Goodgame Empire: Castle Looting Guide — From Reconquest to Riches

Looting castles in Goodgame Empire is a core PvP mechanic for resource acquisition. Success requires preparation, target selection, and tactical execution. Here's the systematic approach:

Phase 1: Intelligence — Find a Target

• Open **World Map** (globe icon).
• Scout for castles with: low defender count, high resource indicators (hover shows stored resources), inactive players (no recent login, decaying defenses), weak alliance (no protection, low rank).
• Use **Spy Reports** (send spies first) to see exact troop composition, wall level, tools, and resource stocks. Cost: coins + time. Essential for risk assessment.

Phase 2: Preparation — Build the Siege Package

• Troop Health: Heal wounded in Hospital before marching. Full health = max damage output.
• Troop Composition: Balance melee (meat shields), ranged (damage), cavalry (flank/speed), siege (wall destruction). Adjust for defender's setup (e.g., more ranged if they have weak walls).
• Equipment: Equip best available commanders with attack-boosting gear (melee/ranged/cavalry/siege bonuses). Use relics/commander items.
• Siege Tools: Bring **Mantlets** (ranged protection), **Siege Towers** (wall scaling), **Battering Rams** (gate destruction), **Scaling Ladders**. Tools consume tool slots — prioritize based on target's wall/gate levels.
• Support: Request alliance support troops if target is strong. Coordinate simultaneous attacks for overwhelming force.

Phase 3: Attack — Execute the Assault

1. Select target castle → **Attack**.
2. Choose **Attack Type**: "Pillage" (resources) vs. "Capture" (take castle — requires high honor, castle slot).
3. Deploy troops in waves: **Wave 1** = siege tools + melee to engage walls/gate. **Wave 2** = ranged/cavalry for courtyard clearance. **Wave 3** = cleanup/loot hauling.
4. Use **Commander Abilities** strategically (e.g., "Charge" for cavalry, "Barrage" for ranged).
5. Monitor battle report in real-time; reinforce if needed (costs rubies).

Phase 4: Loot — Collect the Spoils

• Victory screen → **Loot** button.
• Resources transferred: Wood, Stone, Food, Coins (up to carrying capacity of surviving troops).
• Loot bonus: **Commander looting skill**, **equipment bonuses**, **alliance bonuses**, **event multipliers**.
• Honor/XP awarded based on defender strength.
• Battle report details losses, captures, resource haul.

Pro Tips

• Farm inactive castles: Best ROI — full warehouses, minimal defense.
• Time attacks: Hit when target is offline (night in their timezone).
• Protect your own: Keep resources low (spend/upgrade), max warehouse protection, strong garrison, alliance shield.
• Honor management: Don't attack much weaker players — honor loss reduces loot bonus.

Looting is the fastest resource acceleration in Goodgame Empire — but it paints a target on your back. Scout well, strike hard, withdraw fast.