Assassin's Creed Odyssey Conquest Battles Guide Dominate Ancient Greece

Conquest Battles are a major gameplay element in Assassin's Creed Odyssey, offering players the chance to participate in large-scale conflicts between Athens and Sparta for control of various regions in Ancient Greece. These battles are not only a thrilling spectacle but also a crucial way to earn rewards, influence the game world, and immerse yourself in the Peloponnesian War. This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of Conquest Battles, providing you with the knowledge and strategies to emerge victorious.

Understanding Conquest Battles: A Deep Dive into the Peloponnesian War

In Assassin's Creed Odyssey, conquest battles represent the dynamic power struggle between Athens and Sparta, the two dominant city-states vying for control of Greece. These battles are more than just simple skirmishes; they are large-scale engagements that involve hundreds of soldiers, archers, and even powerful commanders. Understanding the mechanics and nuances of conquest battles is essential for players who want to influence the game world and reap the rewards of victory. Each region in the game is controlled by either Athens or Sparta, and the balance of power can shift as players complete quests, eliminate enemy leaders, and participate in these epic conflicts. Conquest battles become available when a region's control is weakened, providing players with the opportunity to tip the scales in favor of their chosen side. By understanding the intricacies of these battles, players can strategically engage in conflicts that align with their goals, whether it's supporting a particular faction, earning valuable loot, or simply experiencing the thrill of large-scale combat. The engagement in conquest battles adds a layer of strategic depth to the game, allowing players to shape the political landscape of ancient Greece.

How Conquest Battles Work: Triggering and Participating

To initiate a conquest battle, you must first weaken the controlling faction in a region. This is achieved by completing various activities such as destroying war supplies, eliminating enemy soldiers and captains, and assassinating the region's leader. As you undermine the controlling faction's power, the region's stability will decrease, eventually making it vulnerable to a conquest battle. Once the region is vulnerable, a quest marker will appear, indicating the availability of the battle. Players can then choose to support either the attacking or defending side, each offering unique challenges and rewards. Participating in conquest battles is not just about brute force; it requires strategic thinking and tactical execution. Before engaging, players should assess the battlefield, identify key objectives, and coordinate their actions with their allies. Whether you prefer a stealthy approach, focusing on eliminating high-value targets, or a more direct assault, leading the charge against the enemy ranks, conquest battles offer a variety of playstyles. The decision of which side to support can also have significant consequences, influencing the overall narrative and the player's relationships with different factions. Engaging in conquest battles is a dynamic and rewarding experience, allowing players to actively shape the outcome of the Peloponnesian War and leave their mark on the ancient world.

Choosing a Side: Attackers vs. Defenders

When a conquest battle becomes available, players face a crucial decision: which side to support? The attacking side is typically the faction seeking to take control of the region, while the defending side is the faction currently in power. Each side offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the choice can significantly impact the difficulty and rewards of the battle. Supporting the attacking side often means facing a more challenging fight, as you'll be up against a fortified enemy with defensive structures and reinforcements. However, victory as an attacker can yield greater rewards, including better loot and a larger influence over the region. On the other hand, defending a region can be strategically advantageous, allowing players to utilize defensive positions and wear down the enemy. Defending also provides the opportunity to protect valuable assets and prevent the region from falling under enemy control. The choice between attacking and defending in conquest battles is not merely a matter of preference; it's a strategic decision that should be based on the player's strengths, the available resources, and the overall goals within the game. Some players may prefer the aggressive approach of leading an assault, while others may excel at tactical defense. Understanding the nuances of each side is key to maximizing your effectiveness in conquest battles and ensuring victory.

Preparing for Battle: Gear, Abilities, and Strategies

Before charging into a conquest battle, proper preparation is key to ensuring victory. This involves optimizing your gear, selecting the right abilities, and developing effective strategies to overcome the enemy. A well-equipped and skilled warrior has a much higher chance of success in the chaos of battle. The first step in preparing for a conquest battle is to ensure that your gear is up to par. This includes your weapons, armor, and engravings. Choose weapons that complement your playstyle, whether it's a fast-attacking sword, a heavy-hitting axe, or a versatile spear. Armor should be selected based on its defensive stats and any special bonuses it provides. Engravings can further enhance your gear, adding extra damage, defense, or other beneficial effects. In addition to gear, your character's abilities play a crucial role in conquest battles. Select abilities that provide a mix of offensive power, defensive capabilities, and crowd control. Warrior abilities are excellent for dealing damage in close combat, while Hunter abilities offer ranged attacks and tactical advantages. Assassin abilities can be used for stealthy approaches and eliminating high-value targets. Developing effective strategies is also essential for success in conquest battles. This includes understanding the battlefield, identifying key objectives, and coordinating your actions with your allies. Whether you prefer a direct assault, a stealthy approach, or a combination of both, having a plan will significantly improve your chances of victory. Remember, preparation is not just about equipping yourself with the best gear; it's about understanding the battle and developing a strategy that leverages your strengths and exploits the enemy's weaknesses.

Gear and Weapon Optimization: Maximizing Your Combat Effectiveness

Optimizing your gear and weapons is a crucial aspect of preparing for conquest battles. Your equipment directly impacts your combat effectiveness, determining your damage output, survivability, and overall performance on the battlefield. A well-optimized loadout can make the difference between victory and defeat. When selecting gear for conquest battles, consider the various stats and bonuses offered by different items. Weapons should be chosen based on your preferred playstyle and the types of enemies you expect to encounter. Swords are versatile and offer a good balance of speed and damage, while axes are powerful but slower. Spears provide a longer reach and are effective against multiple enemies, and daggers are ideal for stealthy approaches. Armor should be selected based on its defensive stats, such as armor rating and resistance to different types of damage. Additionally, consider the special bonuses offered by certain armor sets, which can provide significant advantages in combat. Engravings are another important aspect of gear optimization. These modifications can be applied to weapons and armor to further enhance their stats and provide additional bonuses. Choose engravings that complement your playstyle and address any weaknesses in your build. For example, if you're using a weapon with low critical hit chance, you might add an engraving that increases critical hit chance. Regularly upgrading your gear is also essential. As you progress through the game, you'll find higher-level items that offer better stats and bonuses. Don't hesitate to replace your old gear with new equipment, and make sure to keep your weapons and armor upgraded at the blacksmith. By carefully optimizing your gear and weapons, you can significantly increase your combat effectiveness in conquest battles and ensure that you're always ready for a fight.

Ability Selection: Choosing the Right Skills for the Battlefield

Selecting the right abilities is just as important as having the right gear when preparing for conquest battles. Your abilities define your combat style and provide you with the tools to deal with various situations on the battlefield. Choosing abilities that complement your playstyle and strategy is essential for success. In Assassin's Creed Odyssey, there are three main skill trees: Warrior, Hunter, and Assassin. Each skill tree offers a unique set of abilities that cater to different playstyles. Warrior abilities are focused on melee combat, providing skills that enhance your damage output, defense, and crowd control. Hunter abilities are geared towards ranged combat, offering skills that improve your archery, stealth, and tactical awareness. Assassin abilities are designed for stealthy approaches and eliminating high-value targets, providing skills that enhance your assassination damage and mobility. When selecting abilities for conquest battles, consider the balance between offense, defense, and utility. You'll want to have abilities that allow you to deal significant damage to enemies, protect yourself from harm, and control the flow of battle. Some essential abilities for conquest battles include Second Wind, which allows you to regenerate health, Overpower Attacks, which deal massive damage to a single target, and Ring of Chaos, which creates an area of effect explosion that damages and stuns enemies. Also, consider the specific challenges of conquest battles when choosing your abilities. These battles often involve fighting large groups of enemies, so abilities that provide crowd control, such as Spartan Kick and Bull Rush, can be particularly effective. Additionally, abilities that enhance your mobility, such as Heroic Strike and Rush Assassination, can help you navigate the battlefield and eliminate key targets. Experiment with different ability combinations to find what works best for you. Resetting your abilities is relatively inexpensive, so don't be afraid to try out different builds and see what suits your playstyle and the challenges of conquest battles.

Battle Strategies and Tactics: Winning the War

Developing effective battle strategies and tactics is paramount to securing victory in conquest battles. These large-scale engagements require more than just brute force; they demand strategic thinking, tactical execution, and adaptability. A well-thought-out plan can turn the tide of battle and lead your side to triumph. Before engaging in a conquest battle, take the time to assess the battlefield and identify key objectives. This includes understanding the terrain, locating enemy strongholds, and identifying high-value targets, such as captains and commanders. Use your surroundings to your advantage, utilizing cover, flanking routes, and elevated positions to gain a tactical edge. One crucial tactic in conquest battles is to focus on eliminating enemy captains and commanders. These high-ranking officers have a significant impact on the morale of their troops, and their deaths can quickly shift the momentum of the battle. Use your assassination skills to take out these targets stealthily, or engage them directly with your strongest combat abilities. Another effective strategy is to control key strategic points on the battlefield. These might include fortified positions, supply depots, or chokepoints. By securing these locations, you can control the flow of battle and limit the enemy's movements. Coordinate your actions with your allies to maximize your effectiveness. Communicate with your fellow soldiers, share information, and work together to achieve common goals. A well-coordinated team is much more effective than a group of individuals acting alone. Adapt your tactics to the situation. Conquest battles are dynamic and unpredictable, and the situation can change rapidly. Be prepared to adjust your strategy as needed, whether it's switching from a defensive to an offensive approach or focusing on a different objective. By developing effective battle strategies and tactics, you can significantly increase your chances of success in conquest battles and emerge as a victor on the battlefield.

The Heat of Battle: Gameplay Mechanics and Objectives

Once you're on the battlefield, understanding the gameplay mechanics and objectives of conquest battles is crucial for success. These battles are chaotic and intense, but by knowing what to expect and how to achieve your goals, you can effectively contribute to your side's victory. Conquest battles are essentially large-scale team deathmatches, with each side vying to deplete the other's forces. However, there are also specific objectives that can significantly impact the outcome of the battle. The primary objective in conquest battles is to reduce the enemy's army strength to zero. This is achieved by killing enemy soldiers, captains, and commanders. Each kill contributes to the depletion of the enemy's overall strength, and the side that reaches zero first loses the battle. However, simply running around and killing enemies is not always the most effective strategy. There are also secondary objectives that can provide significant advantages, such as capturing strategic points, destroying enemy war supplies, and eliminating high-value targets. Capturing strategic points provides your side with defensive positions and can limit the enemy's movements. Destroying enemy war supplies weakens their forces and reduces their overall strength. Eliminating high-value targets, such as captains and commanders, can significantly impact the morale of the enemy troops and shift the momentum of the battle. Pay attention to the battlefield and adapt your tactics to the situation. Conquest battles are dynamic and unpredictable, and the optimal strategy can change rapidly. Be prepared to switch between offensive and defensive maneuvers, and coordinate your actions with your allies to achieve your goals. Also, be mindful of your own health and resources. Conquest battles can be long and grueling, and it's important to manage your health and adrenaline effectively. Use abilities like Second Wind to heal yourself, and conserve your adrenaline for critical moments. By understanding the gameplay mechanics and objectives of conquest battles, you can maximize your effectiveness and contribute to your side's victory.

Key Objectives: Depleting Enemy Forces and Capturing Strategic Points

In the heat of a conquest battle, focusing on key objectives is essential for victory. While simply defeating enemies is important, strategically targeting specific goals can significantly accelerate your progress and ensure your side's triumph. Two primary objectives stand out in conquest battles: depleting enemy forces and capturing strategic points. The most straightforward objective in conquest battles is to reduce the enemy's army strength to zero. This is primarily achieved by eliminating enemy soldiers, captains, and commanders. Each kill contributes to the depletion of the enemy's overall strength, and the side that reaches zero first loses the battle. However, it's important to note that not all kills are created equal. Eliminating high-value targets, such as captains and commanders, has a much greater impact on the enemy's strength than killing regular soldiers. These officers have a significant influence on the morale of their troops, and their deaths can quickly demoralize the enemy and shift the momentum of the battle. Capturing strategic points is another crucial objective in conquest battles. These points are typically located in key areas of the battlefield, such as fortified positions, supply depots, or chokepoints. Controlling these points provides your side with several advantages, including defensive positions, access to resources, and control over the flow of battle. Capturing a strategic point typically involves defeating the enemy soldiers stationed there and raising your faction's banner. Once a point is captured, it will provide a safe haven for your troops and a strategic advantage in the battle. Coordinating your actions with your allies is essential for achieving these objectives. Communicate with your fellow soldiers, share information, and work together to target key enemies and capture strategic points. A well-coordinated team can quickly deplete the enemy's forces and control the battlefield, leading to victory in the conquest battle.

Combat Tactics: Melee, Ranged, and Stealth Approaches

During a conquest battle players have multiple options for engaging enemies. Effective combat tactics are essential for surviving and thriving. Assassin's Creed Odyssey offers a versatile combat system that allows for a variety of approaches, including melee, ranged, and stealth. Mastering these different styles can give you a significant advantage on the battlefield. Melee combat is the most direct approach in conquest battles, involving close-quarters engagements with swords, spears, axes, and other melee weapons. This style is ideal for players who enjoy fast-paced action and direct confrontations. In melee combat, timing and positioning are crucial. Use dodges and parries to avoid enemy attacks, and strike when they are vulnerable. Different weapons have different attack speeds and damage outputs, so choose the weapon that best suits your playstyle. Ranged combat offers a safer and more strategic approach to conquest battles. By using bows and arrows, you can engage enemies from a distance, avoiding the chaos of melee combat. Ranged combat is particularly effective against heavily armored enemies or those who are difficult to approach directly. To excel in ranged combat, you'll need to master aiming and timing. Headshots deal significantly more damage, so try to aim for the head whenever possible. Also, be aware of your surroundings and use cover to avoid enemy fire. Stealth is a powerful tactic in conquest battles, allowing you to eliminate enemies silently and avoid direct confrontations. This approach is ideal for players who prefer a more methodical and strategic playstyle. Stealth tactics involve using cover, shadows, and distractions to move undetected through the battlefield. You can assassinate enemies from behind or from above, dealing massive damage and eliminating them instantly. Stealth is particularly effective against high-value targets, such as captains and commanders. By using a combination of melee, ranged, and stealth tactics, you can adapt to any situation and maximize your effectiveness in conquest battles. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you, and don't be afraid to switch tactics mid-battle as needed. A versatile combat style will make you a formidable force on the battlefield.

Managing Morale and Health: Staying Alive and Fighting Strong

In the intense chaos of conquest battles, managing your morale and health is crucial for survival and sustained combat effectiveness. A fallen warrior contributes nothing to the cause, so staying alive and fighting strong is paramount to securing victory. Morale in conquest battles is represented by your character's adrenaline meter. Adrenaline is generated by dealing damage to enemies and is consumed by using special abilities. Running out of adrenaline can significantly reduce your combat effectiveness, as you'll be unable to use your most powerful skills. To manage your adrenaline effectively, use your abilities judiciously and focus on dealing consistent damage to enemies. Also, be aware of abilities that generate adrenaline, such as Second Wind, which can provide a much-needed boost in the heat of battle. Health is another critical factor in conquest battles. Taking too much damage can quickly lead to your demise, so it's important to protect yourself and manage your health effectively. Use dodges and parries to avoid enemy attacks, and prioritize targets that pose the greatest threat. When your health is low, use abilities like Second Wind to regenerate health, or seek out cover to recover. Also, be aware of environmental hazards, such as fire and poison, which can quickly drain your health. In addition to your own morale and health, it's also important to consider the morale of your allies. The overall morale of your side can significantly impact the outcome of the battle, and a demoralized army is more likely to lose. Support your allies by healing them, reviving them, and providing cover fire. Also, focus on eliminating high-value targets, such as enemy captains and commanders, whose deaths can significantly demoralize the enemy troops. By carefully managing your morale and health, you can stay alive and fighting strong throughout conquest battles, contributing to your side's victory.

Rewards and Consequences: Loot, Influence, and the Changing World

Participating in conquest battles in Assassin's Creed Odyssey offers significant rewards, but it also comes with consequences that can shape the game world. Winning a battle can grant you valuable loot, increase your influence in the region, and alter the political landscape. Understanding these rewards and consequences is essential for making informed decisions about when and where to engage in conquest battles. The most immediate reward for winning a conquest battle is loot. You'll receive a variety of items, including weapons, armor, resources, and drachmae (the game's currency). The quality and quantity of the loot you receive will depend on the difficulty of the battle and your performance. High-level battles and exceptional performances will yield the best rewards. Influence is another significant reward for participating in conquest battles. By supporting a particular faction, you can increase their influence in the region. This can lead to various benefits, such as access to new quests, discounts at local shops, and improved relations with faction leaders. The political landscape of the game world is also affected by conquest battles. When a region changes hands, the controlling faction's banner will fly over the region, and the local economy and politics will shift accordingly. This can have a ripple effect throughout the game world, impacting your relationships with different factions and opening up new opportunities and challenges. However, there are also consequences to consider. Losing a conquest battle can result in a loss of influence, reduced access to resources, and negative repercussions from the victorious faction. It's important to weigh the risks and rewards before engaging in a battle and to choose your side carefully. In addition to the immediate rewards and consequences, participating in conquest battles also provides a unique opportunity to experience the scale and intensity of the Peloponnesian War. These battles are a thrilling spectacle, and they offer a chance to immerse yourself in the history and politics of ancient Greece. By understanding the rewards and consequences of conquest battles, you can make strategic decisions that benefit your character and shape the game world.

Loot and Resources: Gaining Valuable Rewards

One of the primary incentives for participating in conquest battles is the valuable loot and resources you can gain. These rewards can significantly enhance your character's capabilities, allowing you to upgrade your gear, craft new items, and progress through the game more effectively. The loot you receive from conquest battles typically includes weapons, armor, and other gear. The quality of the loot is often determined by the difficulty of the battle and your performance. Higher-level battles and exceptional performances tend to yield better rewards, such as rare or epic items with superior stats and bonuses. In addition to gear, conquest battles also provide valuable resources. These resources can be used for crafting new items, upgrading existing gear, and purchasing goods from merchants. Common resources include wood, metal, leather, and precious gems. More specialized resources, such as Ancient Tablets and Orichalcum, can also be obtained from conquest battles, and these are often required for crafting the most powerful items in the game. The drachmae (the game's currency) is another important reward for participating in conquest battles. Drachmae can be used to purchase gear, resources, and other items from merchants, as well as to pay for ship upgrades and mercenary bounties. The amount of drachmae you receive from a conquest battle depends on the difficulty of the battle and your performance. Managing your inventory effectively is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the loot and resources you gain from conquest battles. Regularly sell or dismantle unwanted items to free up space, and store valuable resources in your ship's cargo hold. Also, be mindful of the weight of your gear, as carrying too much weight can slow you down and reduce your combat effectiveness. By strategically participating in conquest battles and managing your inventory effectively, you can accumulate a wealth of valuable loot and resources that will aid you on your journey through ancient Greece.

Influence and Faction Control: Shaping the Political Landscape

Participating in conquest battles not only provides immediate rewards but also allows you to exert influence and shape the political landscape of Assassin's Creed Odyssey. By choosing sides in these battles, you can impact which faction controls a region, leading to lasting consequences and altering the game world. Influence is a key concept in conquest battles. Each region in the game is controlled by either Athens or Sparta, and the balance of power can shift as you complete quests, eliminate enemy leaders, and participate in battles. By supporting a particular faction in a conquest battle, you can increase their influence in the region. This can lead to various benefits, such as access to new quests, discounts at local shops, and improved relations with faction leaders. The political landscape of the game world is directly affected by conquest battles. When a region changes hands, the controlling faction's banner will fly over the region, and the local economy and politics will shift accordingly. This can have a ripple effect throughout the game world, impacting your relationships with different factions and opening up new opportunities and challenges. For example, if you support Athens in a conquest battle and they take control of a region, you may find that Athenian merchants offer you better prices, and Athenian quests become more readily available. On the other hand, Spartan sympathizers may become hostile towards you, and Spartan quests may become more challenging. The consequences of your actions in conquest battles can be far-reaching and long-lasting. Choosing which side to support is not just a matter of preference; it's a strategic decision that can significantly impact your gameplay experience. Consider your goals, your allegiances, and the potential consequences before engaging in a battle and shaping the political landscape of ancient Greece.

Consequences of Victory and Defeat: The Ripple Effect

The outcomes of conquest battles in Assassin's Creed Odyssey have far-reaching consequences, creating a ripple effect that influences the game world in significant ways. Victory brings rewards and advantages, while defeat can lead to setbacks and challenges. Understanding these consequences is essential for making informed decisions and shaping your own destiny in ancient Greece. Victory in a conquest battle brings a multitude of benefits. The faction you supported gains control of the region, leading to changes in the local economy, politics, and culture. Allied merchants may offer better prices, new quests may become available, and the overall atmosphere of the region will reflect the values and ideals of the victorious faction. Additionally, victory can boost your reputation with the winning faction, leading to improved relations with faction leaders and access to exclusive rewards. Defeat, on the other hand, has negative consequences. The faction you supported loses control of the region, and their influence diminishes. You may face hostility from the victorious faction and lose access to certain quests and resources. The local economy and politics may also suffer, leading to unrest and instability. The ripple effect of conquest battles extends beyond the immediate region. Changes in faction control can impact the balance of power throughout the game world, influencing the overall course of the Peloponnesian War. Alliances may shift, conflicts may escalate, and new opportunities and challenges may arise. Your choices in conquest battles can have a profound impact on the narrative of the game and your own personal journey. The consequences of victory and defeat in conquest battles are not always immediately apparent, but they can shape your gameplay experience in subtle and significant ways. Pay attention to the ripple effect of your actions and consider the long-term implications of your decisions as you navigate the complex political landscape of ancient Greece. By understanding the consequences of conquest battles, you can make strategic choices that align with your goals and create a unique and rewarding gaming experience.

Conclusion: Mastering Conquest Battles for a Richer Odyssey

Conquest battles are a central and engaging feature of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, offering players a dynamic way to participate in the Peloponnesian War and influence the game world. Mastering these battles requires a combination of strategic preparation, tactical execution, and an understanding of the game's mechanics. By optimizing your gear, selecting the right abilities, developing effective strategies, and understanding the objectives and consequences of battle, you can emerge victorious and reap the rewards. Conquest battles provide a thrilling and immersive experience, allowing you to test your skills in large-scale combat and make meaningful choices that shape the political landscape of ancient Greece. Whether you choose to support Athens or Sparta, your actions in conquest battles will have a lasting impact on the game world and your own personal odyssey. The rewards for mastering conquest battles extend beyond mere loot and resources. By actively participating in these conflicts, you can deepen your understanding of the game's lore, develop your combat skills, and forge your own path through the Peloponnesian War. The choices you make in conquest battles will define your legacy and shape the outcome of your epic journey. So, prepare for battle, hone your skills, and embrace the challenge of conquest battles to experience a richer and more rewarding odyssey in ancient Greece. These battles are not just a side activity; they are an integral part of the Assassin's Creed Odyssey experience, offering a unique blend of action, strategy, and storytelling. By mastering conquest battles, you can unlock the full potential of the game and create a truly unforgettable adventure.