After playing this game for so long, I finally realised that the true beauty of Zulu Impis is not for rushing on its own, but to attack with Chariots + HAs (acting as stack protectors for the mounted units).
Normal mounted rush is very susceptible to Spearmen or, later, Phants. But with Impi (with Combat 1 + Shock promo), an Impi + HA SoD is basically without counter until, presumably Phants which Impi still has decent odds especially if it has formation promo.
A "standard" set up I use for an early Zulu rush is:
6 HAs
2 Chariots (1 with Combat 1 + Medic 1; the other with Flanking 1 + Sentry)
2 Impis
A normal tech order I use is to pop HBR with the Oracle. As attack targets, I pick AIs with a religion, which I use the GP from Hedge+Oracle to build shrine, or (if I am really lucky) a nearby AI which has built the Mids (which I promptly revolt to Police State).
As for timing (I play on normal speed at Emperor level), I find that:
1/ If the Hedge is completed before turn 50, it will be most unlikely for AIs to beat you to it.
2/ I aim to complete the Oracle asap. AIs tend to get it by around turn 65-70. Chop like mad.
3/ The rush should commence at turn 95 at the latest. With 3 cities (1 for copper, 1 for horse, 1 capital), 2 get stables and spam HAs, 1 gets barracks only and spam Impis and Archers.
4/ AIs tend to get LBs at around turn 130-140. This date varies a lot depending on whether AIs trade between themselves extensively. It is very unlikely to get LBs before turn 130 since I have denied them the Oracle which some AIs love to pop Monarchy. So, I basically have 40-50 turns to wipe 2 AIs off the map and possibly cripple a 3rd by taking 2 cities and extorting some techs.
The 3 major weaknesses in this strat is that:
1/ It is very resource dependent. If bronze cannot be found in the vicinity, the Impis will have to wait until Ironworking, which does take a while.
2/ It assumes the capital has either tons of forest to chop the Oracle or marble nearby which can be linked up. Grabbing the Oracle to pop HBR can be a gamble at Emperor level.
3/ Overexpanding can really crash the economy. Trade HBR + polytheism + priesthood for maths + alphabet + IW + meditation. Spread the shrine religion. At the same time, self research CoL. Trade health resources for happiness resources.
Normal mounted rush is very susceptible to Spearmen or, later, Phants. But with Impi (with Combat 1 + Shock promo), an Impi + HA SoD is basically without counter until, presumably Phants which Impi still has decent odds especially if it has formation promo.
A "standard" set up I use for an early Zulu rush is:
6 HAs
2 Chariots (1 with Combat 1 + Medic 1; the other with Flanking 1 + Sentry)
2 Impis
A normal tech order I use is to pop HBR with the Oracle. As attack targets, I pick AIs with a religion, which I use the GP from Hedge+Oracle to build shrine, or (if I am really lucky) a nearby AI which has built the Mids (which I promptly revolt to Police State).
As for timing (I play on normal speed at Emperor level), I find that:
1/ If the Hedge is completed before turn 50, it will be most unlikely for AIs to beat you to it.
2/ I aim to complete the Oracle asap. AIs tend to get it by around turn 65-70. Chop like mad.
3/ The rush should commence at turn 95 at the latest. With 3 cities (1 for copper, 1 for horse, 1 capital), 2 get stables and spam HAs, 1 gets barracks only and spam Impis and Archers.
4/ AIs tend to get LBs at around turn 130-140. This date varies a lot depending on whether AIs trade between themselves extensively. It is very unlikely to get LBs before turn 130 since I have denied them the Oracle which some AIs love to pop Monarchy. So, I basically have 40-50 turns to wipe 2 AIs off the map and possibly cripple a 3rd by taking 2 cities and extorting some techs.
The 3 major weaknesses in this strat is that:
1/ It is very resource dependent. If bronze cannot be found in the vicinity, the Impis will have to wait until Ironworking, which does take a while.
2/ It assumes the capital has either tons of forest to chop the Oracle or marble nearby which can be linked up. Grabbing the Oracle to pop HBR can be a gamble at Emperor level.
3/ Overexpanding can really crash the economy. Trade HBR + polytheism + priesthood for maths + alphabet + IW + meditation. Spread the shrine religion. At the same time, self research CoL. Trade health resources for happiness resources.
I'm always looking for a new civ strategy and a civ to try it on; I'll reference your idea when I assume the guise of Shaka, mild-mannered postal worker.
