How do you recruit troops, and which ones should you pick early?

Troops are the fuel of your dragons: with none left, a dragon withdraws. You recruit them from your Stronghold, and they mostly cost Iron and Food.

There are 4 main types — Cavalry, Shields, Archers, Spearmen — plus Siege, which stands apart. Early on, don't overthink it: recruit broadly to build volume.

Two researches help enormously:

• Rapid Recruitment: cuts training time (up to −37.5%).
• Bannerman's Bargain: cuts training cost (−30%).

Above all, remember this: always fill your armies to the maximum of troops. More troops means more staying power and more punch.