75 | 40 | 30 | 20 |
| 15 | 80 | 40 | 30 | 20 |
| 16 | 80 | 50 | 40 | 30 |
| Total | 690 | 440 | 340 | 240 |
Universal vs Commander-Specific Sculptures
Universal Commander Sculptures
Universal sculptures can be converted for use on eligible commanders of the corresponding rarity that you already own.
- Universal Legendary Sculptures: commonly called gold heads
- Universal Epic Sculptures: used for eligible Epic commanders
- Universal Elite Sculptures: used for eligible Elite commanders
- Universal Advanced Sculptures: used for eligible Advanced commanders
Universal Legendary Sculptures are especially valuable because they let you choose between many eligible Legendary investments.
Not Every Legendary Accepts Universal Gold Heads
Some commanders are exceptions to the normal Universal Legendary Sculpture system.
For example, commanders such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Æthelflæd, and Hannibal Barca use their own acquisition systems rather than normal Universal Legendary Sculptures.
Therefore, check the commander before assuming a stockpile of gold heads can be used on them.
Commander-Specific Sculptures
Specific sculptures show one commander’s portrait and can only be used for that commander.
They normally serve two purposes:
- Summoning the locked commander
- Upgrading that commander’s skills after summoning
Specific sculptures can be extremely valuable because every one used on your planned commander preserves a Universal Sculpture for another investment.
Commander Sculptures vs Starlight Sculptures
Several progression items affect commanders, but they do completely different jobs.
| Progression Item | Purpose |
| Commander Sculptures | Summon commanders and upgrade skills |
| Starlight Sculptures | Increase commander stars and unlock additional skill slots |
| Tomes of Knowledge | Increase commander XP and level |
| Talent Points | Develop the primary commander’s talent tree |
Expertise refers to maxing all four standard skills on an Epic or Legendary commander and activating the resulting Expertise effect. It does not mean reaching Level 60 or six stars.
For XP, star progression, Barbarians, Guardians, and Tomes, use the Rise of Kingdoms Commander Leveling Guide.
Best Ways to Get Universal Legendary Sculptures
Gold heads are intentionally scarce. Therefore, the best strategy is to collect them consistently from several systems instead of relying on one event.
VIP Daily Chest
VIP provides one of the most predictable long-term Universal Legendary Sculpture sources.
| VIP Level | Daily Universal Legendary Sculptures |
| VIP 10 | 1 per day |
| VIP 12 | 2 per day |
| VIP 14 | 3 per day |
This is why VIP 10 is an important long-term account milestone. Once reached, every claimed daily chest contributes toward future Legendary commander development.
Ark of Osiris
Ark of Osiris can provide Universal Legendary Sculptures through its reward systems.
However, exact rewards depend on the current event structure and results. Therefore, check the active reward preview rather than relying on an old fixed number.
Lost Kingdom and Seasonal Activities
KvK and seasonal progression can provide Legendary Sculptures through achievements, rankings, milestone systems, or other seasonal rewards.
Nevertheless, do not spend a huge amount of healing speedups, Action Points, resources, or Gems solely to chase a small number of sculptures. Compare them against the complete KvK reward package.
More Than Gems
More Than Gems can add Universal Legendary Sculptures to Gem spending you already intended to make.
That makes the event particularly useful when your planned purchase is something with long-term value, such as VIP progression.
For exact milestones and event planning, use the Rise of Kingdoms More Than Gems Guide rather than duplicating the complete event strategy here.
Events and Progression Rewards
Recurring and seasonal events can include Universal Legendary Sculptures in milestone or ranking rewards.
Because event reward tables change, check the active event interface before committing large reserves.
Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune can provide commander-specific sculptures for featured commanders as well as Universal Legendary Sculptures among its reward systems.
However, Wheel strategy depends heavily on whether you only need the summon or intend to develop the commander further.
For spin strategy and Gem planning, see the Rise of Kingdoms Wheel of Fortune Guide.
Best Ways to Get Commander-Specific Sculptures
Specific sculptures are often the most efficient way to develop a commander because they preserve Universal Sculptures.
Mightiest Governor Event
The Mightiest Governor Event can award commander-specific Legendary sculptures through ranking rewards for the featured commander.
Competition can be expensive, though. Many kingdoms also organize rankings or impose score rules. Therefore, check kingdom instructions before using large quantities of speedups or combat resources.
Use the Rise of Kingdoms Mightiest Governor Guide for the dedicated event strategy.
Wheel of Fortune
Featured Wheel commanders can be unlocked and developed using commander-specific sculptures obtained during the event.
Decide whether you only need 10 sculptures for the summon or whether the commander is important enough to justify a larger Gem investment.
Gold Chests and Tavern Pools
Gold Chests can provide commander sculptures from the Tavern’s current reward pool.
However, not every Legendary commander is available through Gold Chests. Wheel, Mightiest Governor, Expedition, VIP-exclusive, and other specialist commanders can follow different acquisition systems.
Therefore, do not assume Golden Keys will eventually develop every Legendary commander.
Expedition
Expedition is particularly useful for commander progression tied to its reward and shop systems.
For example, Æthelflæd uses her own specific sculptures rather than Universal Legendary gold heads. Constance and other lower-rarity commanders can also be developed through Expedition-related rewards.
Card King and Rotating Events
Card King and other rotating systems can offer specific commander sculptures depending on kingdom age and the active commander pool.
Availability changes, so check the current event before building your investment plan around a specific commander.
Paid Ways to Get Commander Sculptures
Some in-game bundles and reward tracks include Universal or commander-specific sculptures.
Availability, price, and contents can change. Consequently, compare the complete bundle rather than judging it only by the number of sculptures.
A commander-specific sculpture also has limited value if you do not intend to use that commander.
How F2P Players Should Spend Gold Heads
For free-to-play players, the biggest challenge is usually not earning the first few gold heads. It is avoiding a weak investment after months of saving.
- Choose your troop direction. Determine whether Infantry, Cavalry, Archers, or another role best matches your account.
- Check your kingdom stage. Early-game and Season of Conquest investments are very different.
- Choose a complete pairing. A strong primary without a suitable secondary may provide limited value.
- Determine the required skill target. Some commanders need Expertise while others can work before it.
- Count specific sculptures first. Subtract naturally obtainable specific sculptures from your Universal requirement.
- Check equipment and Armaments. Do not build a troop type your account cannot properly support.
- Consider upcoming commanders. Saving is often better than forcing an uncertain investment.
- Finish useful projects. Avoid leaving several Legendary commanders halfway developed.
Comparing developed commander rosters? When reviewing Rise of Kingdoms accounts for sale, compare expertised commander pairings, unused Universal Legendary Sculptures, equipment, Armaments, Formations, troop technology, VIP, migration eligibility, resources, and kingdom status instead of evaluating the account from one maxed commander.
Should You Expertise Every Legendary Commander?
No. Legendary rarity does not automatically justify a 690-sculpture investment.
Some commanders gain most of their useful value from their first skills. Others depend strongly on the fourth skill or Expertise.
| Investment Approach | When It Can Make Sense |
| First skill focus | The commander’s main early value comes from Skill 1 |
| Partial build | Important early skills provide enough value for the intended role |
| Near-full build | Three skills are essential while the remaining effect provides lower priority |
| Expertise | The fourth skill or Expertise materially improves the commander’s core role |
Do not copy an old 5-5-1-1 recommendation without checking the commander’s current guide. Newer commanders can have very different skill interactions and investment requirements.
If you have already selected the commander but still need the best partner, use the Rise of Kingdoms Commander Pairings Guide.
How Long Does It Take to Save 690 Gold Heads?
The answer depends heavily on VIP level, Ark participation, KvK performance, events, spending, and how consistently you claim rewards.
However, the VIP daily chest illustrates why long-term milestones matter.
| VIP | Gold Heads per Day | Gold Heads per 30 Days |
| VIP 10 | 1 | 30 |
| VIP 12 | 2 | 60 |
| VIP 14 | 3 | 90 |
Those numbers exclude Ark, events, KvK, Wheel rewards, specific sculptures, and other sources. Therefore, actual progress can be faster.
The broader lesson is more important: reaching reliable recurring sculpture sources compounds over time.
Common Commander Sculpture Mistakes
- Thinking 690 includes summoning: a locked Legendary also needs 10 specific sculptures to summon.
- Treating 190 sculptures as a guaranteed 5-5-1-1: cumulative cost and actual skill distribution are not always the same thing.
- Spending gold heads immediately: Universal Sculptures do not need to be used simply because they are available.
- Unlocking additional skills without a plan: check the commander’s skill order first.
- Building several unfinished Legendaries: complete useful pairings instead.
- Using Universal heads when specific sculptures are readily available: preserve flexible resources whenever practical.
- Assuming every commander accepts gold heads: some commanders use special acquisition systems.
- Ignoring the kingdom season: a strong early commander may be a weak fresh investment in Season of Conquest.
- Ignoring pairings: a strong commander still needs a useful partner.
- Investing in rally or garrison specialists you never use: role matters as much as tier.
- Following an old stopping point forever: current commander design can change what skill level is worthwhile.
- Judging paid bundles only by sculpture count: compare the complete contents and whether you actually need that commander.
FAQ
How many sculptures max a Legendary commander?
A summoned Legendary commander needs 690 sculptures to complete all 16 standard skill upgrades. A locked commander normally also needs 10 specific sculptures for summoning, making 700 total from locked.
How many gold heads expertise a Legendary commander?
You may need up to 690 Universal Legendary Sculptures after summoning if you have no usable commander-specific sculptures. Specific sculptures reduce the Universal amount required.
Does 690 include summoning?
No. The 690 sculptures cover skill upgrades after the commander is summoned. Summoning normally requires 10 commander-specific sculptures separately.
How many sculptures max an Epic commander?
A summoned Epic requires 440 sculptures for all skill upgrades. Including 10 specific sculptures for summoning produces a 450-sculpture total from locked.
Does 190 sculptures always give 5-5-1-1?
No. 190 is the cumulative Legendary cost after eight skill upgrades. The final distribution depends on which skills are unlocked and how the upgrades are assigned.
What is the difference between Universal and specific sculptures?
Universal sculptures can be used on eligible owned commanders of the matching rarity. Specific sculptures can only be used for the commander shown on the item and are normally required to summon that commander.
Can Universal Legendary Sculptures summon a locked commander?
Normally, no. You first need the required commander-specific sculptures to summon the commander. Afterward, eligible Universal Legendary Sculptures can be used for skill upgrades.
Can I use gold heads on Æthelflæd or Minamoto?
No. Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Æthelflæd, Hannibal Barca, and certain other exception cases use their own acquisition systems instead of standard Universal Legendary Sculptures.
How many gold heads do VIP 10, VIP 12 and VIP 14 give?
VIP 10 gives one Universal Legendary Sculpture per day, VIP 12 gives two, and VIP 14 gives three through the daily chest.
What is the best way to get gold heads?
Build several recurring sources together. VIP daily rewards, Ark of Osiris, events, Lost Kingdom activities, Wheel rewards, and other milestone systems can all contribute over time.
Should F2P players expertise every Legendary commander?
No. F2P players should normally concentrate Universal Legendary Sculptures into commanders that improve a complete long-term march and fit their troop specialization.
Conclusion
A summoned Legendary commander requires 690 sculptures to complete all standard skill upgrades. A summoned Epic requires 440, an Elite requires 340, and an Advanced commander requires 240.
When summoning is included, the basic totals become 700 for Legendary, 450 for Epic, 350 for Elite, and 250 for Advanced commanders because the initial summon normally requires 10 commander-specific sculptures.
However, knowing the total cost is only the beginning. Universal Legendary Sculptures are scarce enough that the commander, troop type, pairing, kingdom season, equipment, and required skill target should all be decided before spending them.
Use specific sculptures whenever they support a commander you genuinely plan to build. Meanwhile, increase predictable long-term sources such as VIP and collect additional gold heads through suitable events and seasonal activities.
Most importantly, do not let a stockpile of gold heads force an investment. Saving 690 sculptures for the right commander is generally better than spending 300 on a commander that leaves your main march shortly afterward.
Not sure who deserves your sculptures? Return to the Rise of Kingdoms Commander Tier List & Hub.
Explore more commander builds, pairings, events, progression strategies, and KvK guides in the Rise of Kingdoms guide collection.
