The Age of Kings Edit
Britons Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Britons
Wonderbritons
The initial British Wonder
IMG 20191116 094717
The current British Wonder
Specialty: Foot archers
Unique unit: LongbowmanIcon Longbowman
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Yeomen
Unique-tech Warwolf
Wonder: Aachen Cathedral (before Definitive Edition)
Chichester Cathedral (in the Definitive Edition)
Civilization bonuses:
Town Centers cost -50% wood starting in the Castle Age.
Foot archers (except Skirmishers) have +1/+2 range in the Castle/Imperial Age.
Shepherds work 25% faster.
Team bonus: Archery Ranges work 20% faster.
Byzantines Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Byzantines
Wonderbyzantines
The Byzantine Wonder
Specialty: Defense
Unique unit: CataphractIcon Cataphract
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Greek Fire
Unique-tech Logistica
Wonder: Hagia Sophia
Civilization bonuses:
Buildings have +10%/+20%/+30%/+40% HP in the Dark/Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
Camel Riders, Skirmishers, and the Spearman lines are 25% cheaper.
Fire Ships attack 20% faster.
Advancing to the Imperial Age is 33% cheaper.
Town Watch is free.
Team bonus: Monks heal 50% faster.
Celts Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Celts
Wondercelts
The Celtic Wonder
Specialty: Infantry and siege weapons
Unique unit: WBRSK Woad Raider
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Stronghold
Unique-tech Furor Celtica
Wonder: Rock of Cashel
Civilization bonuses:
Infantry units move 15% faster.
Lumberjacks work 15% faster.
Siege weapons fire +20% faster.
Enemy herdables can be converted regardless of enemy units next to them.
Team bonus: Siege Workshops work 20% faster.
Chinese Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Chinese
Wonderchinese
The Chinese Wonder
Specialty: Archers
Unique unit: ChuKoNuIcon Chu Ko Nu
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Great Wall
Unique-tech Rocketry
Wonder: Temple of Heaven
Civilization bonuses:
Start game with three extra Villagers, but with -200 food and -50 wood.
Town Center supports ten population (instead of five).
Technologies are 10%/15%/20% cheaper in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
Demolition Ships have +50% HP.
Team bonus: Farms start with +45 food.
Franks Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Franks
Wonderfranks
The Frankish Wonder
Specialty: Cavalry
Unique unit: TAXEM Throwing Axeman
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Chivalry
Unique-tech Bearded Axe
Wonder: St. Vitus Cathedral
Civilization bonuses:
Farm upgrades are free.
Castles are 25% cheaper.
Cavalry have +20% HP.
Foragers work 25% faster.
Team bonus: Knights have +2 Line of Sight.
Goths Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Goths
Wondergoths
The Gothic Wonder
Specialty: Infantry
Unique unit: HuskarlIcon Huskarl
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Anarchy
Unique-tech Perfusion
Wonder: Mausoleum of Theoderic I
Civilization bonuses:
Infantry are 35% cheaper starting in the Feudal Age.
Infantry have +1 attack bonus against standard buildings.
Villagers have +5 attack against Wild Boars and carry +15 food from hunting.
+10 population cap in the Imperial Age.
Team bonus: Barracks work 20% faster.
Japanese Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Japanese
Wonderjapanese
The Japanese Wonder
Specialty: Infantry
Unique unit: SMURI Samurai
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Yasama
Unique-tech Kataparuto
Wonder: Tōdai-ji
Civilization bonuses:
Fishing Ships have double HP, +2 pierce armor, and work 5%/10%/15%/20% faster in the Dark/Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
Mills, Lumber Camps and Mining Camps are 50% cheaper.
Infantry attack 25% faster starting in the Feudal Age.
Team bonus: Galleys have a +50% longer Line of Sight.
Mongols Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Mongols
Wondermongols
The Mongol Wonder
Specialty: Cavalry archers
Unique unit: MangudaiIcon Mangudai
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Nomads
Unique-tech Drill
Wonder: Great Tent of Genghis Khan
Civilization bonuses:
Cavalry archers fire 25% faster.
Light Cavalry and Hussars have +30% HP.
Hunters work +50% faster.
Team bonus: The Scout Cavalry line has +2 Line of Sight.
Persians Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Persians
Wonderpersians
The Persian Wonder
Specialty: Cavalry
Unique unit: WarElephantIcon War Elephant
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Kamandaran
Unique-tech Mahouts
Wonder: Taq Kasra
Civilization bonuses:
Start game with +50 food and +50 wood.
Town Centers and Docks have double HP and work 10%/15%/20% faster in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
Team bonus: Knights have +2 attack against archers.
Saracens Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Saracens
Wondersaracens
The Saracen Wonder
Specialty: Cavalry and navy
Unique unit: Saracenmamluk icon Mameluke
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Madrasah
Unique-tech Zealotry
Wonder: Great Mosque of Samarra
Civilization bonuses:
The commodity trading fee is 5%.
Markets cost -75 wood.
Transport Ships have double HP and +5 carry capacity.
Galleys attack 20% faster.
Cavalry Archers have +4 attack against standard buildings.
Team bonus: : Foot archers have +2 attack against standard buildings.
Teutons Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Teutons
Wonderteutons
The Teutonic Wonder
Specialty: Infantry
Unique unit: Crusade avatar Teutonic Knight
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Ironclad
Unique-tech Crenellations
Wonder: Maria Laach Abbey
Civilization bonuses:
Monks have double healing range.
Towers garrison twice as many units.
Murder Holes are free.
Farms are 33% cheaper.
Town Centers can garrison +10 units.
Team bonus: Units resist conversion.
Turks Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Turks
Wonderturks
The Turkish Wonder
Specialty: Gunpowder units
Unique unit: JanissaryIcon Janissary
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Sipahi
Unique-tech Artillery
Wonder: Selimiye Mosque
Civilization bonuses:
Gunpowder units have +25% HP.
Gunpowder technologies are 50% cheaper.
Chemistry is free.
Gold Miners work 20% faster.
Light Cavalry and Hussar upgrades are free.
Team bonus: Gunpowder units are created 20% faster.
Vikings Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Vikings
Wondervikings
The Viking Wonder
Specialty: Infantry and navy
Unique units:
VBRSK Berserk
LongboatIcon Longboat
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Chieftains
Unique-tech Berserkergang
Wonder: Borgund Stave Church
Civilization bonuses:
Warships are 15%/15%/20% cheaper in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
Infantry have +10%/+15%/+20% HP in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
Wheelbarrow and Hand Cart are free.
Team bonus: Docks are 15% cheaper.
The Conquerors Edit
Aztecs Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Aztecs
Wonderaztecs
The Aztec Wonder
Specialty: Monks and infantry
Unique unit: JaguarWarriorIcon Jaguar Warrior
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Atlatl
Unique-tech Garland Wars
Wonder: Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan
Civilization bonuses:
Start the game with an Eagle Scout.
Villagers carry +5 extra resources.
All military units are created 15% faster.
Monks gain 5 HP for every researched Monastery technology.
Start with +50 gold.
Team bonus: Relics generate +33% gold.
Huns Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Huns
Wonderhuns
The Hunnic Wonder
Specialty: Cavalry
Unique unit: TarkanIcon Tarkan
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Marauders
Unique-tech Atheism
Wonder: Arch of Constantine
Civilization bonuses:
Start the game with -100 wood, but with the population cap at the maximum.
Cavalry Archers are 10%/20% cheaper in the Castle/Imperial Age.
Trebuchets have +35% accuracy against units.
Team bonus: Stables work 20% faster.
Koreans Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Koreans
Wonderkoreans
The Korean Wonder
Specialty: Towers and navy
Unique units:
WarWagonIcon War Wagon
TurtleShipIcon Turtle Ship
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Panokseon
Unique-tech Shinkichon
Wonder: Hwangnyong Temple
Civilization bonuses:
Villagers have +3 Line of Sight.
Stone Miners work 20% faster.
Tower upgrades are free (Bombard Tower requires Chemistry).
Towers (except Bombard Towers) have +1/+2 range in the Castle/Imperial Age.
Fortifications are built 33% faster.
Team bonus: Mangonel line minimum range reduced.
Mayans Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Mayans
Wondermayans
The Mayan Wonder
Specialty: Archers
Unique unit: PlumedArcherIcon Plumed Archer
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Obsidian Arrows
Unique-tech El Dorado
Wonder: Tikal Temple I
Civilization bonuses:
Start the game with an Eagle Scout.
Start the game with +1 Villager, but with -50 food.
Resources last 15% longer.
Foot archers are 10%/20%/30% cheaper in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
Team bonus: Walls are 50% cheaper.
Spanish Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Spanish
Wonderspanish
The Spanish Wonder
Specialty: Monks and gunpowder units
Unique units:
ConquistadorIcon Conquistador
MissionaryIcon Missionary
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Inquisition
Unique-tech Supremacy
Wonder: Torre del Oro
Civilization bonuses:
Builders work 30% faster.
Blacksmith upgrades cost no gold.
Cannon Galleons have better accuracy and faster cannonballs.
Hand Cannoneers and Bombard Cannons fire 15% faster.
Team bonus: Trade units generate +25% gold.
The Forgotten Edit
Incas Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Incas
Wonderincas
The Incan Wonder
Specialty: Infantry
Unique units:
Kamayuk Icon Kamayuk
Slingericon Slinger
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Andean Sling
Unique-tech Couriers
Wonder: Temple of the Sun at Macchu Picchu
Civilization bonuses:
Start the game with an Eagle Scout.
Start with a free Llama.
Villagers benefit from Blacksmith infantry upgrades.
Houses support 10 population.
Buildings cost -15% stone.
Team bonus: Farms are built 50% faster.
Indians Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Indians
Wonderindians
The initial Indian Wonder
Wonderindiansnew
The current Indian Wonder
Specialty: Camel Riders and gunpowder units
Unique units:
ElephantArcherIcon Elephant Archer
ImperialCamelIcon Imperial Camel Rider
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Sultans
Unique-tech Shatagni
Wonder:
Gol Gumbaz (before Rise of the Rajas)
Brihadeeswarar Temple (since Rise of the Rajas)
Civilization bonuses:
Fishermen work 15% faster and carry +15 food.
Villagers are 10%/15%/20%/25% cheaper in the Dark/Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
Camel Riders have +1 pierce armor.
Team bonus: Camels have +6 attack against buildings.
Italians Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Italians
Wonderitalians
The Italian Wonder
Specialty: Navy and archers
Unique unit: New Genoese Crossbowman Genoese Crossbowman
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Pavise
Unique-tech Silk Road
Wonder: Genoa Cathedral, Cathedral of St. Lawrence
Civilization bonuses:
Dock technologies are 50% cheaper.
Fishing Ships are 20% cheaper.
Gunpowder units are 20% cheaper.
Advancing to the next Age is 15% cheaper.
Team bonus: Condottieri are available at the Barracks.
Magyars Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Magyars
Wondermagyars
The Magyar Wonder
Specialty: Cavalry
Unique unit: Magyar Huszar icon Magyar Huszar
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Mercenaries
Unique-tech Recurve Bow
Wonder: Hunyad Castle
Civilization bonuses:
Forging, Iron Casting, and Blast Furnace are free.
Scout Cavalry line is 15% cheaper.
Villagers kill wild animals in one strike.
Team bonus: Foot archers have +2 Line of Sight.
Slavs Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Slavs
Wonderslavs
The Slavic Wonder
Specialty: Infantry and siege weapons
Unique unit: New Boyar Boyar
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Orthodoxy
Unique-tech Druzhina
Wonder: Kizhi Pogost
Civilization bonuses:
Farmers work 15% faster.
Tracking is free.
Siege Workshop units are 15% cheaper.
Team bonus: Military buildings (excluding Castles and Docks) provide +5 population.
The African Kingdoms Edit
Berbers Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Berbers
Wonderberbers
The Berber Wonder
Specialty: Navy and cavalry
Unique unit: CamelArcherIcon Camel Archer
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Kasbah
Unique-tech Maghrabi Camels
Wonder: Hassan Tower
Civilization bonuses:
Villagers move +10% faster.
Stable units are 15%/20% cheaper in the Castle/Imperial Age.
Ships move +10% faster.
Team bonus: Genitour are available at the Archery Range.
Ethiopians Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Ethiopians
Wonderethiopians
The Ethiopian Wonder
Specialty: Archers and siege weapons
Unique unit: ShotelIcon Shotel Warrior
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Royal Heirs
Unique-tech Torsion Engines
Wonder: Biete Amanuel
Civilization bonuses:
Archers fire +15% faster.
Receive +100 food and +100 gold whenever a new Age is reached.
The Pikeman upgrade is free.
Team bonus: Towers and Outposts have +3 Line of Sight.
Malians Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Malians
Wondermalians-0
The Malian Wonder
Specialty: Infantry
Unique unit: GbetoIcon Gbeto
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Tigui
Unique-tech Farimba
Wonder: Great Mosque of Djenné
Civilization bonuses:
Buildings cost -15% wood (except Farms).
Barracks units have +1/+2/+3 pierce armor in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
Gold Mining is free.
Team bonus: Universities research +80% faster.
Portuguese Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Portuguese
Wonderportuguese
The Portuguese Wonder
Specialty: Navy and gunpowder units
Unique units:
OrganGunIcon Organ Gun
CaravelIcon2 Caravel
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Carrack
Unique-tech Arquebus
Wonder: Belém Tower
Civilization bonuses:
All units cost -15% gold.
All ships have +10% HP.
The Feitoria becomes available for building in the Imperial Age.
Team bonus: Free Cartography from the beginning of the game.
Rise of the Rajas Edit
Burmese Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Burmese
Wonderburmese
The Burmese Wonder
Specialty: Monks and elephants
Unique unit: Arambaiicon Arambai
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Howdah
Unique-tech Manipur Cavalry
Wonder: Shwezigon Pagoda
Civilization bonuses:
Lumber Camp technologies are free.
Infantry has +1/+2/+3 attack in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
Monastery technologies are 50% cheaper.
Team bonus: Relics are visible on the map from the game start.
Khmer Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Khmer
Wonderkhmer
The Khmer Wonder
Specialty: Siege weapons and elephants
Unique unit: Ballistaelephanticon Ballista Elephant
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Tusk Swords
Unique-tech Double Crossbow
Wonder: Angkor Wat
Civilization bonuses:
No buildings are required to construct certain buildings or advance in Age.
Battle Elephants move +15% faster.
Villagers can garrison in Houses.
Team bonus: Scorpions have +1 range.
Malay Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Malay
Wondermalay
The Malay Wonder
Specialty: Navy
Unique unit: Karambitwarrioricon Karambit Warrior
Unique technologies:
CastleAgeUnique Thalassocracy
Unique-tech Forced Levy
Wonder: Kalasan Temple
Civilization bonuses:
Advancing in Age is +80% faster.
Fish Traps are 33% cheaper.
Fish Traps provide unlimited food.
Battle Elephants are 30% cheaper.
Team bonus: Docks have double Line of Sight.
Vietnamese Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Vietnamese
Wondervietnamese
The Vietnamese Wonder
Specialty: Archers
Unique units: Rattan Archer
Unique technologies:
Chatras
Paper Money
Wonder: Bút Tháp
Civilization bonuses:
Reveal enemy positions at game start.
Archery Range units have +20% HP.
Conscription is free.
Team bonus: Imperial Skirmishers are available at the Archery Range.
Definitive Edition Edit
Bulgarians Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Bulgarians
AoE2DE Bulgarian Wonder
The Bulgarian Wonder
Specialty: Infantry and Cavalry
Unique units: Konnik
Unique technologies:
Stirrups
Bagains
Wonder: Preslav Round Church
Civilization bonuses:
Militia-line upgrades free.
Town Centers cost -50% stone.
Can build Krepost.
Team bonus: Blacksmiths work 50% faster.
Cumans Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Cumans
AoE2DE Cuman Wonder
The Cuman Wonder
Specialty: Cavalry
Unique units: Kipchak
Unique technologies:
Steppe Husbandry
Cuman Mercenaries
Wonder: Sarkel Fortress
Civilization bonuses:
Additional Town Center can be built in the Feudal Age.
Siege Workshops and Battering Ram available in the Feudal Age.
Cavalry 10% faster starting in Feudal Age.
Team bonus: Palisade Walls have +50% hit points.
Lithuanians Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Lithuanians
AoE2DE Lithuanian Wonder
The Lithuanian Wonder
Specialty: Cavalry and Monks
Unique units: Leitis
Unique technologies:
Hill Forts
Tower Shields
Wonder: Trakai Island Castle
Civilization bonuses:
Start with +150 food.
Spearman-line and Skirmishers move 10% faster.
Each garrisoned relic gives +1 attack to cavalry units (maximum +5).
Team bonus: Monastery works 20% faster.
Tatars Edit
OverviewDescription
CivIcon-Tatars
AoE2DE Tatar Wonder
The Tatar Wonder
Specialty: Cavalry archers
Unique units: Keshik
Unique technologies:
Silk Armor
Timurid Siegecraft
Wonder: Ulugh Beg Observatory
Civilization bonuses:
Herdables contain +50% food.
Units deal +25% damage when attacking from hills (stacks with the regular hill attack bonus).
Parthian Tactics are free.
Team bonus: Cavalry Archers +2 LOS.
Sources
Friday, January 10, 2020
Age of Empires II. For the civilizations in the other games of the series
Age of Empires II. For the civilizations in the other games of the series
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HD.HD
Age of Empires 2 HD Civilization Bonuses: Unique Units and How to Counter Them [All DLC]
Age of Empires 2 HD Civilization Bonuses: Unique Units and How to Counter Them [All DLC]
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TV.TV
This guide covers the stats and capabilities of all Unique Units in the original Age of Kings and Conqueror's Expansion and the newer expansions (Forgotten Empires, African Kingdoms, Rise of Rajas), how to counter them, and each Civilizations' respective Bonuses. (F) Forgotten Empires, (A) African Kingdoms, (R) Rise of Rajas
AZTECS: Infantry & Monk Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Villagers carry capacity +5
- All Military Units are created 15% faster
- Monks gain 5 HP for every tech researched at the Monastery
- Loom Tech free
- No Gunpowder or Cavalry Units
- Scout Cavalry is replaced by Eagle Warrior (or Eagle Scout depending on game version i.e Conquerors/Forgotten/African/Rajas)
Team Bonus: Relics generate +33% Gold
Unique Tech: Garland Wars - Increases Infantry attack by +4
Unique Unit: Jaguar Warrior (Anti-Infantry Unit)
Basic Information and Strategy
Jaguar Warriors are one of the strongest infantry units in the game due to their improved attack bonus granted by Garland Wars. They are able to hold their own against every infantry unit in a 1v1 situation, including the Teutonic Knight, provided the Jaguar Warrior manages to make the first blow. Their main weakness is lack of pierce armor, making them vulnerable to archers and heavy cavalry.
BERBERS: Cavalry and Naval Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
Villagers move +10% faster
Stable units cost -20% (starting in castle age)
Ships move +10% faster
Team Bonus: Genitour availible at Archery Range
Unique Techs
Kasbah: Team castles work +25% faster
Maghrabi Camels: Camel troops regenerate
Unique Units
Camel Archer: Cavalry Archer with bonus against cavalry archers
Genitour: Mounted Skirmisher
Basic Information and Strategy
Camel Archers - The Berbers have the Camel Archer for their unique castle unit. Being a camel unit, it has an advantage against cavalry, but only of the archer variety i.e. Mangudai and Cavalry Archers. The best strategy would be to use them in small, quick battalions alongside anti-pikemen units. However, I'd recommend a contingent of heavy cavalry to deal with any units with high pierce armor as well as pikemen to deal with camels.
Genitour - Like the Italians, Vikings, and Koreans, the Berbers have two units specific to their civ, the first being the Camel Archer. The second, the Genitour, is a mounted skirmisher, a unit that's effective against archers, mounted and cavalry. Best used in small battalions to utilize their speed, I'd suggest matching them with heavy cavalry to prevent problems with units possessing high pierce armor, or infantry and archers to deal with pikemen and your own pikemen to counter camels.
BRITONS: Foot-Archer Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Town Centers cost -50% Wood from the Castle Age
- Foot archers (except Skirmishers) have +1 range in Castle Age, +1 in Imperial Age (+2 range total)
- Shepherds work 25% faster
Team Bonus: Archery Ranges work 20% faster
Unique Tech: Yeomen - (+1) Range for Foot Archers, (+2) Attack for towers
Unique Unit: Longbowman (Long-range foot Archer)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Longbowman boasts the greatest archer range in the entire game. Starting off at a base of 5, upgrades from the blacksmith, researching Elite Longbowman and Yeomen at the Castle will bring the Longbowman's max range up to 12, thus out-ranging Castles, Towers, Mangonels, and Scorpions including rival Unique Archer units from other civilizations. They also have a higher attack than normal archers.
The best strategy for using Longbowmen is in a group of at least 15 (IMHO). Using them in base defense behind walls with locked gates is another useful tactic. When on the battlefield, protect your Longbowman contingents with a combination of Infantry and Cavalry. Being archer units, Longbowmen won't last long against as little as 5 knights (IMHO).
BURMESE: Monk and Elephant Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Free Lumber Camp Upgrades
- Infantry +1 Attack per Age (Starting in Feudal Age)
- Monastery techs 50% cheaper
Team Bonus: Relics are visible on the mini map
Unique Techs
Howdah (Castle Age): Battle Elephants get +1/+2 armor
Manipur Cavalry (Imperial Age): Cavalry and Arambai get +6 attack versus buildings
Unique Units
Arambai: A powerful, but inaccurate cavalry
Basic Information and Strategy
Arambai: The Burmese Arambai is a cavalry archer with a powerful attack that is unfortunately negated by their horrendous accuracy. Through trial and error (with the assistance of Hardfoil), we decided that the best strength of the Arambai is served in small, quick cohorts that can engage and retreat swiftly from any entanglements they may encounter. Because of their pitiful accuracy, it is best to use them to attack large blocks of troops in order to maximize the damage they do across an area of effect. By far the simplest way to counter the Arambai is with excessive amounts of pikeman. Some of the infantry will certainly fall whilst moving to engage, but if enough, the pikemen will rip the Arambai to shreds.
Byzantines: Defensive Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Buildings gain +10% HPs in Dark Age, +20% Feudal Age, +30% Castle Age, +40% Imperial Age
- Camels, Skirmishers, Pikemen, Halberdiers are cost -25%
- Fire Ships +20% Attack
- Advance to Imp Age costs -33% (667 Food and 536 Gold instead of 1000 Food and 800 Gold)
- Town Watch Tech free
Team Bonus: Monks heal 50% faster
Unique Tech: Logistica - Cataphracts do trample damage
Unique Unit: Cataphract (Anti-Infantry Cavalry)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Cataphract is the unit with the fewest weaknesses. They have a bonus attack against infantry units, making them an ideal defense force. Despite having a disadvantage when it comes to facing Heavy Camels and Mamelukes, the Cataphracts are effective against all units, making them a force to be reckoned with. Still, keeping some infantry with them would be wise seeing as Halberdiers can still be a threat to Cataphracts.
There are several units which are able to efficiently deal with Cataphracts. Halberdiers are the most logical choice, being the unit specifically mean for countering cavalry. However, having more than the attacking Cataphract contingent is wise seeing as Cataphracts can soak up damage like it's nobodies business. The next option would be using Paladins, preferably Frankish ones. While most paladins and cavaliers are able to defeat Cataphracts 1v1, in a large conflict the Cataphracts have the higher success rate.
The Persian War Elephant will be able to defeat Cataphracts with ease thanks to their high attack and HP. Just make sure not to attack with less than 10. A large force of cataphracts can take down 5 war elephants without much difficulty, especially if there are several castles and monks in the general vicinity. (This tidbit came from personal experience in a Regicide match.)
Archers, Hand Cannoneers and Scorpions also have a slight advantage thanks to a lower pierce armor on the Cataphracts part.
Celts: Infantry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Lumberjacks work 15% faster
- Infantry move 15% faster
- Siege weapons fire 20% faster
- Sheep cannot be converted if in 1 Celt Unit's line of sight
Team Bonus: Siege Workshops work 20% faster
Unique Tech: Furor Celtica - Siege Units have +40% HP
Unique Unit: Woad Raider (Fast-moving Infantry)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Woad Raider is the fastest non-hero infantry in the game, making it an excellent rushing unit and about the same speed as a scout cavalry. They're best used against low-level, non-unique infantry and most archers, but become chow food against stronger infantry variants and cavalry. Woad Raiders are also effective against siege weapons and have a bonus against buildings, making them ideal for destroying wonders.
Chinese: Archer Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Start Game with 3 extra villagers but -200 Food and -50 Wood
- Town Center supports 10 population instead of 5
- Technologies cost -10% in Feudal Age, -15% Castle Age, -20% Imp Age
- Demolition Ships have +50% HP
Team Bonus: Farms start with +45 food
Unique Tech: Rocketry - Chu Ko Nu (+2) attack, Scorpions (+4) attack
Unique Unit: Chu Ko Nu (Rapid-fire Archer)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Chu Ko Nu is the only archer in the game that fires multiple shots with each attack. A normal Chu Ko Nu fire 3 arrows per attack while an Elite Chu Ko Nu fire 5 arrows. However, only the first arrow does full damage while the following do only 3. Their large attack and quick fire rate is offset by their low health, lack of base armor, and a base range of 4.
Several successful tactics for using Chu Ko Nu is mingling them with Arbalests and Infantry: Arbalests for clearing away most anti-archer units and Infantry for fending off cavalry and mopping up after the Arbalests. Another tactic is garrisoning them inside Castles and Towers, thus greatly increasing the building's firepower.
The most ideal way of defeating Chu Ko Nu is with longer ranged archers, large numbers of heavy cavalry and siege weapons with splash damage.
Ethiopians: Archer Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Archers move +15% faster
- Receive +100 gold, +100 food when advancing to the next age
- Pikemen and Halberdier upgrades free
Team Bonus: Towers and Outposts +3 LOS
Unique Techs
Royal Heirs: Shotel Warriors are created nearly instantly
Torsion Engines: Siege workshop units blast radius increase
Unique Units
Shotel Warrior: Cheap, quick to build infantry
Basic Information and Strategy
Shotel Warrior - The Ethiopians' Shotel Warrior is a cheap, quick-to-build infantry unit with devastating attack power, allowing it to compete with the Teutons' Teutonic Knight and the Aztecs' Jaquar Warrior for strongest infantry (disallowing heroes). Because of their low cost and quick build time, I suggest creating Shotel Warriors in bulk to simply swarm any enemies. However, their high attack rating is offset by their squishyness. Providing an escort of cavalry and archers would be a wise course of action, particularly to deal with siege weapons with splash damage. Mangonels can be devastating.
Franks: Cavalry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Castles cost -25%
- Cavalry +20% HP
- Farm upgrades free
- Foragers work 25% faster
Team Bonus: Knights have +2 LoS
Unique Tech: Bearded Axe - (+1) Range for Throwing Axeman
Unique Unit: Throwing Axeman (Infantry with Ranged Attack)
Basic Information and Strategy
The most interesting thing about the Throwing Axeman is the classification. Even though it's an infantry unit, it has a ranged attack that makes them useful when dealing with Anti-Archer units with high pierce armor. In addition, Throwing Axemen have an attack bonus against buildings and are prime for destroying Battering Rams from behind walls without compromising defenses by opening gates. But, their inferior range makes them vulnerable to Cavalry, Scorpions and hit-and-run tactics by archers. The Franks lack of the Squire tech makes the Throwing Axeman slow and not as maneuverable as other infantry.
Goths: Infantry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Infantry cost -35% starting in Feudal Age
- Infantry have +1 attack bonus vs buildings
- Villagers have +5 attack bonus vs boars
- (+10) population cap in Imperial Age
- Unable to build Stone Walls
Team Bonus: Barracks work 20% faster
Unique Tech:
(Castle Age) Anarchy - Huskarls can be created at Barracks
(Imp Age) Perfusion - Barracks create units 100% faster
Unique Unit: Huskarl (Anti-Archer and Arrow-Resistant Infantry)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Huskarl has decent attack and reasonable speed, but the main asset of the Huskarl is their 6 pierce armor, making them an ideal archer deterrent and allowing them to attack a castle with ignorance. In general, they are well-rounded units that can deal with most threats. However, they are a bit short coming when pitted against cavalry and mounted archers (I.E. Cavalry Archers, Mangudai, & War Wagons).
Huns: Cavalry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Don't need Houses, but start game with -100 wood
- Cavalry Archers cost -10% Castle Age, -20% Imperial
- Trebuchets +30% Accuracy
Team Bonus: Stables work 20% faster
Unique Tech: Atheism - (+100) years for Relic & Wonder Victories, Spies/Treason cost -50%
Unique Unit Tarkan (Anti-Building Cavalry)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Tarkan's basic role is that of building destruction. Best categorized as a medium cavalry, having HP, Armor, and Attack somewhere between Light Cavalry & Knights. In addition to destroying buildings, Tarkansm are reasonably effective against most ranged units and light cavalry. Their Pierce Armor is substantial enough to withstand attacks from defensive structures, so they are capable of taking down towers and castles, depending on the size of the contingent. They best serve as hit-and-run raiders, destroying a building or two and retreating before a counter-attack can be realized. They also are able to survive pitched battles if the need arises.
Being classified as medium cavalry, Tarkans are less capable of surviving against infantry, heavy cavalry and camels. Despite having a 20 HP advantage and a slight advantage in armor, Cataphracts can beat Tarkans by a narrow margin.
Incas: Infantry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Start with a free llama
- Villagers affected by Blacksmith upgrades
- Houses support 10 population
- Buildings cost -15% stone
- Scout Cavalry is replaced by Eagle Warrior (or Eagle Scout depending on game version i.e Conquerors/Forgotten/African/Rajas)
Team Bonus: Farms built 50% faster
Unique Techs
Couriers: Eagle Warriors, Slingers and Kamayuks +1/+2 armor
Andean Sling: Skirmishers and Slingers have no minimum range
Unique Unit(s)
Kamayuk: Infantry with a massive spear
Slinger: Anti-infantry archer
Basic Information and Strategy
Kamayuk - The basic idea of the Kamayuk is to be the Incan version of the Greek Phalanx. Their primary ability is their bonus against cavalry, but because of a massive spear, the Kamayuk is capable of attacking from behind units and keeping its distance from infantry and archers. This also means that the Kamayuk can attack through walls. A good tactic when using Kamayuks would be to have a decent size contingent in front of the Incas' other unique unit, the Slinger.
Slinger - Slingers are anti-infantry archers that can be built from the archery range. Despite having a less than average range, the Andean Sling tech can cancel that weakness out. Their significant bonus against infantry is a decent deterrant for infantry with the intent of breaking up a contingent of Kamayuks. Being archers, they're vulnerable to cavalry and mounted units. But when matched up with the Incas' other unique unit, a solid tactic is created. Like the Italian's Condottiero, the Slinger has no elite upgrade.
Inidians: Gunpowder and Cavalry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Villagers cost -10% Dark, -15% Feudal, -20% Castle, -25% Imperial
- Fishermen work 15% faster and carry +15
- Camels +1/+1 armor
Team Bonus: Camels +5 attack vs. buildings
Unique Techs
Sultans: All gold income +10%
Shatagni: Hand Cannoneers get +1 Range
Unique Units
Elephant Archer: Archer riding an elephant
Imperial Camel: Camel upgrade
Basic Information and Strategy
Elephant Archer - Same as the Persian War Elephant, the Elephant Archer has a significant amount of HP and Pierce Armor and does the same amount of damage as a Cavalry Archer with a lower rate of fire. However, being mounted on an elephant, movement speed is significantly reduced compared to a cavalry archer. The best way to counter an Elephant Archer would be simply this: Pikemen. Bleeding carploads of pikemen. Or camels. Those work too.
Imperial Camel - An upgrade from the Heavy Camel, the Imp Camel is a harder hitting anti-cavalry unit. With a high HP count, decent attack, high speed, and augmented armor, the Imp Camel can easily take Paladins on 1v1 and, when in a group, can defeat War Elephants with relative ease. Being a cavalry unit, Pikemen are an ideal defense against them.
Italians: Archer and Naval Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Advancing to next age costs -15%
- All dock techs cost -50%
- Fishing ship cost -15 wood
- Gunpowder units cost -25%
Team Bonus: Condottiero also available in allies' barracks in Imperial Age (once you have built a castle)
Unique Techs
Pavise: Foot Archers +1/+1 armor
Silk Road: Trade units cost -50%
Unique Units
Genoese Crossbowman: Archer with bonus against cavalry
Condottiero: Infantry with bonus against gunpowder units
Basic Information and Strategy
Genoese Crossbowman - The Genoese Crossbowman is the only archer unit in AoEII with some kind of edge of cavalry units. Despite having a shorter range, the Genoese Crossbowman has a +5 attack against cavalry, +4 against Camels and Mamelukes, and a whopping +10 against War Elephants and Elephant Archers. The obvious usage for the Genoese Crossbowman is to counter cavalry.
Japanese: Infantry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Fishing ships have x2 HP, +2 piercing armor, work rate +5% Dark, +10% Feudal, +15% Castle, +20% Imperial
- Mills, Lumber/Mining Camps cost -50%
- Infantry attack 25% faster starting in Feudal Age
Team Bonus: Galleys have +50% LoS
Unique Tech: Kataparuto - Trebuchets fire & pack faster
Unique Unit: Samurai (Infantry Unit with Bonus against other Unique Units)
Basic Information and Strategy
At a glance, Samurai seem to be weaker in combat than their Barracks counterparts (the Long Swordsman in the Castle Age and Champion in the Imp Age). When it comes to the late game when Unique Units are in abundance, the Samurai plays a bigger role, having an attack bonus against other Unique Units. Samurai are very effective against heavy infantry and can be deadly against civilizations who rely on their Unique Units towards endgame. The only units they aren't cost effective against are Cataphracts, War Elephants and Teutonic Knights.
Khmer: Siege and Elephant Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Prereq buildings aren't required to advance to further ages or unlock other buildings (i.e., a castle is not required to advance to the Imp age or a blacksmith is not required to build a siege workshop)
- Battle Elephants are +15% faster
- Villagers can garrison in Houses
Team Bonus: Scorpions have +1 range
Unique Techs
Tusk Swords (Castle Age): Battle Elephants get +3 attack
Double Crossbow (Imperial Age): Ballista Elephants and Scorpions shoot two projectiles
Unique Units
Ballista Elephant: A cavalry siege unit
Basic Information and Strategy
Ballista Elephant: First off, the term 'cavalry siege unit' is a major misnomer. In testing, it was discovered that the Ballista Elephant's only true strength is in defense. They're best against infantry and archers due to the Elephant's piercing attack (like the scorpion's), especially when said troops are in large blocks. In regard to their efficiency against buildings, there's a major drop. Ballista Elephants do very little damage against buildings and suffer greatly when faced with anything anti-cavalry like halberdiers and camels. Best course of action, use the Ballista Elephants to soften up enemy troops instead of using them as front-line fighters.
Korean: Tower and Naval Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Villagers have +3 LoS
- Stone Miners work 20% faster
- Tower Upgrades free (Chemistry still required for Bombard Tower)
- Towers Range +1 Castle Age, +2 Imp Age
- Fortifications are built faster
Team Bonus: Mangonels minimum range reduced
Unique Tech: Shinkichon - (+1) Range for Mangonels & Onagers
Unique Unit:
War Wagon (Heavily Armored Cavalry Archer)
Turtle Ship (Heavily Armored Warship)
Basic Information and Strategy
War Wagon - The War Wagon possesses a high pierce armor, making it an ideal anti-archer unit. It's more powerful and resilient than a cavalry archer, but is more expensive and not as fast. They're more effective in numbers and should be used alongside a contingent of Halberdiers/Pikemen for protection against cavalry and camels, which can destroy War Wagons with ease.
Turtle Ship - The Turtle Ship can be used for multiple purposes. It can either be used in ship-to-ship conflicts or to provide devastating cover for the first stage of a land attack. Being heavily armored makes the Turtle Ship slow and subject to hit-and-run tactics as well as heavy demolition ships. Because of the short range the Turtle Ship possesses can bring it close to the shoreline, thus making it subject to attacks from Mangonels & Onagers which Turtle Ships are weak against.
MAGYARS: Cavalry Infantry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Villagers can kill wolves with 1 strike
- Forging, Iron Casting, Blast Furnace free
- Scout Cavalry, Light Cavalry, Hussar cost -15%
Team Bonus: Foot Archers +2 LOS
Unique Techs
Mercenaries: Magyar Huszar costs no gold
Recurve Bow: Cavalry archers get +1 range, +1 attack
Unique Unit
Magyar Huszar: Cheap Light Cavalry
Basic Information and Strategy
Magyar Huszar - With a high attack and a bonus against siege weapons, the Magyar Huszar is an ideal unit for countering siege units. The best way for using them would be in blocks of 10-20, depending on if Pikemen accompany the advancing siege equipment. Being a Cavalry unit, the Huszar is obviously vulnerable to masses of Pikemen. Bringing infantry along to protect the Huszars is a wise plan.
MALAY: Naval Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Advancing to Ages +80% faster
- Fish Traps cost -33%
- Fish Traps provide unlimited food
- Battle Elephants 25% cheaper
Team Bonus: Docks get +100% Line of Sight
Unique Techs
Thalassocracy (Castle Age): Docks are upgraded to Harbors that fire arrows
Forced Levy (Imperial Age): Militia Line costs no gold
Unique Units
Karambit Warrior: Cheap, fast infantry
Basic Information and Strategy
At first glance, the Karambit Warrior seems like a rather useless unit. At least, they did for me. They're exceptionally cheap to produce and one Karambi Warrior costs half a population, meaning that 100 Karambit Warriors only takes up 50 population. However, they are also a quick unit that are almost as fast as a light cavalry (both being fully upgraded) and can strike fast and hard. Finally, for tactics, Karambit Warriors are best used in a swarm. Their speed really allows them to surround an enemy force and chip away at all sides. GentlemanPenguin's opinion was to use them as a last ditch effort due to their short creation time and cheap price. I agree with this, but Karambit Warriors are good raiders and distraction units to draw your opponent away from your main force.
MALIANS: Infantry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Buildings cost -15% wood
- Barracks units +1 pierce armor per age (starting from Feudal Age)
- Gold mining upgrades free
Team Bonus: University researches +80% faster
Unique Techs
Tigui: Town Centers fire arrows (they are able to fire without being garrisoned with villagers/archers)
Farimba: Cavalry +5 attack
Unique Units
Gbeto: Infantry with a ranged attack
Basic Information and Strategy
The Malians' Gbeto is reminiscent of the Franks' throwing axeman, an infantry unit with a ranged attack. Their armor is negligible, offsetting their high attack rating and high speed. Being infantry, they are susceptible to cavalry and heavy infantry. That being said, I recommend small battalions escorted by pikemen and heavy cavalry to counter archers, cavalry, and infantry. Be aware of mangonels and the like. Also, the Gbeto is the only female military unit, sans heroes.
Mayans: Archer Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Starts with +1 Villager but -50 Food
- Resources last 15% longer
- Archery Range Units cost -10% Feudal Age, -20% Castle Age, -30% Imp Age
- No Gunpowder or Cavalry Units
- Scout Cavalry is replaced by Eagle Warrior (or Eagle Scout depending on game version i.e Conquerors/Forgotten/African/Rajas)
Team Bonus: Walls cost -50%
Unique Tech: El Dorado (+40% HP for Eagle Warriors)
Unique Unit: Plumed Archer (Fast, well-armored foot archer)
Basic Information and Strategy
The prominent differences between normal archers and the Plumed Archer is the Plumed Archer's lower range and attack, but possesses a higher HP count and has exceptional speed, thus allowing them to keep up with most cavalry. A preferable tactic when using the Plumed Archer is hit-and-run, allowing them to effectively replace the Cavalry Archer. They do have an attack bonus against infantry, making them ideal for taking out long swordsman. However, they are vulnerable to cavalry, which means they should be accompanied by an contingent of Pikemen/Halberdiers. They are made less expensive by the Mayan Unique Bonus, making them the least expensive Unique Unit except in Full Tech Tree matches.
Mongols: Cavalry Archer Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Cavalry Archers fire 20% faster
- Light Cavalry, Hussar have +30% HP
- Hunters work 50% faster
Team Bonus: Scout Cavalry line has +2 LoS
Unique Tech: Drill - Siege Units move 50% faster
Unique Unit: Mangudai (Anti-Siege Weapon Cavalry Archer)
Basic Information and Strategy
Mangudai are almost a carbon copy of Cavalry Archers except for their bonus against Siege Equipment, their +1 Attack and +10 HP, making them slightly superior to ordinary Cavalry Archers. Mangudai are cheaper than cavalry archers in terms of Gold but cost more in terms of Wood. When it comes to tactics, Mangudai are most effective against slow moving units such as Monks, Villagers, Siege Weapons, Infantry, and unsuspecting Archers. However, when attacking Scorpions and Mangonels it is preferable to attack with multiple Mangudai instead of 1v1. The main threat to Mangudai are Camels, Skirmishers and Spearmen, although Mangudai are fast enough to avoid the latter. Of the two (Cavalry Archers & Mangudai), the Mangudai is the more logical combat choice.
Persians: Cavalry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Start Match with +50 Food and +50 Wood
- Town Center, Docks x2 HP, work rate +10% Feudal, +15% Castle, +20% Imp
Team Bonus: Knights have +2 Attack against Archers
Unique Tech: Mahouts - War Elephants move 30% faster
Unique Unit: War Elephant (Slow yet strong and devastating)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Persian War Elephant has one prime role: Destroy ALL of the things. There aren't many Units that can economically take down the War Elephants. However, being a cavalry unit, Pikemen/Spearmen have an extra bonus against War Elephants, but a large number of Pikemen/Spearmen would be required to do so. Due to their lack of speed, Cavalry Archers are capable of defeating War Elephants, albeit not as effectively as Mamelukes would be able to with their high speed and Anti-Cavalry bonus. Other counters include siege weapons (particularly Mangonels) and Monks. An escort for the War Elephants will be able to fend off Monks seeking to convert the Elephants.
PORTUGUESE: Naval and Gunpowder Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- All units cost -15% gold
- Ships +10% HP
- Can build Feitoria in Imp Age (The Feitoria is a building that requires 20 pop, 250 stone and gold. An economic building, it generates resources without the need of villagers)
Team Bonus: Free cartography from dark age
Unique Techs
Carrack: Ships +1/+1 armor
Arquebus: Gunpowder units benefit from Ballistics tech
Unique Units
Caravel: Warship with 'area of effect' attack
Organ Gun: Siege engine with area of effect attack
Basic Information and Strategy
Caravel - The Caravel is a ship unit proficient at demolishing entire fleets of enemy warships. Each short fired can damage multiple units as it can penetrate multiple units like the Scorpion siege unit. Thus, firing on tightly pack ships is an effective course of action. However, they are vulnerable to fire ships and demolition ships. Avoiding those ships would be wise.
Organ Gun - Units with area of effect attacks seems to be a trend for the Portugese. Like the Caravel, the Organ Gun is a siege weapon that fires projectiles that are highly effective against large groups of units. Being a siege unit, the Organ Gun is vulnerable to infantry and cavalry, so escorting a group of them with pikemen and anti-infantry units would be wise. Another tactic against the Organ Gun is the skirmisher formation or whatever the formation is called that spreads units out.
Saracens: Camel and Naval Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Market trade cost is 5% of goods (Instead of 30%)
- Markets cost -75 wood
- Transport Ships have x2 HP & x2 carry capacity
- Galleys attack 20% faster
- Cavalry Archers have +3 attack against buildings
Team Bonus: Foot Archers have +1 Attack against Buildings
Unique Tech: Zealotry - Camels, Mamelukes +30 HP
Unique Unit: Mameluke (Anti-Cavalry Camel w/ Ranged Attack)
Basic Information and Strategy
Like the Frank's Throwing Axemen, the Mameluke is a melee Cavalry that throws scimitars with a Range of 3. Their high speed and bonus against Cavalry makes Mameluke one of the best units in the game which is offset by their high cost. Mamelukes are well rounded and suited for most combat, but can be taken down by a higher number of Archers due to the lack of Pierce Armor on the Mameluke's part.
SLAVS: Cavalry Civilization
- Farmers work 15% faster
- Siege Weapons 15% cheaper
- Tracking free
Team Bonus: Military buildings provide +5 population
Unique Techs
Orthodoxy: Monks extra armor
Druzhina: Infantry damage adjacent units
Unique Unit
Boyar: Heavy Cavalry with High Armor
Basic Information and Strategy
Boyar - Another simple unit, the Boyar is like a beefed up Paladin with a high attack damage, HP and armor count. The best option for using such a heavily armed and armored unit would be against gunpowder units and archers. Pikemen are a viable counter for the Boyar, but it will require a significant amount of them to take down even a group of 10 Boyars. A more potentially successful option would be to use Camels or the Italian's Genoese Crossbowman. Aside from that, pray they end you soon.
Spanish: Gunpowder & Monk Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Builders work 30% faster
- Blacksmith upgrades cost no Gold
- Cannon galleons benefit from Ballistics (fire faster, more accurately)
- Gunpowder units fire 15% faster
Team Bonus: Trade units generate +25% gold
Unique Tech: Supremacy - Increased Attack, Armor and HP for Villagers
Unique Unit:
Conquistador (Mounted Hand Cannoneer)
Missionary (Mounted Monk)
Basic Information and Strategy
Conquistador - Conquistadors are basically a mounted form of the Hand Cannoneer. They play the same way, but with the advantage of mobility. Being a gunpowder unit, being closer to the target causes more damage while being less accurate as they move away. Conquistadors are best used in large controllable groups ranging from 20-30 for hit-and-run tactics and included in Knight formations where the Knights soak up incoming attacks from Archers as well as hit the target after the Conquistadors have softened it up. The main threats to Conquistadors are Cavalry contingents and Halberdiers, provided the Halberdiers can catch them. Groups of Eagle Warriors are also capable to taking out Conquistadors.
Missionary - Being mounted, Missionaries are capable of keeping up with Cavalry to convert and are better at escaping from pitched battles. However, their shorter range of 7 (Monks 9) and inability to pick up relics make them less useful in the earlier stages of the game while in the endgame, Missionaries are more valuable, seeing as the relics are already picked up an no longer an objective.
Teutons: Infantry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Monks have x2 Heal Range
- Towers garrison x2 more units
- Murder Holes Tech free
- Farms cost -33%
- Town Centers garrison +10
Team Bonus: Units resist conversion
Unique Tech: Crenellations - (+3 range for Castles: garrisoned infantry fire arrows)
Unique Unit: Teutonic Knight (Slow yet strong Infantry)
Basic Information and Strategy
Teutonic Knights are the most powerful Infantry Unit in the game and are tough enough to defeat every melee unit in the game with the exception of the Persians' War Elephant and the Byzantines' Cataphract. With all upgrades from the Blacksmith, an Elite Teutonic Knight boats 100 HP, 21 Attack, 13 Armor, and 6 Pierce Armor, making them difficult to defeat. However, they are at a disadvantage against Monks, Archers and Mangonels due to their lack of speed. They're also vulnerable to double teaming from Infantry who attack quickly, namely the Japanese Samurai, and the Celt's Woad Raider. This can be negated by increasing the number of Teutonic Knights traveling in the contingent.
Turks: Gunpowder Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Gunpowder units have +25% HP
- Gunpowder techs cost -50%
- Chemistry tech free
- Gold miners work 20% faster
- Light Cavalry and Hussar upgrade free
Team Bonus: Gunpowder Units created 20% faster
Unique Tech: Artillery - (+2 Range for Bombard Towers, Bombard Cannons, and Cannon Galleons)
Unique Unit: Janissary (Hand Cannoneer w/ Increased Range)
Basic Information and Strategy
Janissaries are similar to play style as Hand Cannoneers but possess superior stats. Although fragile, Janissaries have devastating attack and in groups can fire a crippling volley capable of killing or severely slowing down an advancing enemy. The Janissary is capable of killing almost all units, but are vulnerable to Cavalry due to their speed and ability to close the distance between them quickly. Up close, Janissaries can be defeated easily because of their low HP. A single shot from one Mangonel is capable of devastating a Janissary contingent.
VIETNAMESE: Archer Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Reveals enemy positions at game start
- Archery Range Units have +10% HP in Feudal Age, +15% in Castle, and +20% in Imperial (does not stack)
- Free Conscription
Team Bonus: Have access to Imperial Skirmisher Upgrade
Unique Techs
Chatras (Castle Age): Battle Elephants get +30 HP
Paper Money (Imperial Age): Tributes 500 gold to each ally
Unique Units
Rattan Archer: Archer with high pierce armor
Basic Information and Strategy
When I did testing for the Rattan Archer, I wasn't really going in expecting anything impressive. I primarily thought that they'd be an anti archer unit due to their higher than average pierce armor. However, after sending in contingents numbering 25 cavaliers and 25 champions only to see them both shattered, I started to believe that the Rattan Archer had no real weakness aside from the obvious ones of skirmishers and huskarls. As it turns out, skirmishers weren't very effective against the Rattan Archer. Thus, I'd recommend countering with high numbers of units with high pierce armor or mangonels. Other than that, defensive buildings like castles or garrisoned towers are a reasonable defense.
Vikings: Infantry and Naval Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Warships cost -15% Feudal Age, -15% Castle Age, -20% Imperial Age
- Infantry +10% HP Feudal Age, +15% Castle Age, +20% Imperial Age
- Wheelbarrow, Hand Cart techs free
Team Bonus: Docks cost -15%
Unique Tech: Berserkergang - Berserks regenerate faster
Unique Unit:
Berserker (Health Regenerating Infantry)
Longboat (Warship that fire multiple arrows)
Basic Information and Strategy
Berserker - The Berserker is the only unit in the game besides Heroes that can regenerate over time. This ability allows them to survive longer in combat and make them effective in pitched battles. They're also effective against enemy buildings and Cavalry, but are vulnerable to Archers and Siege Weapons like Scorpions and Mangonels.
Longboat - Like the Chinese Chu Ko Nu, the Longboat is capable of firing multiple arrows with each attack and can defeat war galleys in 1v1 combat. Longboats are best used in large numbers against multiple enemy vessels and are effective at shore bombardment against infantry. Mangonels and Demolition Ships are the prime deterrents when engaging Longboats.
AZTECS
AZTECS: Infantry & Monk CivilizationSpecial Civilization Bonuses
- Villagers carry capacity +5
- All Military Units are created 15% faster
- Monks gain 5 HP for every tech researched at the Monastery
- Loom Tech free
- No Gunpowder or Cavalry Units
- Scout Cavalry is replaced by Eagle Warrior (or Eagle Scout depending on game version i.e Conquerors/Forgotten/African/Rajas)
Team Bonus: Relics generate +33% Gold
Unique Tech: Garland Wars - Increases Infantry attack by +4
Unique Unit: Jaguar Warrior (Anti-Infantry Unit)
Basic Information and Strategy
Jaguar Warriors are one of the strongest infantry units in the game due to their improved attack bonus granted by Garland Wars. They are able to hold their own against every infantry unit in a 1v1 situation, including the Teutonic Knight, provided the Jaguar Warrior manages to make the first blow. Their main weakness is lack of pierce armor, making them vulnerable to archers and heavy cavalry.
BERBERS (A)
BERBERS: Cavalry and Naval CivilizationSpecial Civilization Bonuses
Villagers move +10% faster
Stable units cost -20% (starting in castle age)
Ships move +10% faster
Team Bonus: Genitour availible at Archery Range
Unique Techs
Kasbah: Team castles work +25% faster
Maghrabi Camels: Camel troops regenerate
Unique Units
Camel Archer: Cavalry Archer with bonus against cavalry archers
Genitour: Mounted Skirmisher
Basic Information and Strategy
Camel Archers - The Berbers have the Camel Archer for their unique castle unit. Being a camel unit, it has an advantage against cavalry, but only of the archer variety i.e. Mangudai and Cavalry Archers. The best strategy would be to use them in small, quick battalions alongside anti-pikemen units. However, I'd recommend a contingent of heavy cavalry to deal with any units with high pierce armor as well as pikemen to deal with camels.
Genitour - Like the Italians, Vikings, and Koreans, the Berbers have two units specific to their civ, the first being the Camel Archer. The second, the Genitour, is a mounted skirmisher, a unit that's effective against archers, mounted and cavalry. Best used in small battalions to utilize their speed, I'd suggest matching them with heavy cavalry to prevent problems with units possessing high pierce armor, or infantry and archers to deal with pikemen and your own pikemen to counter camels.
BRITONS
BRITONS: Foot-Archer CivilizationSpecial Civilization Bonuses
- Town Centers cost -50% Wood from the Castle Age
- Foot archers (except Skirmishers) have +1 range in Castle Age, +1 in Imperial Age (+2 range total)
- Shepherds work 25% faster
Team Bonus: Archery Ranges work 20% faster
Unique Tech: Yeomen - (+1) Range for Foot Archers, (+2) Attack for towers
Unique Unit: Longbowman (Long-range foot Archer)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Longbowman boasts the greatest archer range in the entire game. Starting off at a base of 5, upgrades from the blacksmith, researching Elite Longbowman and Yeomen at the Castle will bring the Longbowman's max range up to 12, thus out-ranging Castles, Towers, Mangonels, and Scorpions including rival Unique Archer units from other civilizations. They also have a higher attack than normal archers.
The best strategy for using Longbowmen is in a group of at least 15 (IMHO). Using them in base defense behind walls with locked gates is another useful tactic. When on the battlefield, protect your Longbowman contingents with a combination of Infantry and Cavalry. Being archer units, Longbowmen won't last long against as little as 5 knights (IMHO).
BURMESE (R)
BURMESE: Monk and Elephant CivilizationSpecial Civilization Bonuses
- Free Lumber Camp Upgrades
- Infantry +1 Attack per Age (Starting in Feudal Age)
- Monastery techs 50% cheaper
Team Bonus: Relics are visible on the mini map
Unique Techs
Howdah (Castle Age): Battle Elephants get +1/+2 armor
Manipur Cavalry (Imperial Age): Cavalry and Arambai get +6 attack versus buildings
Unique Units
Arambai: A powerful, but inaccurate cavalry
Basic Information and Strategy
Arambai: The Burmese Arambai is a cavalry archer with a powerful attack that is unfortunately negated by their horrendous accuracy. Through trial and error (with the assistance of Hardfoil), we decided that the best strength of the Arambai is served in small, quick cohorts that can engage and retreat swiftly from any entanglements they may encounter. Because of their pitiful accuracy, it is best to use them to attack large blocks of troops in order to maximize the damage they do across an area of effect. By far the simplest way to counter the Arambai is with excessive amounts of pikeman. Some of the infantry will certainly fall whilst moving to engage, but if enough, the pikemen will rip the Arambai to shreds.
BYZANTINES
Byzantines: Defensive Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Buildings gain +10% HPs in Dark Age, +20% Feudal Age, +30% Castle Age, +40% Imperial Age
- Camels, Skirmishers, Pikemen, Halberdiers are cost -25%
- Fire Ships +20% Attack
- Advance to Imp Age costs -33% (667 Food and 536 Gold instead of 1000 Food and 800 Gold)
- Town Watch Tech free
Team Bonus: Monks heal 50% faster
Unique Tech: Logistica - Cataphracts do trample damage
Unique Unit: Cataphract (Anti-Infantry Cavalry)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Cataphract is the unit with the fewest weaknesses. They have a bonus attack against infantry units, making them an ideal defense force. Despite having a disadvantage when it comes to facing Heavy Camels and Mamelukes, the Cataphracts are effective against all units, making them a force to be reckoned with. Still, keeping some infantry with them would be wise seeing as Halberdiers can still be a threat to Cataphracts.
There are several units which are able to efficiently deal with Cataphracts. Halberdiers are the most logical choice, being the unit specifically mean for countering cavalry. However, having more than the attacking Cataphract contingent is wise seeing as Cataphracts can soak up damage like it's nobodies business. The next option would be using Paladins, preferably Frankish ones. While most paladins and cavaliers are able to defeat Cataphracts 1v1, in a large conflict the Cataphracts have the higher success rate.
The Persian War Elephant will be able to defeat Cataphracts with ease thanks to their high attack and HP. Just make sure not to attack with less than 10. A large force of cataphracts can take down 5 war elephants without much difficulty, especially if there are several castles and monks in the general vicinity. (This tidbit came from personal experience in a Regicide match.)
Archers, Hand Cannoneers and Scorpions also have a slight advantage thanks to a lower pierce armor on the Cataphracts part.
CELTS
Celts: Infantry Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Lumberjacks work 15% faster
- Infantry move 15% faster
- Siege weapons fire 20% faster
- Sheep cannot be converted if in 1 Celt Unit's line of sight
Team Bonus: Siege Workshops work 20% faster
Unique Tech: Furor Celtica - Siege Units have +40% HP
Unique Unit: Woad Raider (Fast-moving Infantry)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Woad Raider is the fastest non-hero infantry in the game, making it an excellent rushing unit and about the same speed as a scout cavalry. They're best used against low-level, non-unique infantry and most archers, but become chow food against stronger infantry variants and cavalry. Woad Raiders are also effective against siege weapons and have a bonus against buildings, making them ideal for destroying wonders.
CHINESE
Chinese: Archer Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Start Game with 3 extra villagers but -200 Food and -50 Wood
- Town Center supports 10 population instead of 5
- Technologies cost -10% in Feudal Age, -15% Castle Age, -20% Imp Age
- Demolition Ships have +50% HP
Team Bonus: Farms start with +45 food
Unique Tech: Rocketry - Chu Ko Nu (+2) attack, Scorpions (+4) attack
Unique Unit: Chu Ko Nu (Rapid-fire Archer)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Chu Ko Nu is the only archer in the game that fires multiple shots with each attack. A normal Chu Ko Nu fire 3 arrows per attack while an Elite Chu Ko Nu fire 5 arrows. However, only the first arrow does full damage while the following do only 3. Their large attack and quick fire rate is offset by their low health, lack of base armor, and a base range of 4.
Several successful tactics for using Chu Ko Nu is mingling them with Arbalests and Infantry: Arbalests for clearing away most anti-archer units and Infantry for fending off cavalry and mopping up after the Arbalests. Another tactic is garrisoning them inside Castles and Towers, thus greatly increasing the building's firepower.
The most ideal way of defeating Chu Ko Nu is with longer ranged archers, large numbers of heavy cavalry and siege weapons with splash damage.
ETHIOPIANS (A)
Ethiopians: Archer CivilizationSpecial Civilization Bonuses
- Archers move +15% faster
- Receive +100 gold, +100 food when advancing to the next age
- Pikemen and Halberdier upgrades free
Team Bonus: Towers and Outposts +3 LOS
Unique Techs
Royal Heirs: Shotel Warriors are created nearly instantly
Torsion Engines: Siege workshop units blast radius increase
Unique Units
Shotel Warrior: Cheap, quick to build infantry
Basic Information and Strategy
Shotel Warrior - The Ethiopians' Shotel Warrior is a cheap, quick-to-build infantry unit with devastating attack power, allowing it to compete with the Teutons' Teutonic Knight and the Aztecs' Jaquar Warrior for strongest infantry (disallowing heroes). Because of their low cost and quick build time, I suggest creating Shotel Warriors in bulk to simply swarm any enemies. However, their high attack rating is offset by their squishyness. Providing an escort of cavalry and archers would be a wise course of action, particularly to deal with siege weapons with splash damage. Mangonels can be devastating.
FRANKS
Franks: Cavalry Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Castles cost -25%
- Cavalry +20% HP
- Farm upgrades free
- Foragers work 25% faster
Team Bonus: Knights have +2 LoS
Unique Tech: Bearded Axe - (+1) Range for Throwing Axeman
Unique Unit: Throwing Axeman (Infantry with Ranged Attack)
Basic Information and Strategy
The most interesting thing about the Throwing Axeman is the classification. Even though it's an infantry unit, it has a ranged attack that makes them useful when dealing with Anti-Archer units with high pierce armor. In addition, Throwing Axemen have an attack bonus against buildings and are prime for destroying Battering Rams from behind walls without compromising defenses by opening gates. But, their inferior range makes them vulnerable to Cavalry, Scorpions and hit-and-run tactics by archers. The Franks lack of the Squire tech makes the Throwing Axeman slow and not as maneuverable as other infantry.
GOTHS
Goths: Infantry Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Infantry cost -35% starting in Feudal Age
- Infantry have +1 attack bonus vs buildings
- Villagers have +5 attack bonus vs boars
- (+10) population cap in Imperial Age
- Unable to build Stone Walls
Team Bonus: Barracks work 20% faster
Unique Tech:
(Castle Age) Anarchy - Huskarls can be created at Barracks
(Imp Age) Perfusion - Barracks create units 100% faster
Unique Unit: Huskarl (Anti-Archer and Arrow-Resistant Infantry)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Huskarl has decent attack and reasonable speed, but the main asset of the Huskarl is their 6 pierce armor, making them an ideal archer deterrent and allowing them to attack a castle with ignorance. In general, they are well-rounded units that can deal with most threats. However, they are a bit short coming when pitted against cavalry and mounted archers (I.E. Cavalry Archers, Mangudai, & War Wagons).
HUNS
Huns: Cavalry Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Don't need Houses, but start game with -100 wood
- Cavalry Archers cost -10% Castle Age, -20% Imperial
- Trebuchets +30% Accuracy
Team Bonus: Stables work 20% faster
Unique Tech: Atheism - (+100) years for Relic & Wonder Victories, Spies/Treason cost -50%
Unique Unit Tarkan (Anti-Building Cavalry)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Tarkan's basic role is that of building destruction. Best categorized as a medium cavalry, having HP, Armor, and Attack somewhere between Light Cavalry & Knights. In addition to destroying buildings, Tarkansm are reasonably effective against most ranged units and light cavalry. Their Pierce Armor is substantial enough to withstand attacks from defensive structures, so they are capable of taking down towers and castles, depending on the size of the contingent. They best serve as hit-and-run raiders, destroying a building or two and retreating before a counter-attack can be realized. They also are able to survive pitched battles if the need arises.
Being classified as medium cavalry, Tarkans are less capable of surviving against infantry, heavy cavalry and camels. Despite having a 20 HP advantage and a slight advantage in armor, Cataphracts can beat Tarkans by a narrow margin.
INCAS (F)
Incas: Infantry CivilizationSpecial Civilization Bonuses
- Start with a free llama
- Villagers affected by Blacksmith upgrades
- Houses support 10 population
- Buildings cost -15% stone
- Scout Cavalry is replaced by Eagle Warrior (or Eagle Scout depending on game version i.e Conquerors/Forgotten/African/Rajas)
Team Bonus: Farms built 50% faster
Unique Techs
Couriers: Eagle Warriors, Slingers and Kamayuks +1/+2 armor
Andean Sling: Skirmishers and Slingers have no minimum range
Unique Unit(s)
Kamayuk: Infantry with a massive spear
Slinger: Anti-infantry archer
Basic Information and Strategy
Kamayuk - The basic idea of the Kamayuk is to be the Incan version of the Greek Phalanx. Their primary ability is their bonus against cavalry, but because of a massive spear, the Kamayuk is capable of attacking from behind units and keeping its distance from infantry and archers. This also means that the Kamayuk can attack through walls. A good tactic when using Kamayuks would be to have a decent size contingent in front of the Incas' other unique unit, the Slinger.
Slinger - Slingers are anti-infantry archers that can be built from the archery range. Despite having a less than average range, the Andean Sling tech can cancel that weakness out. Their significant bonus against infantry is a decent deterrant for infantry with the intent of breaking up a contingent of Kamayuks. Being archers, they're vulnerable to cavalry and mounted units. But when matched up with the Incas' other unique unit, a solid tactic is created. Like the Italian's Condottiero, the Slinger has no elite upgrade.
INDIANS (F)
Inidians: Gunpowder and Cavalry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Villagers cost -10% Dark, -15% Feudal, -20% Castle, -25% Imperial
- Fishermen work 15% faster and carry +15
- Camels +1/+1 armor
Team Bonus: Camels +5 attack vs. buildings
Unique Techs
Sultans: All gold income +10%
Shatagni: Hand Cannoneers get +1 Range
Unique Units
Elephant Archer: Archer riding an elephant
Imperial Camel: Camel upgrade
Basic Information and Strategy
Elephant Archer - Same as the Persian War Elephant, the Elephant Archer has a significant amount of HP and Pierce Armor and does the same amount of damage as a Cavalry Archer with a lower rate of fire. However, being mounted on an elephant, movement speed is significantly reduced compared to a cavalry archer. The best way to counter an Elephant Archer would be simply this: Pikemen. Bleeding carploads of pikemen. Or camels. Those work too.
Imperial Camel - An upgrade from the Heavy Camel, the Imp Camel is a harder hitting anti-cavalry unit. With a high HP count, decent attack, high speed, and augmented armor, the Imp Camel can easily take Paladins on 1v1 and, when in a group, can defeat War Elephants with relative ease. Being a cavalry unit, Pikemen are an ideal defense against them.
ITALIANS (F)
Italians: Archer and Naval CivilizationSpecial Civilization Bonuses
- Advancing to next age costs -15%
- All dock techs cost -50%
- Fishing ship cost -15 wood
- Gunpowder units cost -25%
Team Bonus: Condottiero also available in allies' barracks in Imperial Age (once you have built a castle)
Unique Techs
Pavise: Foot Archers +1/+1 armor
Silk Road: Trade units cost -50%
Unique Units
Genoese Crossbowman: Archer with bonus against cavalry
Condottiero: Infantry with bonus against gunpowder units
Basic Information and Strategy
Genoese Crossbowman - The Genoese Crossbowman is the only archer unit in AoEII with some kind of edge of cavalry units. Despite having a shorter range, the Genoese Crossbowman has a +5 attack against cavalry, +4 against Camels and Mamelukes, and a whopping +10 against War Elephants and Elephant Archers. The obvious usage for the Genoese Crossbowman is to counter cavalry.
JAPANESE
Japanese: Infantry Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Fishing ships have x2 HP, +2 piercing armor, work rate +5% Dark, +10% Feudal, +15% Castle, +20% Imperial
- Mills, Lumber/Mining Camps cost -50%
- Infantry attack 25% faster starting in Feudal Age
Team Bonus: Galleys have +50% LoS
Unique Tech: Kataparuto - Trebuchets fire & pack faster
Unique Unit: Samurai (Infantry Unit with Bonus against other Unique Units)
Basic Information and Strategy
At a glance, Samurai seem to be weaker in combat than their Barracks counterparts (the Long Swordsman in the Castle Age and Champion in the Imp Age). When it comes to the late game when Unique Units are in abundance, the Samurai plays a bigger role, having an attack bonus against other Unique Units. Samurai are very effective against heavy infantry and can be deadly against civilizations who rely on their Unique Units towards endgame. The only units they aren't cost effective against are Cataphracts, War Elephants and Teutonic Knights.
KHMER (R)
Khmer: Siege and Elephant CivilizationSpecial Civilization Bonuses
- Prereq buildings aren't required to advance to further ages or unlock other buildings (i.e., a castle is not required to advance to the Imp age or a blacksmith is not required to build a siege workshop)
- Battle Elephants are +15% faster
- Villagers can garrison in Houses
Team Bonus: Scorpions have +1 range
Unique Techs
Tusk Swords (Castle Age): Battle Elephants get +3 attack
Double Crossbow (Imperial Age): Ballista Elephants and Scorpions shoot two projectiles
Unique Units
Ballista Elephant: A cavalry siege unit
Basic Information and Strategy
Ballista Elephant: First off, the term 'cavalry siege unit' is a major misnomer. In testing, it was discovered that the Ballista Elephant's only true strength is in defense. They're best against infantry and archers due to the Elephant's piercing attack (like the scorpion's), especially when said troops are in large blocks. In regard to their efficiency against buildings, there's a major drop. Ballista Elephants do very little damage against buildings and suffer greatly when faced with anything anti-cavalry like halberdiers and camels. Best course of action, use the Ballista Elephants to soften up enemy troops instead of using them as front-line fighters.
KOREANS
Korean: Tower and Naval Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Villagers have +3 LoS
- Stone Miners work 20% faster
- Tower Upgrades free (Chemistry still required for Bombard Tower)
- Towers Range +1 Castle Age, +2 Imp Age
- Fortifications are built faster
Team Bonus: Mangonels minimum range reduced
Unique Tech: Shinkichon - (+1) Range for Mangonels & Onagers
Unique Unit:
War Wagon (Heavily Armored Cavalry Archer)
Turtle Ship (Heavily Armored Warship)
Basic Information and Strategy
War Wagon - The War Wagon possesses a high pierce armor, making it an ideal anti-archer unit. It's more powerful and resilient than a cavalry archer, but is more expensive and not as fast. They're more effective in numbers and should be used alongside a contingent of Halberdiers/Pikemen for protection against cavalry and camels, which can destroy War Wagons with ease.
Turtle Ship - The Turtle Ship can be used for multiple purposes. It can either be used in ship-to-ship conflicts or to provide devastating cover for the first stage of a land attack. Being heavily armored makes the Turtle Ship slow and subject to hit-and-run tactics as well as heavy demolition ships. Because of the short range the Turtle Ship possesses can bring it close to the shoreline, thus making it subject to attacks from Mangonels & Onagers which Turtle Ships are weak against.
MAGYARS (F)
MAGYARS: Cavalry Infantry CivilizationSpecial Civilization Bonuses
- Villagers can kill wolves with 1 strike
- Forging, Iron Casting, Blast Furnace free
- Scout Cavalry, Light Cavalry, Hussar cost -15%
Team Bonus: Foot Archers +2 LOS
Unique Techs
Mercenaries: Magyar Huszar costs no gold
Recurve Bow: Cavalry archers get +1 range, +1 attack
Unique Unit
Magyar Huszar: Cheap Light Cavalry
Basic Information and Strategy
Magyar Huszar - With a high attack and a bonus against siege weapons, the Magyar Huszar is an ideal unit for countering siege units. The best way for using them would be in blocks of 10-20, depending on if Pikemen accompany the advancing siege equipment. Being a Cavalry unit, the Huszar is obviously vulnerable to masses of Pikemen. Bringing infantry along to protect the Huszars is a wise plan.
MALAY (R)
MALAY: Naval CivilizationSpecial Civilization Bonuses
- Advancing to Ages +80% faster
- Fish Traps cost -33%
- Fish Traps provide unlimited food
- Battle Elephants 25% cheaper
Team Bonus: Docks get +100% Line of Sight
Unique Techs
Thalassocracy (Castle Age): Docks are upgraded to Harbors that fire arrows
Forced Levy (Imperial Age): Militia Line costs no gold
Unique Units
Karambit Warrior: Cheap, fast infantry
Basic Information and Strategy
At first glance, the Karambit Warrior seems like a rather useless unit. At least, they did for me. They're exceptionally cheap to produce and one Karambi Warrior costs half a population, meaning that 100 Karambit Warriors only takes up 50 population. However, they are also a quick unit that are almost as fast as a light cavalry (both being fully upgraded) and can strike fast and hard. Finally, for tactics, Karambit Warriors are best used in a swarm. Their speed really allows them to surround an enemy force and chip away at all sides. GentlemanPenguin's opinion was to use them as a last ditch effort due to their short creation time and cheap price. I agree with this, but Karambit Warriors are good raiders and distraction units to draw your opponent away from your main force.
MALIANS (A)
MALIANS: Infantry Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Buildings cost -15% wood
- Barracks units +1 pierce armor per age (starting from Feudal Age)
- Gold mining upgrades free
Team Bonus: University researches +80% faster
Unique Techs
Tigui: Town Centers fire arrows (they are able to fire without being garrisoned with villagers/archers)
Farimba: Cavalry +5 attack
Unique Units
Gbeto: Infantry with a ranged attack
Basic Information and Strategy
The Malians' Gbeto is reminiscent of the Franks' throwing axeman, an infantry unit with a ranged attack. Their armor is negligible, offsetting their high attack rating and high speed. Being infantry, they are susceptible to cavalry and heavy infantry. That being said, I recommend small battalions escorted by pikemen and heavy cavalry to counter archers, cavalry, and infantry. Be aware of mangonels and the like. Also, the Gbeto is the only female military unit, sans heroes.
MAYANS
Mayans: Archer Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Starts with +1 Villager but -50 Food
- Resources last 15% longer
- Archery Range Units cost -10% Feudal Age, -20% Castle Age, -30% Imp Age
- No Gunpowder or Cavalry Units
- Scout Cavalry is replaced by Eagle Warrior (or Eagle Scout depending on game version i.e Conquerors/Forgotten/African/Rajas)
Team Bonus: Walls cost -50%
Unique Tech: El Dorado (+40% HP for Eagle Warriors)
Unique Unit: Plumed Archer (Fast, well-armored foot archer)
Basic Information and Strategy
The prominent differences between normal archers and the Plumed Archer is the Plumed Archer's lower range and attack, but possesses a higher HP count and has exceptional speed, thus allowing them to keep up with most cavalry. A preferable tactic when using the Plumed Archer is hit-and-run, allowing them to effectively replace the Cavalry Archer. They do have an attack bonus against infantry, making them ideal for taking out long swordsman. However, they are vulnerable to cavalry, which means they should be accompanied by an contingent of Pikemen/Halberdiers. They are made less expensive by the Mayan Unique Bonus, making them the least expensive Unique Unit except in Full Tech Tree matches.
MONGOLS
Mongols: Cavalry Archer Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Cavalry Archers fire 20% faster
- Light Cavalry, Hussar have +30% HP
- Hunters work 50% faster
Team Bonus: Scout Cavalry line has +2 LoS
Unique Tech: Drill - Siege Units move 50% faster
Unique Unit: Mangudai (Anti-Siege Weapon Cavalry Archer)
Basic Information and Strategy
Mangudai are almost a carbon copy of Cavalry Archers except for their bonus against Siege Equipment, their +1 Attack and +10 HP, making them slightly superior to ordinary Cavalry Archers. Mangudai are cheaper than cavalry archers in terms of Gold but cost more in terms of Wood. When it comes to tactics, Mangudai are most effective against slow moving units such as Monks, Villagers, Siege Weapons, Infantry, and unsuspecting Archers. However, when attacking Scorpions and Mangonels it is preferable to attack with multiple Mangudai instead of 1v1. The main threat to Mangudai are Camels, Skirmishers and Spearmen, although Mangudai are fast enough to avoid the latter. Of the two (Cavalry Archers & Mangudai), the Mangudai is the more logical combat choice.
PERSIANS
Persians: Cavalry Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Start Match with +50 Food and +50 Wood
- Town Center, Docks x2 HP, work rate +10% Feudal, +15% Castle, +20% Imp
Team Bonus: Knights have +2 Attack against Archers
Unique Tech: Mahouts - War Elephants move 30% faster
Unique Unit: War Elephant (Slow yet strong and devastating)
Basic Information and Strategy
The Persian War Elephant has one prime role: Destroy ALL of the things. There aren't many Units that can economically take down the War Elephants. However, being a cavalry unit, Pikemen/Spearmen have an extra bonus against War Elephants, but a large number of Pikemen/Spearmen would be required to do so. Due to their lack of speed, Cavalry Archers are capable of defeating War Elephants, albeit not as effectively as Mamelukes would be able to with their high speed and Anti-Cavalry bonus. Other counters include siege weapons (particularly Mangonels) and Monks. An escort for the War Elephants will be able to fend off Monks seeking to convert the Elephants.
PORTUGUESE (A)
PORTUGUESE: Naval and Gunpowder CivilizationSpecial Civilization Bonuses
- All units cost -15% gold
- Ships +10% HP
- Can build Feitoria in Imp Age (The Feitoria is a building that requires 20 pop, 250 stone and gold. An economic building, it generates resources without the need of villagers)
Team Bonus: Free cartography from dark age
Unique Techs
Carrack: Ships +1/+1 armor
Arquebus: Gunpowder units benefit from Ballistics tech
Unique Units
Caravel: Warship with 'area of effect' attack
Organ Gun: Siege engine with area of effect attack
Basic Information and Strategy
Caravel - The Caravel is a ship unit proficient at demolishing entire fleets of enemy warships. Each short fired can damage multiple units as it can penetrate multiple units like the Scorpion siege unit. Thus, firing on tightly pack ships is an effective course of action. However, they are vulnerable to fire ships and demolition ships. Avoiding those ships would be wise.
Organ Gun - Units with area of effect attacks seems to be a trend for the Portugese. Like the Caravel, the Organ Gun is a siege weapon that fires projectiles that are highly effective against large groups of units. Being a siege unit, the Organ Gun is vulnerable to infantry and cavalry, so escorting a group of them with pikemen and anti-infantry units would be wise. Another tactic against the Organ Gun is the skirmisher formation or whatever the formation is called that spreads units out.
SARACENS
Saracens: Camel and Naval Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Market trade cost is 5% of goods (Instead of 30%)
- Markets cost -75 wood
- Transport Ships have x2 HP & x2 carry capacity
- Galleys attack 20% faster
- Cavalry Archers have +3 attack against buildings
Team Bonus: Foot Archers have +1 Attack against Buildings
Unique Tech: Zealotry - Camels, Mamelukes +30 HP
Unique Unit: Mameluke (Anti-Cavalry Camel w/ Ranged Attack)
Basic Information and Strategy
Like the Frank's Throwing Axemen, the Mameluke is a melee Cavalry that throws scimitars with a Range of 3. Their high speed and bonus against Cavalry makes Mameluke one of the best units in the game which is offset by their high cost. Mamelukes are well rounded and suited for most combat, but can be taken down by a higher number of Archers due to the lack of Pierce Armor on the Mameluke's part.
SLAVS (F)
SLAVS: Cavalry Civilization- Farmers work 15% faster
- Siege Weapons 15% cheaper
- Tracking free
Team Bonus: Military buildings provide +5 population
Unique Techs
Orthodoxy: Monks extra armor
Druzhina: Infantry damage adjacent units
Unique Unit
Boyar: Heavy Cavalry with High Armor
Basic Information and Strategy
Boyar - Another simple unit, the Boyar is like a beefed up Paladin with a high attack damage, HP and armor count. The best option for using such a heavily armed and armored unit would be against gunpowder units and archers. Pikemen are a viable counter for the Boyar, but it will require a significant amount of them to take down even a group of 10 Boyars. A more potentially successful option would be to use Camels or the Italian's Genoese Crossbowman. Aside from that, pray they end you soon.
SPANISH
Spanish: Gunpowder & Monk Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Builders work 30% faster
- Blacksmith upgrades cost no Gold
- Cannon galleons benefit from Ballistics (fire faster, more accurately)
- Gunpowder units fire 15% faster
Team Bonus: Trade units generate +25% gold
Unique Tech: Supremacy - Increased Attack, Armor and HP for Villagers
Unique Unit:
Conquistador (Mounted Hand Cannoneer)
Missionary (Mounted Monk)
Basic Information and Strategy
Conquistador - Conquistadors are basically a mounted form of the Hand Cannoneer. They play the same way, but with the advantage of mobility. Being a gunpowder unit, being closer to the target causes more damage while being less accurate as they move away. Conquistadors are best used in large controllable groups ranging from 20-30 for hit-and-run tactics and included in Knight formations where the Knights soak up incoming attacks from Archers as well as hit the target after the Conquistadors have softened it up. The main threats to Conquistadors are Cavalry contingents and Halberdiers, provided the Halberdiers can catch them. Groups of Eagle Warriors are also capable to taking out Conquistadors.
Missionary - Being mounted, Missionaries are capable of keeping up with Cavalry to convert and are better at escaping from pitched battles. However, their shorter range of 7 (Monks 9) and inability to pick up relics make them less useful in the earlier stages of the game while in the endgame, Missionaries are more valuable, seeing as the relics are already picked up an no longer an objective.
TEUTONS
Teutons: Infantry Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Monks have x2 Heal Range
- Towers garrison x2 more units
- Murder Holes Tech free
- Farms cost -33%
- Town Centers garrison +10
Team Bonus: Units resist conversion
Unique Tech: Crenellations - (+3 range for Castles: garrisoned infantry fire arrows)
Unique Unit: Teutonic Knight (Slow yet strong Infantry)
Basic Information and Strategy
Teutonic Knights are the most powerful Infantry Unit in the game and are tough enough to defeat every melee unit in the game with the exception of the Persians' War Elephant and the Byzantines' Cataphract. With all upgrades from the Blacksmith, an Elite Teutonic Knight boats 100 HP, 21 Attack, 13 Armor, and 6 Pierce Armor, making them difficult to defeat. However, they are at a disadvantage against Monks, Archers and Mangonels due to their lack of speed. They're also vulnerable to double teaming from Infantry who attack quickly, namely the Japanese Samurai, and the Celt's Woad Raider. This can be negated by increasing the number of Teutonic Knights traveling in the contingent.
TURKS
Turks: Gunpowder Civilization Special Civilization Bonuses
- Gunpowder units have +25% HP
- Gunpowder techs cost -50%
- Chemistry tech free
- Gold miners work 20% faster
- Light Cavalry and Hussar upgrade free
Team Bonus: Gunpowder Units created 20% faster
Unique Tech: Artillery - (+2 Range for Bombard Towers, Bombard Cannons, and Cannon Galleons)
Unique Unit: Janissary (Hand Cannoneer w/ Increased Range)
Basic Information and Strategy
Janissaries are similar to play style as Hand Cannoneers but possess superior stats. Although fragile, Janissaries have devastating attack and in groups can fire a crippling volley capable of killing or severely slowing down an advancing enemy. The Janissary is capable of killing almost all units, but are vulnerable to Cavalry due to their speed and ability to close the distance between them quickly. Up close, Janissaries can be defeated easily because of their low HP. A single shot from one Mangonel is capable of devastating a Janissary contingent.
VIETNAMESE (R)
VIETNAMESE: Archer Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Reveals enemy positions at game start
- Archery Range Units have +10% HP in Feudal Age, +15% in Castle, and +20% in Imperial (does not stack)
- Free Conscription
Team Bonus: Have access to Imperial Skirmisher Upgrade
Unique Techs
Chatras (Castle Age): Battle Elephants get +30 HP
Paper Money (Imperial Age): Tributes 500 gold to each ally
Unique Units
Rattan Archer: Archer with high pierce armor
Basic Information and Strategy
When I did testing for the Rattan Archer, I wasn't really going in expecting anything impressive. I primarily thought that they'd be an anti archer unit due to their higher than average pierce armor. However, after sending in contingents numbering 25 cavaliers and 25 champions only to see them both shattered, I started to believe that the Rattan Archer had no real weakness aside from the obvious ones of skirmishers and huskarls. As it turns out, skirmishers weren't very effective against the Rattan Archer. Thus, I'd recommend countering with high numbers of units with high pierce armor or mangonels. Other than that, defensive buildings like castles or garrisoned towers are a reasonable defense.
VIKINGS
Vikings: Infantry and Naval Civilization
Special Civilization Bonuses
- Warships cost -15% Feudal Age, -15% Castle Age, -20% Imperial Age
- Infantry +10% HP Feudal Age, +15% Castle Age, +20% Imperial Age
- Wheelbarrow, Hand Cart techs free
Team Bonus: Docks cost -15%
Unique Tech: Berserkergang - Berserks regenerate faster
Unique Unit:
Berserker (Health Regenerating Infantry)
Longboat (Warship that fire multiple arrows)
Basic Information and Strategy
Berserker - The Berserker is the only unit in the game besides Heroes that can regenerate over time. This ability allows them to survive longer in combat and make them effective in pitched battles. They're also effective against enemy buildings and Cavalry, but are vulnerable to Archers and Siege Weapons like Scorpions and Mangonels.
Longboat - Like the Chinese Chu Ko Nu, the Longboat is capable of firing multiple arrows with each attack and can defeat war galleys in 1v1 combat. Longboats are best used in large numbers against multiple enemy vessels and are effective at shore bombardment against infantry. Mangonels and Demolition Ships are the prime deterrents when engaging Longboats.
ADDITIONAL BASE CIVILIZATION UNIQUE TECHS
Note: These techs only affect gameplay with the Expansions.
ALL
Gillnets: Fishing Ships gather 25% faster
Available in the Castle Age
Hunting Dogs: Removed
AZTECS
Atlatl: Gives Skirmishers +1 attack and +1 range
Available in the Castle Age
BRITONS
Warwolf: Allows Trebuchets to do splash damage
Available in Imp Age. The Britons' other Unique Tech, 'Yeomen', is now available in the Castle Age
BYZANTINES (Romans)
Greek Fire: Gives +1 Range to Fire Ships
Available in the Castle Age
CELTS
Stronghold: Castles and Towers RoF increased by 20%
Available in the Castle Age
CHINESE
Great Wall: Walls, gates and towers +30% HP
Available in the Castle Age
FRANKS
Chivalry: Stables work 40% faster (Effects research time)
Available in the Castle Age
GOTHS
Perfusion: Barracks work 100% faster
Available in the Castle Age
HUNS
Marauders: Allows Tarkans to be built at a Stable
Available in the Castle Age
JAPANESE
Yasama: Towers fire an additional three arrows
Available in the Castle Age
KOREANS
Panokseon: Turtle Ships move 15% faster
Available in the Castle Age
MAYANS
Obsidian Arrows: Archers, Crossbowmen, Arbalests have +3 attack vs. buildings
Available in the Castle Age
MONGOLS
Nomads: Houses do not lose their population room when destroyed
Available in the Castle Age
SARACENS
Madrasah: 33% of a Monk's gold cost is returned to your stockpile if the Monk is slain
Available in the Castle Age
SPANISH
Inquisition: Monks (and Missionaries) convert faster
Available in the Castle Age
PERSIANS
Boiling Oil: Castles do 6 more damage to Rams per volley
Available in the Castle Age
TEUTONS
Ironclad: Siege weapons get extra melee armor - Trebuchets, Scorpions, Mongonels/Onagers and Bombard Cannons get +4 melee armor while Rams get +1 melee armor
Available in the Castle Age
TURKS
Sipahi: Cavalry Archers +20 hit points
Available in the Castle Age
VIKINGS
Chieftans: Berserks get a +4 attack bonus versus cavalry
Available in the Castle Age
ALL
Gillnets: Fishing Ships gather 25% faster
Available in the Castle Age
Hunting Dogs: Removed
AZTECS
Atlatl: Gives Skirmishers +1 attack and +1 range
Available in the Castle Age
BRITONS
Warwolf: Allows Trebuchets to do splash damage
Available in Imp Age. The Britons' other Unique Tech, 'Yeomen', is now available in the Castle Age
BYZANTINES (Romans)
Greek Fire: Gives +1 Range to Fire Ships
Available in the Castle Age
CELTS
Stronghold: Castles and Towers RoF increased by 20%
Available in the Castle Age
CHINESE
Great Wall: Walls, gates and towers +30% HP
Available in the Castle Age
FRANKS
Chivalry: Stables work 40% faster (Effects research time)
Available in the Castle Age
GOTHS
Perfusion: Barracks work 100% faster
Available in the Castle Age
HUNS
Marauders: Allows Tarkans to be built at a Stable
Available in the Castle Age
JAPANESE
Yasama: Towers fire an additional three arrows
Available in the Castle Age
KOREANS
Panokseon: Turtle Ships move 15% faster
Available in the Castle Age
MAYANS
Obsidian Arrows: Archers, Crossbowmen, Arbalests have +3 attack vs. buildings
Available in the Castle Age
MONGOLS
Nomads: Houses do not lose their population room when destroyed
Available in the Castle Age
SARACENS
Madrasah: 33% of a Monk's gold cost is returned to your stockpile if the Monk is slain
Available in the Castle Age
SPANISH
Inquisition: Monks (and Missionaries) convert faster
Available in the Castle Age
PERSIANS
Boiling Oil: Castles do 6 more damage to Rams per volley
Available in the Castle Age
TEUTONS
Ironclad: Siege weapons get extra melee armor - Trebuchets, Scorpions, Mongonels/Onagers and Bombard Cannons get +4 melee armor while Rams get +1 melee armor
Available in the Castle Age
TURKS
Sipahi: Cavalry Archers +20 hit points
Available in the Castle Age
VIKINGS
Chieftans: Berserks get a +4 attack bonus versus cavalry
Available in the Castle Age
HD.HD
