James Cook Evony Guide 2026: Skills, Best Use & Build

James Cook Evony Guide 2026

James Cook is a powerful Ranged Troop General in Evony: The King's Return.

He is designed primarily for:

• Ranged PvP

• Ranged rallies

• high-damage attacking marches

• Ranged reinforcement or defensive utility where his always-active buffs can apply

His biggest strength is that his Special Skill gives large Ranged buffs without requiring a Dragon, Spiritual Beast or attack-only condition.

That makes him flexible and easy to use.

Is James Cook Good in Evony?

Yes.

James Cook is a strong Ranged General because his Special Skill provides:

• Ranged Troop Attack +50%

• Ranged Troop Defense +40%

• Ranged Troop HP +40%

• Siege Machine Defense +40%

• Siege Machine HP +40%

when he is leading the army.

That is a very strong base package.

His main offensive focus is still Ranged Troops, even though he also provides some Siege survivability.

James Cook Best Role

Best Role: Ranged PvP

Also Good For: Ranged Rally / Reinforcement

Avoid Using For: Dedicated Monster Hunting or pure Siege PvP

James Cook should normally be built around a Ranged march.

His Siege buffs are useful secondary bonuses, but they are not strong enough to make him a dedicated Siege General.

James Cook Special Skill

James Cook's Special Skill is:

Judgment Knight

Increases Ranged Troops' Attack by 50% and increases Ranged Troops' and Siege Machines' Defense and HP by 40% when General is leading the army.

This skill is always active while James Cook is leading the march.

That gives him an important advantage over attack-only Generals:

his base buffs are not restricted to attacking.

James Cook Ascension

Ascending James Cook further strengthens his Ranged march.

1 Star

• Ranged Troop Defense +10%

• Ranged Troop HP +10%

2 Star

• Attacking Troop Death into Wounded Rate +8%

3 Star

• Ranged Troop Attack +25%

• Ranged Troop and Siege Machine Defense +15%

4 Star

• Ranged Troop and Siege Machine Attack +10%

• Ranged Troop and Siege Machine HP +10%

5 Star

• Ranged Troop Attack +35%

• Ranged Troop Defense +20%

• Ranged Troop HP +20%

The fifth Ascension star is particularly strong.

It adds another large block of all-round Ranged buffs and reinforces his main PvP role.

James Cook Specialties

James Cook has four Ranged-focused Specialties.

Ranged Troop Formation

• Ranged Troop Attack +10%

• Ranged Troop Defense +10%

Bash

• Ranged Troop Attack +10%

• Siege Machine Attack +10%

Ranged Troop Ares

• Ranged Troop Attack +10%

• Ranged Troop HP +10%

• Ranged Troop Defense +10%

Global Exploration

• Ranged Troop Attack +45%

• Ranged Troop HP +30%

• March Size Capacity +10%

Global Exploration is the standout Specialty.

It provides a large additional Ranged Attack bonus, more HP and extra March Size.

Best Skill Books for James Cook

James Cook has one important restriction:

he is not compatible with the standard Ranged Troop Attack Skill Book.

That means you should build around the other high-value books.

A strong Ranged PvP setup is:

• Lv4 Ranged Troop Range Bonus

• Lv4 Ranged Troop HP

• Lv4 March Size

Another viable option is:

• Lv4 Ranged Troop Range Bonus

• Lv4 Ranged Troop Defense

• Lv4 March Size

depending on the rest of your build.

Do not waste Skill Books trying to force Ranged Troop Attack onto James Cook if the game blocks it.