Zulu Timing Attacks?

[8bitBob]

So what with Shaka getting a minor rework, I figure it's a good time to ask people how they play everyone's favorite neighbor. I find that I wait much too long before going to war (Blitz+Siege Impi are too alluring), so I'm wondering how others go about early game wars.

Basically, I'm wondering when and how you decide to go on your first warpath. What techs are you after, what promotions do you have for your melee, what are your goals for this war, what supplementary troops did you bring, etc.

I know that Swordsman are a popular timing for people due to the very early March, but I have trouble utilizing this in game. They're great for killing units, but I often struggle to make concrete gains out of my wars without significant siege work.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[CrazyG]

I usually get catapults really quickly, sometimes before swordsmen. Obviously swordsmen have enormous advantages, but I find swarms of spearmen are usually strong enough. I think Zulu's big strength isn't so much elite super swordsmen, its that your spears and pikes are actually useful offensive weapons. Going mathematics also gives skirmishers, which I prefer to horsemen as Zulu. Great supporting unit, and cheaper to build.

Usually I'll launch one war to hurt the civ and get some kills(usually starts by stealing a worker) and then a second war later with catapults where I actually take the cities.

 

[ElliotS]

Honestly I go bronzeworking literally asap, build ikanda and 4-5 warriors to upgrade/ straight spearmen and go to war with whoever is closest. Just killing their units with your spearmen while you build settlers is great for your economy and culture output.

Sometimes I take cities, some times i just ruin their economy. Regardless it makes it much easier to expand than racing them to settle, and leaves you better defended. (as well as having some insanely promoted units for later war.)