Alright, so I have been stuck at low to mid 1800s for a while now, mainly because I really don't know many strategies to counter Chaos (as Order) that are still relevant, and I keep getting blocked by Chaos users at 1900+. Also, I have seen some people complain about the premium empires being OP too, so this might mitigate that problem a bit.
Basically, if anyone is willing to share what they want, I would appreciate it. I will share my experiences. So far, I think my most successful attempts against Chaos involve Swordwrath, Giants, Castle Archers and turtling.
Alright, so I keep hearing Swordwrath are good against Chaos, which I don't argue with until they get Eclipsors. So while Swordwrath use has let me survive to mid-game and even to late-game a few times, I am looking for possible improvements on this. Obviously, upgrade to spears when they get Eclipsors, I am not an idiot.
Really, should I be using rage? How much of my army composition should be swords compared to other units? Am I relying on them a bit too much?
I find that while Order has the advantage in raw power, the fact that Eclipsors can be obtained faster and in larger quantities (as well as their superior range and speed) making them more influential in the later parts of the game once 4 or more appear. I have warded off Eclipsors with some Magikill poison, although they return quickly (damn Chaos auto-regen) and I find that once my giant dies, my Albows are screwed, no matter what I try. Also, Chaos giants have the bulk of a pro. The armour-penetration of Blazing Bolts helps, but their bulk, oh man. They also stop my melee units dead in their tracks.
Interestingly, in my past few games against Chaos, it has revolved around one of their ranged units, Juggerknights and their giant. I have gotten Magikill out (sometimes), only to get stone faced after it gets pushed out from behind my giant, despite repositioning. Maybe Chaos spellcasters are underwhelming? My Magikill have warded off a few units and dished out some damage before dying, although the possibility of Medusa stone face and basically having 5 population wasted and all that money, it's kind of a turn off. I want to say focus more on Spellcasters instead of Albows, Swords and giants (what I have been doing), but would anyone have some recommendations here?