Hey guys Spirit Of The Law here, this civ overview is all about the Bulgarians
Hey guys Spirit Of The Law here, this civ overview is all about the Bulgarians

[Music]
[Music]

Now they're an infantry and cavalry civilization with, fittingly, an infantry and cavalry unique unit
Now they're an infantry and cavalry civilization with, fittingly, an infantry and cavalry unique unit

On top of that, they also have great siege and a unique defensive building that packs a lot of punch for its cost
On top of that, they also have great siege and a unique defensive building that packs a lot of punch for its cost

Bulgarians offer a lot of really powerful options
Bulgarians offer a lot of really powerful options

Especially in the late game, somewhat comparable to I think either the Teutons or the Slavs. Unlike both of those civilizations though
Especially in the late game, somewhat comparable to I think either the Teutons or the Slavs. Unlike both of those civilizations though

They also have a strong power spike in the early feudal age letting them be played in a very aggressive style as well
They also have a strong power spike in the early feudal age letting them be played in a very aggressive style as well

So far they sound pretty good. Let's check them out
So far they sound pretty good. Let's check them out

[Intro]
[Intro]

To start with their team bonus, Bulgarians and their allies all have 50% faster working blacksmiths
To start with their team bonus, Bulgarians and their allies all have 50% faster working blacksmiths

Which means every minute of research time for a normal civilization
Which means every minute of research time for a normal civilization

instead just takes 40 seconds. That can be nice for taking advantage of reaching a new age, or when tech switching into a new
instead just takes 40 seconds. That can be nice for taking advantage of reaching a new age, or when tech switching into a new

type of unit. In total that gives the potential to save up to just over 4 minutes of research time for some civilizations
type of unit. In total that gives the potential to save up to just over 4 minutes of research time for some civilizations

It's not the most exciting team bonus, but comes in handy
It's not the most exciting team bonus, but comes in handy

Especially for Bulgarians considering their unique unit needs both infantry and cavalry techs. But speaking of saving time on upgrades
Especially for Bulgarians considering their unique unit needs both infantry and cavalry techs. But speaking of saving time on upgrades

The next bonus is that they get the militia line upgrades for free
The next bonus is that they get the militia line upgrades for free

Now there are a few implications for that with the earliest being for their men-at-arms rushing potential
Now there are a few implications for that with the earliest being for their men-at-arms rushing potential

not only does it save a hundred food and 45 gold while giving your militia 5 extra HP and 2 attack but you also save
not only does it save a hundred food and 45 gold while giving your militia 5 extra HP and 2 attack but you also save

The 40 seconds of research time by getting it instantly when you reach feudal age
The 40 seconds of research time by getting it instantly when you reach feudal age

Mid fight and without warning your opponent can be suddenly up against much more threatening units at no cost to you
Mid fight and without warning your opponent can be suddenly up against much more threatening units at no cost to you

On open maps where it's easier to rush that can help balance the playing field when you're up against
On open maps where it's easier to rush that can help balance the playing field when you're up against

civilizations with good eco bonuses
civilizations with good eco bonuses

That said it can also be convenient in the late game to have those free techs in case you want to suddenly switch into two-handed swordsmen
That said it can also be convenient in the late game to have those free techs in case you want to suddenly switch into two-handed swordsmen

Not only are they great against Eagles with +8 attack, but they also do well against pikes and light cavalry
Not only are they great against Eagles with +8 attack, but they also do well against pikes and light cavalry

Don't forget in definitive edition
Don't forget in definitive edition

The swordsmen line is better than ever with the new tech "Supplies" lowering their food cost.
The swordsmen line is better than ever with the new tech "Supplies" lowering their food cost.

To add to that Bulgarians also have access to a unique tech that makes them even better, which we'll take a look at a bit later
To add to that Bulgarians also have access to a unique tech that makes them even better, which we'll take a look at a bit later

The trade-off is that they're missing champion
The trade-off is that they're missing champion

Which means they miss out on another 10 HP and end up being weaker to ranged units.
Which means they miss out on another 10 HP and end up being weaker to ranged units.

Overall, though it's a solid bonus saving a hundred and sixty seconds and over 800 resources staggered between Feudal to Imperial age
Overall, though it's a solid bonus saving a hundred and sixty seconds and over 800 resources staggered between Feudal to Imperial age

I think it's safe to say that infantry is always a good option for Bulgarians at any point of the game
I think it's safe to say that infantry is always a good option for Bulgarians at any point of the game

The next bonus is that their Town Centers cost half the normal stone
The next bonus is that their Town Centers cost half the normal stone

Reducing the wood and brick composition of your buildings in favor of wood, what's the worst that can happen?
Reducing the wood and brick composition of your buildings in favor of wood, what's the worst that can happen?

I'm sure it'll be fine
I'm sure it'll be fine

It ends up being a nice flexible bonus that you could use to free up stone for defensive buildings or walls
It ends up being a nice flexible bonus that you could use to free up stone for defensive buildings or walls

Keep in mind that most civilizations can only make two additional Town Centers with their starting stone
Keep in mind that most civilizations can only make two additional Town Centers with their starting stone

Whereas Bulgarians can make four, expanding your options on a closed map like Black Forest
Whereas Bulgarians can make four, expanding your options on a closed map like Black Forest

Likewise it can also help out in less obvious ways, like allowing you to make a second Town Center after building a defensive tower
Likewise it can also help out in less obvious ways, like allowing you to make a second Town Center after building a defensive tower

Without collecting additional stone, that's something that's only possible for Bulgarians and Incas
Without collecting additional stone, that's something that's only possible for Bulgarians and Incas

You can also make two town centers and still have enough left over to stone-wall a choke point
You can also make two town centers and still have enough left over to stone-wall a choke point

But I think you get the idea
But I think you get the idea

The point is that the total savings themselves will probably only be 100 to maybe a few 100 stone at the most
The point is that the total savings themselves will probably only be 100 to maybe a few 100 stone at the most

But it can still be handy in a variety of ways
But it can still be handy in a variety of ways

One of the things you might in fact decide to use your extra stone for is their last civ bonus the Krepost
One of the things you might in fact decide to use your extra stone for is their last civ bonus the Krepost

I've looked at it in depth before and in nearly every way it could be thought of as a smaller version of the castle
I've looked at it in depth before and in nearly every way it could be thought of as a smaller version of the castle

it has about half the HP and is faster to build
it has about half the HP and is faster to build

but at the same time it has nearly the same damage output they may be small
but at the same time it has nearly the same damage output they may be small

But they're feisty. In fact, I'd argue as a defensive building
But they're feisty. In fact, I'd argue as a defensive building

It gives quite a bit better value than towers or castles and is a contender for the title of the best
It gives quite a bit better value than towers or castles and is a contender for the title of the best

Defensive building available to any civilization at the same time. It doesn't end at the castles whole career
Defensive building available to any civilization at the same time. It doesn't end at the castles whole career

Its production is limited to only their unique unit
Its production is limited to only their unique unit

Whereas the castle has the ability to research technologies, including two that directly help the unique unit
Whereas the castle has the ability to research technologies, including two that directly help the unique unit

Give value over the long run. You also need a castle to create trebuchet
Give value over the long run. You also need a castle to create trebuchet

So in practice, I think it's still always worth making a castle at some point for those reasons
So in practice, I think it's still always worth making a castle at some point for those reasons

especially for the unique tech "Stirrups"
especially for the unique tech "Stirrups"

After the first Castle though additional Kreposts start to look like a more cost efficient way to defend
After the first Castle though additional Kreposts start to look like a more cost efficient way to defend

Strategic areas of the map or put pressure on your opponent. So those are their bonuses so far
Strategic areas of the map or put pressure on your opponent. So those are their bonuses so far

It's easy to see why they're in infantry civilization, but also one that lends itself to a defensive minded booming strategy
It's easy to see why they're in infantry civilization, but also one that lends itself to a defensive minded booming strategy

It's easy for Bulgarians to add in more Town Center's and defend themselves with many castles that can spam their unique unit
It's easy for Bulgarians to add in more Town Center's and defend themselves with many castles that can spam their unique unit

Speaking of which let's move on to their iconic unique unit the Konnik
Speaking of which let's move on to their iconic unique unit the Konnik

I've talked about the unit in depth before but to summarize into a quick overview
I've talked about the unit in depth before but to summarize into a quick overview

It has the unique feature of having two lives one is a mounted unit and a second as an infantry.
It has the unique feature of having two lives one is a mounted unit and a second as an infantry.

In Castle age the mounted version is arguably better than a knight for five gold less, and you even get a slightly weaker long swordsman afterward
In Castle age the mounted version is arguably better than a knight for five gold less, and you even get a slightly weaker long swordsman afterward

for free giving quite a lot of long-term value
for free giving quite a lot of long-term value

In Imperial age the mounted version is comparable to the Cavalier, plus something slightly weaker than a two-handed swordsman
In Imperial age the mounted version is comparable to the Cavalier, plus something slightly weaker than a two-handed swordsman

Again, theoretically that's good value if you consider the cost of those units
Again, theoretically that's good value if you consider the cost of those units

And practically speaking as well having the infantry unit appear in the middle of a fight can be a big edge when matched up against anti
And practically speaking as well having the infantry unit appear in the middle of a fight can be a big edge when matched up against anti

cavalry units it's enough that they can end up trading reasonably well against a larger group of halberdiers. For example
cavalry units it's enough that they can end up trading reasonably well against a larger group of halberdiers. For example

Which is not something the knight line can say the fact they switch types mid fight means that by their nature
Which is not something the knight line can say the fact they switch types mid fight means that by their nature

They're a difficult unit to properly counter without using a combination of anti cavalry and range support units
They're a difficult unit to properly counter without using a combination of anti cavalry and range support units

That is unless you have samurai or one of the few other very specialized units
That is unless you have samurai or one of the few other very specialized units

Now all of that said they do come with a few drawbacks the most important I think is their large upfront cost
Now all of that said they do come with a few drawbacks the most important I think is their large upfront cost

They need both infantry and cavalry upgrades which can add up quickly in addition to that
They need both infantry and cavalry upgrades which can add up quickly in addition to that

The mounted version secretly has quite a slow attack rate compared to the Knight line
The mounted version secretly has quite a slow attack rate compared to the Knight line

It really needs their unique tech "Stirrups" to be effective in combat that tech can only be researched at a castle
It really needs their unique tech "Stirrups" to be effective in combat that tech can only be researched at a castle

So going straight for Kreposts into Konniks has the built-in disadvantage that the Konniks don't perform nearly as well
So going straight for Kreposts into Konniks has the built-in disadvantage that the Konniks don't perform nearly as well

All together getting their combined upgrades through to Imperial aged costs about the same as upgrading paladins
All together getting their combined upgrades through to Imperial aged costs about the same as upgrading paladins

And they're still a gold intensive unit after that as well as one that needs to be created from stone buildings as opposed to stables
And they're still a gold intensive unit after that as well as one that needs to be created from stone buildings as opposed to stables

another drawback to the unit besides the high cost to upgrade and create is that it doesn't survive arrow fire quite as well as the
another drawback to the unit besides the high cost to upgrade and create is that it doesn't survive arrow fire quite as well as the

Paladin even when you factor in the HP of the dismounted version, it only takes 45 shots as opposed to the Paladin 60
Paladin even when you factor in the HP of the dismounted version, it only takes 45 shots as opposed to the Paladin 60

So when raiding or against strictly ranged units, I think the Paladin in that particular case is the better choice
So when raiding or against strictly ranged units, I think the Paladin in that particular case is the better choice

So that's their unique unit
So that's their unique unit

They're a big investment more so than the average unique unit
They're a big investment more so than the average unique unit

But also offer important advantages especially against infantry or Camel civilizations next
But also offer important advantages especially against infantry or Camel civilizations next

We'll take a look at the unique Tech's the first we've already seen and that stirrups which lets their light cavalry and Konniks attack
We'll take a look at the unique Tech's the first we've already seen and that stirrups which lets their light cavalry and Konniks attack

33% faster I want to stress again exactly how much better this makes their conics and that it's worth building a castle just to
33% faster I want to stress again exactly how much better this makes their conics and that it's worth building a castle just to

Prioritize it Konniks gave good value after but not necessarily before stirrups. So it's always an important tech for them
Prioritize it Konniks gave good value after but not necessarily before stirrups. So it's always an important tech for them

Keep in mind though
Keep in mind though

This also affects their light cavalry including the hussar who end up beating all other civilizations' Hussars one-on-one
This also affects their light cavalry including the hussar who end up beating all other civilizations' Hussars one-on-one

Of course
Of course

There are lots of different types of bonuses that affect Hussars and a one-on-one test doesn't necessarily show they're the best in every situation
There are lots of different types of bonuses that affect Hussars and a one-on-one test doesn't necessarily show they're the best in every situation

Tartars are better against ranged units Cumins are created faster and
Tartars are better against ranged units Cumins are created faster and

Berbers are cheaper just to list a few but in head-to-head matchups Bulgarians should consistently come out on top
Berbers are cheaper just to list a few but in head-to-head matchups Bulgarians should consistently come out on top

To add even more strength in melee situations the Bulgarians Imperial age unique tech adds melee armor this time to their militia line
To add even more strength in melee situations the Bulgarians Imperial age unique tech adds melee armor this time to their militia line

Now the regular champion does start with one more melee armor, which the Bulgarians are lacking
Now the regular champion does start with one more melee armor, which the Bulgarians are lacking

So in practice instead of adding +5, it's more like +4 melee armor in exchange for -10 HP and -1 attack
So in practice instead of adding +5, it's more like +4 melee armor in exchange for -10 HP and -1 attack

it's pretty expensive considering they only end up slightly better than
it's pretty expensive considering they only end up slightly better than

Champions in melee combat roughly on the same level as the Viking champion while at the same time
Champions in melee combat roughly on the same level as the Viking champion while at the same time

Their less HP means they're weaker to ranged units
Their less HP means they're weaker to ranged units

the time this unique tech shines is
the time this unique tech shines is

against low attack enemies where Bulgarian two-handed swordsmen take 1/3 the damage the champions do against halberdiers, for example
against low attack enemies where Bulgarian two-handed swordsmen take 1/3 the damage the champions do against halberdiers, for example

But let's not go overboard and say they're challenging the Teutonic knight. In fact, they get schooled pretty bad
But let's not go overboard and say they're challenging the Teutonic knight. In fact, they get schooled pretty bad

the thing to remember is after the tech Bulgarian two-handed swordsmen end up being better at melee fights than the champion and
the thing to remember is after the tech Bulgarian two-handed swordsmen end up being better at melee fights than the champion and

Worse against ranged units. Also don't forget to pick up supplies if you're going to be making a lot of them
Worse against ranged units. Also don't forget to pick up supplies if you're going to be making a lot of them

So that's the Bulgarians unique unit and techs at this point
So that's the Bulgarians unique unit and techs at this point

hopefully you can see why they're also a cavalry civilization and that you're being pushed toward a combination of
hopefully you can see why they're also a cavalry civilization and that you're being pushed toward a combination of

Swordsmen and either the Konnik or another stable unit to get a more complete picture of other choices available to you throughout the game
Swordsmen and either the Konnik or another stable unit to get a more complete picture of other choices available to you throughout the game

Let's take a look at the tech tree starting with the archers right off the bat
Let's take a look at the tech tree starting with the archers right off the bat

I don't love lacking an early economy bonus for the archers and that's followed up by also missing the crossbowmen
I don't love lacking an early economy bonus for the archers and that's followed up by also missing the crossbowmen

Which is pretty awkward like the spanish you can maybe do a surprise archer rush, but it's not a great long-term play
Which is pretty awkward like the spanish you can maybe do a surprise archer rush, but it's not a great long-term play

They're also missing the hand cannoneer and even the final armor upgrade meaning their elite skirmishers will lag a bit behind because of that
They're also missing the hand cannoneer and even the final armor upgrade meaning their elite skirmishers will lag a bit behind because of that

on the other hand
on the other hand

The cavalry archers are actually pretty solid only missing the last bit of armor though in general I think
The cavalry archers are actually pretty solid only missing the last bit of armor though in general I think

Bulgarians already handle melee units quite well and you won't really need a lot of archer support the cavalry archers save it enough to be
Bulgarians already handle melee units quite well and you won't really need a lot of archer support the cavalry archers save it enough to be

A C+, but in most games I'd say you're probably better off just avoiding the archery range
A C+, but in most games I'd say you're probably better off just avoiding the archery range

Next up is the infantry, now they are missing champions
Next up is the infantry, now they are missing champions

but I'd argue they're five extra melee armor on two-handed swordsman more than offsets that if you can afford the upgrade
but I'd argue they're five extra melee armor on two-handed swordsman more than offsets that if you can afford the upgrade

Considering their free militia line upgrades
Considering their free militia line upgrades

I think there's a lot of utility to the swordsmen line in both the early game and late-game
I think there's a lot of utility to the swordsmen line in both the early game and late-game

I'd say it's an A - for infantry really just held back because there's so much competition with other civilizations who have some really amazing
I'd say it's an A - for infantry really just held back because there's so much competition with other civilizations who have some really amazing

Infantry bonuses on top of also having a champion, of course moving on. Let's take a look at the cavalry in this case
Infantry bonuses on top of also having a champion, of course moving on. Let's take a look at the cavalry in this case

there's no direct early economy or cavalry bonus so they can be out competed when going for Scouts or early Knights as
there's no direct early economy or cavalry bonus so they can be out competed when going for Scouts or early Knights as

The game goes on though
The game goes on though

They have arguably some of the best Hussars available on top of paladins and the Konnik which holds up really well against the normal
They have arguably some of the best Hussars available on top of paladins and the Konnik which holds up really well against the normal

cavalry counters if left,
cavalry counters if left,

you properly boom and prepare they're top-tier in what they can field but there's a window before that where they can seem downright
you properly boom and prepare they're top-tier in what they can field but there's a window before that where they can seem downright

Average at the stable I'd say it's an A for cavalry
Average at the stable I'd say it's an A for cavalry

But with the caveat that it's more like a C+ early on and takes a while to reach that potential moving on
But with the caveat that it's more like a C+ early on and takes a while to reach that potential moving on

Let's take a look at the siege overall
Let's take a look at the siege overall

It's a really solid tech tree just missing the bombard cannon only 11
It's a really solid tech tree just missing the bombard cannon only 11

Civilizations have access to the siege oneger and only eight have access to that and siege ramp
Civilizations have access to the siege oneger and only eight have access to that and siege ramp

So they're immediately in an exclusive group again. There's no direct siege bonus here
So they're immediately in an exclusive group again. There's no direct siege bonus here

But I'd say it's an A - just based on the openness of the tech tree and siege engineers next up
But I'd say it's an A - just based on the openness of the tech tree and siege engineers next up

Let's take a look at the Navy early on again. There's nothing really here to help them out
Let's take a look at the Navy early on again. There's nothing really here to help them out

They do have access to the fire and demo rafts, but that's true of just about all civilizations
They do have access to the fire and demo rafts, but that's true of just about all civilizations

I'd say it's a C early game on the water
I'd say it's a C early game on the water

But the late game they're also missing a lot of techs which might not be critical to holding water, but can certainly be helpful
But the late game they're also missing a lot of techs which might not be critical to holding water, but can certainly be helpful

I'd say again
I'd say again

It's a C in the late game for a C overall
It's a C in the late game for a C overall

You have galleons with bracer and that's about it
You have galleons with bracer and that's about it

taking a quick look now at the monks up until now they've had a lot in common with the Slavs and I think this is
taking a quick look now at the monks up until now they've had a lot in common with the Slavs and I think this is

Where they set themselves apart with their monastery actually being pretty weak in comparison
Where they set themselves apart with their monastery actually being pretty weak in comparison

Sanctity gives monks 50% more HP and block printing gives them three more range. So missing both of those isn't ideal
Sanctity gives monks 50% more HP and block printing gives them three more range. So missing both of those isn't ideal

They do have redemption to convert enemy buildings and siege, but between that and again a complete lack of relevant bonuses
They do have redemption to convert enemy buildings and siege, but between that and again a complete lack of relevant bonuses

I'd say it's an average ish B-minus for monks moving on
I'd say it's an average ish B-minus for monks moving on

Let's take a look at their defenses not having fortified walls, arrow slits and bombard towers sets a bit of a negative tone
Let's take a look at their defenses not having fortified walls, arrow slits and bombard towers sets a bit of a negative tone

But the Krepost is definitely a help especially in replacing towers
But the Krepost is definitely a help especially in replacing towers

They also save some stone with they're cheaper Town Center's making it easier to wall and build defensive structures
They also save some stone with they're cheaper Town Center's making it easier to wall and build defensive structures

I also like the Konnik as a defensive unit that can be created to counter units either weak to cavalry or infantry
I also like the Konnik as a defensive unit that can be created to counter units either weak to cavalry or infantry

I'd also include the free militia line upgrades here, which can be helpful in spamming sword units during an emergency
I'd also include the free militia line upgrades here, which can be helpful in spamming sword units during an emergency

I'd say they're a solid defensive civilization
I'd say they're a solid defensive civilization

But you need to meet them on their own terms and make use of their unique building and cheaper Town Center's to control the map
But you need to meet them on their own terms and make use of their unique building and cheaper Town Center's to control the map

Overall, I'd give them a B-plus for defenses though
Overall, I'd give them a B-plus for defenses though

I know a lot of people aren't going to like their lack of fortified walls and finally taking a quick look at the economy
I know a lot of people aren't going to like their lack of fortified walls and finally taking a quick look at the economy

I know it's come up a few times. But again, the early game is fairly weak
I know it's come up a few times. But again, the early game is fairly weak

The only direct economy bonus is their cheaper Town Centers and arguably that just helps make defensive structures at the same time
The only direct economy bonus is their cheaper Town Centers and arguably that just helps make defensive structures at the same time

They're missing Two-Man saw and Guilds which weakens their late-game a bit
They're missing Two-Man saw and Guilds which weakens their late-game a bit

I'd say it's a B- for the economy
I'd say it's a B- for the economy

Considering their particularly strong Hussars
Considering their particularly strong Hussars

I wouldn't say they're in a terrible position for the late game though
I wouldn't say they're in a terrible position for the late game though

And they have the potential to get some pretty good value out of the units that they make so that's the Bulgarians tech tree
And they have the potential to get some pretty good value out of the units that they make so that's the Bulgarians tech tree

infantry and cavalry aside
infantry and cavalry aside

I think siege is also something you really want to make use of given their large variety in terms of good strategies to think about
I think siege is also something you really want to make use of given their large variety in terms of good strategies to think about

When playing bulgarians, the foremost is a good men at arms opening
When playing bulgarians, the foremost is a good men at arms opening

They don't excel at many of the other
They don't excel at many of the other

standard openings like their Scouts which are pretty generic and their archers which are not a great long-term investment considering the lack of
standard openings like their Scouts which are pretty generic and their archers which are not a great long-term investment considering the lack of

Crossbow in Castle age there is some potential to a light cavalry and stirrups combination given how much better Plus 33% attack rate
Crossbow in Castle age there is some potential to a light cavalry and stirrups combination given how much better Plus 33% attack rate

Really is but there's also nothing wrong with playing it safe and going for something more conventional like Knights or transitioning into Konniks
Really is but there's also nothing wrong with playing it safe and going for something more conventional like Knights or transitioning into Konniks

Even if you're not going for Konniks
Even if you're not going for Konniks

I think Kreposts can be a good standalone option either
I think Kreposts can be a good standalone option either

Defensively or as an alternative to a castle drop to put pressure on your opponent if you are going seriously into Konniks again, though
Defensively or as an alternative to a castle drop to put pressure on your opponent if you are going seriously into Konniks again, though

I think you really want a castle to pick up these stirrups tech early as
I think you really want a castle to pick up these stirrups tech early as

You can see Bulgarians have quite a few solid options to pick and I think they hold their own on just about any land map
You can see Bulgarians have quite a few solid options to pick and I think they hold their own on just about any land map

Given a bit of time to tech into their powerful units they can become quite difficult to counter
Given a bit of time to tech into their powerful units they can become quite difficult to counter

But those are my thoughts on the bulgarians
But those are my thoughts on the bulgarians

I appreciate everyone who's been requesting this video and hopefully it gives you a few ideas to try in your next game special
I appreciate everyone who's been requesting this video and hopefully it gives you a few ideas to try in your next game special

Thanks to Samantha, Benjamin, Jean-Paul and everyone else on patreon for generously helping support the channel. Thanks for watching and I'll see you next time
Thanks to Samantha, Benjamin, Jean-Paul and everyone else on patreon for generously helping support the channel. Thanks for watching and I'll see you next time

[Outro Music]
[Outro Music]