Orcs – discussion about the race.

Orcs won't tear through just anyone, and their development speed isn't that high.

It's probably difficult to get Cyclops by the second week, but I don't think it's necessary. These aren't third-tier heroes with very strong 7th-level units. If Cyclops are still deployed by the second week at the expense of, for example, a Castle and Stronghold, then this is most likely a big mistake.

Why? If we take Argath, I wouldn't say so... Besides, if you have well-developed leadership combined with Battle Frenzy and Education, where Fire Wrath is added (which can realistically be achieved by the third week), then defeating the enemy in an open field with 2-3 Cyclops is guaranteed, plus support from Warmongers, Trappers, and Combat Centaurs – the Necromancer couldn't counter this due to the limitation of Dark Energy, and the Knight didn't have anything either (archers and monks don't count). The Elves caused some trouble, but even they couldn't kill a single one of my Cyclops. The Warlock's magic and mana weren't strong enough, and the Academy only created problems with its Ogre, but not too much:D
Plus, during the entire development, I didn't lose a single unit (except for Goblins, of course)! Shamans are also present, but usually, there are problems with resources for their upgrade in the early stages. If they are available and there is money for their construction without sacrificing Cyclops, then it makes sense to recruit them; otherwise, I usually took 5 of them for magic...

Added after 17 minutes
This is how I developed the hero on large maps (Argath)
Expert Logistics
Skilled Leadership (Recruit troops - Battle Frenzy - Speed Aura)
Skilled Defense (Resilience - Dodge - Protect Us)
Skilled Attack (Battle Frenzy - Retribution)
Higher Education (Fire Wrath - Endurance - Dark Revelation)
Memory of Our Blood

Added after 2 minutes
On small maps, the main problem is getting Education and Battle Frenzy quickly. If you get them, then the main problems are solved, in my opinion.