SHOULD HE ALL-IN on PIKES?! Fix My Account #2 - Mazi

Summary

In this second “Fix My Account” episode, host MrSneakyy reviews Maze/Mazi’s Age of Empires Mobile account. Maze has focused on Pikemen Tacticians and is deciding what to build as a second formation, while avoiding a return to the popular Lu Bu setup.

Main recommendation: Build a second pikemen formation

• Aim for a strength-based second squad to complement the strategy-based Pikemen Tacticians. This helps the two formations avoid competing as heavily for the same types of gems.
• The account already has level 8 pikemen and substantial pikemen research, so another pikemen formation can benefit from existing technology without requiring extensive research into cavalry or swordsmen.
• Given Maze’s preferences and current account, the suggested route is to develop combat/warrior pikemen rather than invest further in Lu Bu.
• Pikemen Warriors are not developed enough to be the immediate choice. The advice is to build a practical pikemen formation now rather than wait for a future hero. Waiting could make sense for other accounts with stronger starting heroes, such as a three-star Mansa Musa.

Heroes, skills, and formation choices

• Ragnar is recommended as the primary hero for the combat-pikemen formation. His turn-based skill triggers pair well with Otto and help address the formation’s slower damage output.
• Keep the current Ragnar–Otto setup rather than bringing back Ramses II. Ramses provides attributes, while Otto contributes more direct damage. Ragnar also helps Otto trigger his skills more often.
• If Lu Bu will not be used, reallocate his available skill scrolls to maximize the two pikemen formations Maze intends to play. The goal is to get both squads functioning at full capacity, while improving their equipment and rings over time.
• A future hero could eventually replace Otto, but that is speculative. The current recommendation is based on the heroes available now.

Archer alternative and its trade-offs

Maze also asks about using Attila and Lady Triệu to counter swordsmen.

• The host says Lady Triệu can be effective against swordsmen, and Maze’s five-star Attila is a strong foundation for this option.
• However, investing in this archer formation would create more competition for gems, particularly recovery and secondary-strike gems already needed by other heroes and formations.
• It could also make Maze a more obvious target for Lu Bu players. The archer route is viable, but it is a less convenient fit for the account’s current resources.

Ring advice and battlefield context

• The host advises keeping Skyward Knight, especially for its buffing role with Saint Louis, rather than discarding it.
• Maze is considering replacing Top of the Mountain with Raging Storm, also referred to as Swirling Tempest in the subtitles. The host considers this a reasonable defensive-ring-for-defensive-ring trade, particularly against Lu Bu and critical-hit damage.
• Before switching, Maze should account for the ring’s current low level and the materials or coins needed to build it up. The host notes that Raging Storm can offer damage reduction and added damage, and may also help against King Knud.
• Pikemen may struggle against certain matchups, especially Lu Bu and swordsmen, but can still perform in open-field fights, Wonders, and Battle for Dawn. A combat-pikemen formation can also add damage that helps Saint Louis reach the thresholds needed for his skills.

Featured gamers: MrSneakyy (host) and Maze/Mazi (guest). Steve is mentioned in the ring discussion but does not take part in the account review.