Age of Empires Series Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Advertisement
Register
Age of Empires Series Wiki
Age of Empires Wiki
6,393
pages
in: Pages with broken file links, Age of Empires II, Lists, Civilizations

Civilization (Age of Empires II)

Revision as of 22:48, 22 March 2017 by Blappp (talk | contribs) (fixed link)
 Edit

The playable factions in Age of Empires II are based on prominent civilizations or nations that were at the peak of their might between the times of the fall of Rome and the early age of discovery (XVI century).

Each civilization in the game has one or two focused military strengths, meaning units or buildings that fall into those categories are usually given most-to-all of the available upgrades in addition to favorable stat boosts by the game and will likely be part of effective battle strategies during matches. While it is possible to put the focus elsewhere other than their advantageous trait (e.g., a Persian player relying primarily on standard Barracks troops rather than cavalry), it is usually not advisable to do so, because most of the civilization bonuses will not apply to those additional fields. It can still be effective and create a moment of surprise if non-typical units are created.

Listed below are all civilizations and their specialties in Age of Empires II and all its expansions.

The Age of Kings

Britons

Wonderbritons

The British Wonder

The Britons are a Western European foot archer civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings. Their unique unit is the Longbowman, from their historical use of the Welsh Longbow in their campaigns. Longbowmen are archers with higher attack and range than every other archer in the game, even outranging Castles and Towers later in the game. Their Castle unique technology Yeomen references the fact that the Britons heavily relied on archery, thus giving their foot archers even more range, as well as increasing their Tower damage. The Britons were known for their small villages scattered across England, as well as their tactics of encroaching on enemies with strongholds and thus get cheaper Town Centers. Known as skilled shepherds and heavily involved in the wool trade, British shepherds work faster. For a time in England, all sports but archery were banned, thus the Britons also sport faster Archery Ranges and longer ranged foot archers. However, their lack of access to Paladins or Hussars sets them back in terms of cavalry, meaning that infantry are often still relied upon even in later stages of the game.

Byzantines

Wonderbyzantines

The Byzantine Wonder

The Byzantines were an Eastern European civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as a defensive civilization, situated in Western Asia along the eastern seaboard of the Mediterranean and were an extension of the Eastern Roman Empire. Although the Byzantines considered to themselves as being more Greek than Roman, they retain many characteristics of the classical Roman Empire, such as their unique unit: the Cataphract, a type of heavy cavalry that happened to be present in Age of Empires. The Cataphract is one of the few true counter units to infantry, however, it is slightly weaker than Knights. Their unique technology is Logistica, referring to the Byzantines' strong military tactics which grants their Cataphracts trample damage to attack multiple enemies at once. The Byzantines had a head start over their European neighbors and arguably reached their zenith while the rest of Europe were in the Dark Age. As a result, they pay less to advance to the Imperial Age. The Byzantines were best known for having deflected many invasions implemented by barbarians, Slavs and Arabs. Their famed doubled walls that surround their capitol of Constantinople almost stood for over a millennium until overran by Ottoman Turks. To reflect this achievement, the Byzantines attain a theme of a defensive civilization and have tougher buildings as the age progresses. Due to carrying on many of the traditions of Rome such as their naval prowess and being the inventors of Greek fire, an ancient napalm rumored to be able to ignite even on water, their Fire Ships attack faster. As a defensive civilization, they also get cheaper counter units and Town Watch upgrades for free. Being the bastion of Greek Orthodoxy, their Monks heal faster to keep with their defensive theme.

Celts

Wondercelts

The Celtic Wonder

The Celts were a Central European civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as an infantry civilization, who dominated much of Europe, such as Poland, Germany, Spain, France, and the British Isles. The Celts in Age of Empires II are the Celts of Scotland, Ireland and Wales in Western Europe. Their unique unit is the Woad Raider, a type of infantry who covers himself in paint made from the woad plant to make himself look more fearsome. Woad Raiders run very fast, allowing them to overcome the normal infantry weaknesses versus archers and siege weapons. Their unique technology is Furor Celtica, which refers to the Celtic warrior tradition of channeling their emotions and anger and makes their siege weapons harder to kill. Being masters of guerilla warfare, Celtic infantry run faster. Because of their historical wood and metalworking, their Siege Workshops build faster, their Lumberjacks work faster, and their Siege Weapons fire faster. Like their neighbors the Britons, the Celts were historically skilled shepherds, and they can steal enemy sheep even if enemy's units are watching them.

Chinese

Wonderchinese

The Chinese Wonder

The Chinese were an East Asian civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as an archer civilization, based on the Tang and Song dynasties of medieval China. The Chinese were best known for their unprecedented technological innovations and highly populated cities that can accommodate millions of people by the 1200s, with the largest being Hangzhou. To reflect this achievement and for being one of the civilizations that suffered the least during the Dark Ages, they start with extra villagers and their Town Centers support a higher population. Although they have fewer resources to compensate, allied farms produce extra food. The unique unit of the Chinese is the Chu Ko Nu, a foot archer wielding the eponymous semi-automatic crossbow invented by the Chinese that would load a new bolt simultaneously as soon as the last one was fired. Chu Ko Nu fire multiple arrows at once and, if employed en masse, they can wreak havoc on infantry and even cavalry. Their unique technology, Rocketry, reflects their discovery of gunpowder. It seems that the Chinese in Age of Empires II have a more crude understanding of gunpowder, as Rocketry benefits their Scorpions and their Chu Ko Nu by giving them higher damage rather than benefit any of their gunpowder units which are unavailable to them. To reflect the non-cannon uses of gunpowder, their Demolition Ships take more damage to destroy and thus they can reach their targets easier. Finally, the Chinese research all technologies more cheaply than any other civilization due to being the one of the most advanced civilizations on Earth during the timeframe of Age of Empires II.

  • Town Centers +5 LOS (moved from Teutons)

Franks

Wonderfranks

The Frankish Wonder

The Franks were a Western European civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as a cavalry civilization, which in the Middle Ages mixed with the native Gauls. They have an infantry unit for their unique unit: the Throwing Axeman throws his axe at enemies at a short range, doing contact damage rather than pierce like Archers. Throwing axes were more popular than bows in the densely forested parts of northern Europe from whence the Franks came from, and they even take their name from their throwing axe, the Francisca. Their unique technology is the Bearded Axe to reflect this, giving their Throwing Axemen more range. The Franks could be seen as the archetypal Medieval civilization. The Frankish King Charlemagne started the tradition of using armored cavalry who became known as Knights, and Frankish Knights fight valiantly with more HP and longer line of sight. Castles dot France, and the Franks have cheaper Castles to better emulate this. Finally, no Castle with a Knight as its lord is complete without peasant labor, and Frankish farms are upgraded for free.

  • Foragers work 25% faster
  • Receive Squires
  • Throwing Axeman (non-elite) frame delay -2 (from 12 to 10)
  • Elite Throwing Axeman research costs -100 gold
  • Throwing Axeman +0.1 speed

  • Civilization bonus extended to all Stable units (+20% HP)

    • Goths

    Wondergoths

    The Gothic Wonder

    The Goths were an Eastern European civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as an infantry civilization, known for bringing Rome to its knees and traveling all over Europe, bringing devastation with them. The leaders of the Goths and their Age of Empires II equivalents were the Huskarls, the Gothic unique unit. As the Goths were known for their raiding prowess, the medium infantry Huskarls have high pierce armor and shrug off damage from fortifications. This also makes them very powerful against archers, and they also move quick enough to chase them down. The Goths were known as flexible nomads with mostly nonexistent formal government, so their unique technology Anarchy allows their leaders, the Huskarls, to be trained at the Barracks like normal infantry as early as the Castle Age. Perfusion allows them to train infantry extremely fast. As the Goths were known for being able to mass soldiers very quickly, the most spammable units already available to all civilizations become even moreso thanks to their infantry costing less and their Barracks producing faster. As raiders, they get extra attack versus buildings. Being nomads gave them other distinct advantages, and their villagers can hunt bigger game effectively and carry more meat. Finally, the Goths get a higher population limit than other civilizations to reflect their ability to field armies quickly.

    Japanese

    Wonderjapanese

    The Japanese Wonder

    The Japanese are an Eastern Asian infantry civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings on the island of Japan. Being an island civlization, the Japanese were renowned fishermen, reflected in the fact that their fishing boats are faster and tougher. Their unique unit is the Samurai, a type of medium-heavy fast-moving infantry strong against other unique units. The Samurai was the elite class in Japanese society, and required dozens of years of training. The Samurai were armed with a Katana, an extra-sharp thin bladed longsword, a Wakizashi, a shorter version of the Katana and sometimes a Tantō. These soldiers served the lord and fought for them based on the strict Bushido honor code. To reflect their high rank and prestige of the Japanese warrior class and their association with the ninja, a covert agent, Japanese infantry attack faster. The Japanese were also known for woodworking and mining. The Japanese relied on their infantry and naval warfare but not as much on their cavalry.

  • Yasama cost changed from 300F/400W to 300F/300W

    • Mongols

    Wondermongols

    The Mongol Wonder

    The Mongols were an Eastern Asian civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as a Cavalry Archer civilization, known for creating the largest contiguous country in human history. The Mongols were slightly similar to the Huns, but had many major differences. The Mongols had excellent cavalry and archers which were the key to their success. Their unique unit is the Mangudai, a type of cavalry archer, once again showing the Mongol's superiority in cavalry. The Mangudai shares stats with other cavalry archers, but have a bonus attack against siege engines. The Mangudai are stronger than Heavy Cavalry Archers in every way, and cost less in terms of gold, but more in terms of wood. The Mongols have a strong cavalry, with faster firing Cavaly Archers, stronger Light Cavalry and Hussars, and farther seeing Scout Cavalry, Light Cavalry, and Hussars.

    Persians

    Wonderpersians

    The Persian Wonder

    The Persians were a Middle East Asian civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as a cavalry civilization, based on the Sasanian Empire. They were notable for their rivalry with the Roman Empire and gradual absorption into the Islamic caliphate following the rise of Islam and Arab invasions. Like their predecessor in the original game, the Persians had a strong cavalry and navy. In addition, they have a bonus for Town Centers and Docks. The Persian unique unit is the War Elephant, a type of very-heavy cavalry. The War Elephant can take down several light to medium cavalry and infantry, and even withstand a little siege fire. The War Elephant is strong against buildings, but its shortcoming is archers, heavy siege weapons and spearmen.

    Saracens

    Wondersaracens

    The Saracen Wonder

    The Saracens were a Middle Eastern civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as a camel and naval civilization, from the area of Arabian Peninsula (predominantly Saudi Arabia and Yemen) and Syria most notable for initiating the rise of Islam and starting the Islamic Caliphate. They occupy one of the largest territories during that time until the Mongol invasions. To reflect their achievement as a powerful desert civilization and for founding one of the major religions of the world, their unique technologies benefit their monks and camel units including the Mameluke. They also have a small bonus when it comes to ships. Their unique unit is the [[Mameluke (Age of Empires II)|]], a type of light camel cavalry with a large attack bonus against cavalry but capable of taking down archers and light infantry as well. The Saracens were also active traders being located at the crossroads of the world which was a prime center for world trade. As a result, they have a bonus when it comes to trading, as their market trading cost is only 5% which is much smaller than other civilizations.

    • Markets cost -75 wood

    Teutons

    Wonderteutons

    The Teutonic Wonder

    The Teutons were a Central European civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as an infantry civilization, known for their teamwork and strong infantry. They have many good bonuses such as Monks having longer healing range, towers being able to garrison twice as many units, Murder Holes being free, farms costing less, Town Centers being significantly stronger, and units being more resistant to conversion. Their unique unit is the Teutonic Knight, the strongest infantry unit in the game. The Elite Teutonic Knight can take down almost any unit that gets too close. Their downpoint is their extremely slow movement. They also have strong Paladins, but they are also slow compared to other civilizations as they lack Husbandry.

    • Town Center LOS restored to normal (moved to Chinese)
    • Town Center garrison +10 units, maximum arrows +5
    • Town Center +2 attack removed
    • Monk healing range bonus fixed
    • Teutonic Knight (non-elite) +10 HP

  • Ironclad cost changed from 500W/350G to 400W/350G

    • Turks

    Wonderturks

    The Turkish Wonder

    The Turks were a Middle Eastern civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as a gunpowder civilization, originated from Central Asia based on the Ottoman Turks. The Turks were best known for winning many battles in the Crusades as well as successfully besieging Constantinople which ended European foothold of the Silk Road and contact with the Orient. The Turks mine gold faster. They also used gunpowder quite effectively, becoming the first "gunpowder empire," having received it from their control of the Silk Road. To reflect their achievements, they have a free upgrade to use gunpowder units, and stronger yet lower costing gunpowder units. The gunpowder units are also created faster granted by the team bonus. Their unique unit is the Janissary, a type of gunpowder unit. The Janissary is strong against infantry and archers. The Turks also have some free cavalry upgrades and faster gold miners.

    • Elite Janissaries are now affected by the Turkish Team Bonus

    Vikings

    Wondervikings

    The Viking Wonder

    The Vikings were a North European civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as an infantry and naval civilization, best known for being advent sailors and for establishing colonies in the North Atlantic in Greenland and Canada before the European explorers. They were also known for bringing fear among several European communities since they would raid small villages unexpectedly. As a result, their navy and infantry are among the finest in the game and are one of the few civilizations to have more than one unique unit. The Vikings did not actually wear spiked or horned helmets, but they refrained from trimming their head and facial hair to give the look of a big, scary, and hairy beast. This is reflected by their unique unit, the Berserker, and their unique technology that would benefit them. The Berserker is an extra-strong, regenerating and fast infantry unit strong against other infantry and light cavalry, and to an extent against buildings. The Vikings also excel at naval warfare and tactics, and even mastered the art of various types of sailing. To reflect this achievement, their Dock-based unique unit is the Longboat, a type of swift war boat that shoots volleys of arrows at other boats. The Viking Longboat was a well-constructed slim boat that gracefully shot through the water.

    • Receive Treadmill Crane
    • Berserk (non-elite) +4 HP
    • Longboats wood cost now same as Galleys (90)
    • Team Bonus changed: Docks now cost -15% instead of -25%
    • Civilization Bonus changed: warships now cost -10%/-15%/-20% in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age instead of instead of -25% from the Feudal Age on

  • Longboats no longer require a Castle
  • Longboat cost restored to 100W/50G (the original cost)
  • Chieftains cost changed from 700F/400G to 400F/300G and effect +1 bonus attack

    • The Conquerors

    Aztecs

    Wonderaztecs

    The Aztec Wonder

    The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors as an infantry and monk civilization. Their unique unit is the Jaguar Warrior, the highest rank of warrior in the Aztec army, wielding a wooden club studded with obsidian sharp shards. The Jaguar Warrior is thus a heavy infantry unit who is strong against other infantry units. Their castle age unique technology: Atlatl refers to a tool employed by hunters and warriors used for throwing javelins or spears. Their imperial technology: Garland Wars, which gives +4 to infantry attack, references the "flower wars" which the Aztecs organized amongst their allies in order to provide more sacrifices. The Aztecs were also known as a hard working and innovative civilization and their villagers' carry more resources and get the Loom technology free (in The Conquerors). Being a highly military civilization, the Aztecs also have a general creation bonus across the board for all their units. They were famous for their bloody and ardent faith, with their relics generating extra gold and their Monks receiving extra HP per Monastery technology researched, allowing their Monks to join other soldiers on the battlefield. The Aztecs did not have horses or gunpowder and in the Age of Empires II Aztecs are no different. They completely lack Stables and cannons. They start with an Eagle Warrior in The Conquerors, or an Eagle Scout in The Forgotten and African Kingdoms expansion, that both are a fast light infantry that they share with the Mayans and Incas, instead of a Scout Cavalry.

    Huns

    Wonderhuns

    The Hunnic Wonder

    The Huns were a civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors as a cavalry civilization, with no discernible origin besides Central Asia who were most active in Eastern Europe, winning battles against the Romans and displacing many other "barbarian" tribes civilization. As a result, their unique unit is the Tarkan, a medium cavalryman armed with a torch who does strong damage against buildings. The most ferocious and courageous Huns warriors were the Tarkans, and they exemplify the Huns as horse riders who raid and pillage buildings. The Huns were known for their irreverence towards artifacts and works of art as well as architectural wonders were no exception. The destruction of Rome brought by the Goths, Vandals, Huns and other barbarian tribes would later create the term vandalism to describe any senseless destruction, particularly the barbarian defacing of artwork. As such, their unique technology, Atheism, is a representation of that concept, forcing Wonder and Relic victories to take longer and reducing the cost of the Spies/Treason technology. Being nomads, the Huns have no need for houses and are only restricted in building units by their resources. The Huns were among the many horse civilizations of Central Asia, and their primacy in battle was because of their horses so their Stables produce units faster. To emulate the fact that their principal fighting force were horse mounted archers, Huns get considerably cheaper Cavalry Archers. In spite of being nomads, the Huns were skilled in siege warfare, having laid siege to several cities in France, and thus have more accurate Trebuchets.

    • Cannon Galleon removed
    • Treadmill Crane removed
    • Tarkan (non-elite) +10 HP
    • Cavalry Archers are -15%/-25% cheaper in the Castle/Imperial Age instead of 25%/30%

  • Cavalry Archers are -10%/-20% cheaper in the Castle/Imperial Age instead of 15%/25%
  • Marauders cost changed from 500F/200G to 300W/200G

    • Koreans

    Wonderkoreans

    The Korean Wonder

    The Koreans are an Eastern Asian tower and naval civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors, based on Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. The Koreans were not as powerful compared to the other Far Eastern kingdoms but their tacticians made important contributions in innovating cutting edge weaponry when conditions were dire during the Japanese invasions. Being able to successfully defend itself despite the numerical disadvantages, they are a defensive civilization similar to the Byzantines, but focuses more toward ranged units. As a result of their innovation and knowledge of gunpowder imported from the Chinese, the Koreans are one of the few civilizations that have two unique units. One of their most recognized innovation was the Hwacha which fires a series of small bolt like rockets. This is represented by a mangonel with higher range granted by the team bonus and the unique technology. The Castle-based unique unit is the War Wagon, a horse-drawn carriage. The War Wagon fires bolts similar to those fired by the Galleon. While stronger and better armored than the cavalry archers, they are slower and more expensive. The Dock-based unique unit is the Turtle Ship, an armored and spiked ship used to ram into other ships. The Turtle Ship is slower than many other ships, but makes up for speed in raw power and durability. A single Turtle Ship can take down a small fleet of ships, while a fleet of them can annihilate a large part of an opponent's navy. The Koreans were also fine stone workers, especially in crafting sculptures and pottery whose highly prized ceramic coated celadon glaze was the finest in the world. To reflect their stone artisanship and defensive capabilities, their villagers mine stone faster.

    • Turtle Ships are 10% cheaper
    • Civilization Bonus added: Fortifications (Walls, Towers, and Castles) built 25% faster
    • Team Bonus changed: Mangonel minimum reduced instead of +1 range
    • War Wagon creation time decreased from 25 to 21 seconds
    • War Wagons cost changed from 120W/60G to 110W/60G

  • Turtle ship no longer requires a Castle
  • Panokseon cost changed from 400F/400W to 300F/300W
  • War Wagons are correctly classified as Cavalry Archers (so they take bonus damage from Camel Archers and Elite Skirmishers)

    • Mayans

    Wondermayans

    The Mayan Wonder

    The Maya were a Central American civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors as an archer civilization, best known for their mysterious disappearance around 900 and their ability to build a great civilization in a tropical rainforest climate. Mayans took advantage of the area’s many natural resources, including limestone for construction, the volcanic rock obsidian for tools and weapons, jade and quetzal feathers used in the elaborate costumes of Maya nobility as well as marine shells, which were used as trumpets. To reflect this achievement, their resources last longer and their unique technologies El Dorado and Obsidian Arrows benefit their unique units. The main force of the Mayan army was archers, as they used archers extensively. As a result, their unique unit is the Plumed Archer, an archer with a slightly longer range and more armor. They have a slight advantage in the early game due to the fact that they start with one extra villager for a slight deficit in food. They also have an advantage in the later game because their walls cost half as much as normal and archers cost less depending on age.

  • Obsidian Arrows now gives +6 damage instead of +4
  • Resources now only last 15% longer instead of 20%

    • Spanish

    Wonderspanish

    The Spanish Wonder

    The Spanish were a Western European civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors as a gunpowder and monk civilization, best known for exploring much of the world across the Atlantic and being the first Europeans to establish colonies along the Caribbean and the Americas. They were also known for defeating powerful Amerindian empires of the New World and introducing Christianity to the region as a result of their powerful navy and superior weaponry. To reflect this achievement, Spanish cannon galleons fire more accurately and requires no gold at the Blacksmith. In addition, they can train more than one unique unit, namely the Conquistador and the Missionary which are all mounted units. The Missionary is the only unique monk in the entire game and is produced at the Monastery. The Missionary cannot pick up relics however. To reflect their widespread religious activity in the Americas, Inquisition allows their Monks and Missionaries to convert faster. As a result of their overseas conquest and their successful search for riches, the Spanish team bonus increases productivity of all allied trade units.

  • Missionaries no longer require a Castle
  • Inquisition cost changed from 400F/400G to 300F/100G

    • The Forgotten

    Incas

    Wonderincas

    The Incan Wonder

    The Incas were Andean civilization featured in Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten as an infantry civilization, situated in South America along the Andes Mountain range. The Incans feature a robust economy and specialize in Infantry which makes them similar to both the Aztecs and the Mayans. The Incas were best known for establishing the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The administrative, political and military center of the empire was located in Cuzco in modern-day Peru whose framework constituted of officials or "Kamayuks" who kept important records by utilizing a quipu messenger system rather than a formal writing system. These officials also controlled the Incan army which were a collection of the numerous ethnicities they conquered. Much of the army constituted of peasants and farmers which can be conscripted into battle at any time. As a result, the Incans referred to their empire as Tawantinsuyu which can be translated as "The Four Regions" or "The Four United Provinces." To reflect this achievement, The Incas can train more than one unique unit, namely, the Kamayuk and the Slinger whose speed can be increased by the unique technology Couriers. The Incas were also known for their architecture. They did not use mortar, yet their buildings are resilient to earthquakes. To reflect their strength in stone working, Incan buildings consume fewer stone and their houses support more population.

    Indians

    Wonderindians

    The initial Indian Wonder

    Wonderindiansnew

    The current Indian Wonder

    The Indians are based on Medieval India and are a Camel and gunpowder civilization featured in Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten. India is one of the most ancient civilizations and has been there for thousands of years, Medieval age India was influenced by the introduction of the Islam in their region. Indian armies historically has been depended on the elephants so to depict this they have the Elephant Archer as a unique unit, also the northern part of Medieval age India introduce the camel as a vital part of their military force so they also have a unique upgrade to the Heavy Camel: the Imperial Camel while also their team bonus gives camels attack bonus agains buildings and also Indian camels have more armor. India at Middle Ages was a highly advanced civilization that learned from the Chinese and the Saracens the secrets of the gunpowder so to depict this their Hand Cannoneers are stronger than most because of their second unique technology: Shatagni which increases Hand Cannoneer range by one. Indian kingdoms were very wealthy and Sultans technology depict this as this increases all their gold income by 10%, including relics and Trade Carts. The Indians are one of the economic civilizations in the game because their Villagers are cheaper than other civilizations, they fish much faster than other villagers and they also have all the economic upgrades except Crop Rotation and Guilds.

    • Villagers now cost -10%/-15%/-20%/-25% in the Dark/Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age instead of -5%/-10%/-15%/-20%
    • Receive Guilds
    • Receive Ring Archer Armor
    • Elephant Archer +30 HP
    • Elite Elephant Archer -20 HP
    • Elephant Archers -1 pierce armor
    • Elephant Archers cost -10 food (now 100F/80G)

    Italians

    Wonderitalians

    The Italian Wonder

    The Italians are an archer and naval civilization featured in Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten. Situated in southern Europe in modern-day Italy, the Italians were a prime center for European trade due to their strategic location of key port cities. As a result, Italian cities became one of the wealthiest in the world during that time. To reflect their economic productivity, the Italians feature cheaper trade units as well as cheaper upgrades from the dock. The Italians were best known for being a center of culture and knowledge at the city of Florence during the Renaissance which revolutionized the way Europeans think. This made them ahead of other European kingdoms at that time as a result of trading with the more advanced Islamic and Far Eastern kingdoms. Therefore, the Italians can advance through the ages cheaper than other civilizations.

    • Advancing to the next Age is 15% cheaper instead of 10%
    • Condottieri no longer require a Castle
    • Condottieri +1 attack, +0.2 speed
    • Receive Hussars
    • Pavise now affects all foot archers instead of just Genoese Crossbowmen
    • Pavise cost changed from 550F/300G to 300F/150G

    Magyars

    Wondermagyars

    The Magyar Wonder

    The Magyars are a Central European Cavalry civilization featured in the Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten. Magyars originated on Asia and then they migrated to modern day Hungary indeed they are based on medieval Hungary. Their unique unit is the Magyar Huszar, a cheap cavalry unit with a bonus against siege weapons. To depict their mideastern origin they have the Recurve Bow as a unique technology that increases their Cavalry Archers' range by one. Their second unique technology is Mercenaries and makes the Magyar Huszar even cheaper by removing their gold cost. Their Villagers kill wolves with one strike. They were excellent blacksmiths and to depict this they have Forging, Iron Casting and Blast Furnace for free. The Scout Cavalry, Light Cavalry, Hussar cost -10%. For the team Foot archers get +2 Line of Sight. Magyars are an offensive civilization with great rushing capability because they utilize lots of cheap units in their armies and their economy is also good as they have all the economic upgrades except for the Stone Shaft Mining and Guilds technologies.

    Slavs

    Wonderslavs

    The Slavic Wonder

    The Slavs are an Eastern Europe infantry and siege civilization featured in the Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten expansion. They represent the eastern European peoples that lately become the founders of Russia, Ukraine and many other eastern European countries that use a Slavic derived language. In Middle Ages many Slavic kingdoms were dominated by aristocrats known as Boyars so they have the Boyar as a unique unit which is a heavily armored cavalry. Slavs adopted the Eastern Orthodox branch of Christianity as their religion and in order to depict this they have Orthodoxy as a unique technology that gives armor to their Monks. Slavic armies based its force on infantry and to depict this they have powerful infantry units as they have all infantry upgrades and their unique Technology Druzhina, gives infantry Area of Effect damage, making them powerful in groups and against clusters of units also they receive the Tracking technology for free. Slavic economy on the Middle Ages depended mostly on agriculture so in the game the Slavs farmers work 15% faster. Slavs were highly influenced by the Byzantine empire and learned from them many techniques and technologies and to depict this they have cheaper siege weapons. As a team bonus military buildings provide +5 population should save wood.

    • Farming rate fixed to 1.31 rather than 1.18, the actual farming rate is now at +15%

    The African Kingdoms

    Berbers

    Wonderberbers

    The Berber Wonder

    The Berbers are a North African cavalry and naval civilization featured in Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms. They have two unique units: the Camel Archer and the Genitour. They focus on powerful mounted cavalry units since historically they were semi-nomadic tribes and experts in camels and horses. They were dreaded in war because of their fast horses and skilled guerrilla warriors. These facts are reflected in the game in their unique units: Camel Archer and Genitour, both of which are powerful counter units. Their unique technologies are Kasbah and Maghrabi Camels. Because of moving constantly in the desert, their soldiers were used to fight effectively in hostile conditions or as nomads. Their troops were deadly ambushers able to hit hard and quick. That's why their camels regenerates and their villagers move faster. At last, as a result of their sailing abilities, their ships are faster.

    Ethiopians

    Wonderethiopians

    The Ethiopian Wonder

    The Ethiopians are an African archer civilization featured in Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms. They have one unique unit: the Shotel Warrior and two unique technologies: the Royal Heirs and the Torsion Engines. The Ethiopians were known to be mercenaries very fierce in battle, but were underequipped, so to highlight the Ethiopian army, the Shotel Warrior can be created quickly in the Castle, but has very low defenses with high attack. Archers formed the backbone of the Ethiopian's army and to highlight this the Ethiopian archers fire +15% faster. Due to the commerce of valuable resources the Ethiopians gain 100 gold and 100 food for free whenever they advance an age. Mainly because spears and polearms were a staple of most Ethiopian armies, they get Pikeman and Halberdier free upgrades. To highlight the excellent Ethiopian architecture the Ethiopian team bonus grants extra Line of sight to Towers and Outposts. The Ethiopians are one of the few civilizations to have preserved some of the lost technology developed by the ancient Greeks and to highlight this the Ethiopians have access to a full Siege Workshop and have a unique technology: Torsion Engines that increases the blast radius for siege weapons.

    Malians

    Wondermalians

    The Malian Wonder

    The Malians are an African infantry civilization featured in the expansion pack Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms. Historically, the Malians were known for their very progressive society that puts a lot of emphasis on education and to highlight this achievement, their team bonus increases the research speed for University technologies. West African cultures held women in high esteem, and Malian women participated in every part of society, including the military. This is highlighted with their unique unit, the Gbeto, where it is noted to be the only unique unit that is a female soldier. The Mali and Songhai empires were known to be some of the wealthiest kingdoms in Africa; this was primarily due to the enormous natural wealth at their disposal from gold and salt mines, as well as their effective control of the trans-Saharan trade routes that carried valuable resources to and from the region. To highlight this, the Malians gain Gold Mining and Gold Shaft Mining for free and have access to every Market upgrade. West Africa and the Sahel have sparse vegitation, without many trees. These limited resources meant that the Malians primarily used clay and mud bricks in their architecture, and didn't have as much of a reliance on lumber for their buildings. This is represented in-game with a -15% wood cost for all Malians buildings.

    Portuguese

    Wonderportuguese

    The Portuguese Wonder

    The Portuguese are a European naval and gunpowder civilization featured in Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms. They are a booming naval civilization, which focus on solid late-game economy and base their army strength in versatile gunpowder units and Navy. The Portuguese established tactical colonial bases in the New World and particularly on the African coasts thanks to their excellent navigation skills and organization. This is reflected in the game by giving the Portuguese two unique units: the Organ Gun and the Caravel (one of the most effective Navy - at least the most durable -, which can count on a naval unique unit, the Caravel, which is essentially a more agile Galleon able to hit more massed units (in a similar way as the Scorpion), more durable ships (both in hit points and armor), more accurate gunpowder units, and giving them free Cartography from the Dark Age. The Portuguese resolved the problem of being a small nation by basing their economy on foreign-opened exchange and production of their colonies. This meant that most of their income came from abroad, and had a critical impact on the employment in primary sectors and focus on military and exploring purposes. As a result, from the Imperial Age, they are the only faction in the game able to collect resources without employing villagers thanks to the only unique building, the Feitoria. The consequences of all this income is reflected in the reduced gold cost of all military units.

    Rise of the Rajas

    Burmese

    Wonderburmese

    The Burmese Wonder

    The Burmese is a Southeast Asian civilization based on the Pagan Empire and the later the Toungoo Empire. They are featured in Age of Empires II HD: Rise of the Rajas as a monk and elephant civilization.

    The region around Burma is well known for their wide mountain ranges with vast amount of forests. The Burmese kingdom's vast resources in the forest allowed the kingdom to prosper. To reflect on this, the Burmese get free upgrades at the Lumber Camp. Buddhism played a huge influence with the Burmese, and Buddhism teaches the importance of humbleness, not valuing any wealth and luxuries. This is highlighted with their cheaper Monastery techs as well as their team bonus where Relics are visible in the map.

    The Burmese army were feared horsemen in the region that were able to hold off on their own against the Mongol invasion for a while despite their eventual defeat. More particularly, the Burmese were known for their traditional horseback dart throwing, which is reflected on their unique unit, the Arambai, and one of their unique techs, Manipur Cavalry, highlights the Burmese fierce cavalry that allows them to deal bonus damage against buildings.

    The Burmese were known for their use of heavily armored elephants, which is reflected with their unique tech, the Howdah, giving Battle Elephants extra armor and pierce armor. Finally, the Burmese foot soldiers were trained martial artists with martial arts such as the Aka and Bando, which is reflected with their infantry getting extra attack per age.

    Khmer

    Wonderkhmer

    The Khmer Wonder

    The Khmer are the Southeast Asian civilization based on the Khmer Empire. They are featured in Age of Empires II HD: Rise of the Rajas as a siege and elephant civilization.

    The capital of the Khmer Empire was Angkor, one of the largest pre-industrial cities, which was inhabited by one million people at its peak. This is reflected by two of their bonuses: Villagers can garrison inside Houses ,and they don't need to build certain buildings to unlock other buildings or to advance to the next ages. Khmer Empire were known to employ war elephants widely for both tactical and logistical purpose. To reflect this, their Battle Elephant moves faster and can be upgraded to deal more damage with the Tusk Swords unique technology.

    Khmer Empire were also known to employ the ballista, so their Team Bonus increases the range of Scorpions. Khmer also possess a ballista-carrying unique unit named the Ballista Elephant. Furthermore, the number of missiles fired by both Ballista Elephant and Scorpion can be increased with the Double Crossbow unique technology.

    Malay

    Wondermalay

    The Malay Wonder

    The Malay are Southeast Asian civilization based on various kingdoms on the Malay Archipelago before European conquest, mainly Srivijaya and Majapahit. They are featured in Age of Empires II HD: Rise of the Rajas as an infantry and naval civilization.

    Kingdoms on the Malay Archipelago were able to field large number of troops because of the archipelago's large population. To reflect this, Malay have a cheap unique unit named Karambit Warrior and a unique technology named Forced Levy where Malay can train Militia-line units without spending gold. Because Malay Archipelago is strategically located on the trade route between India and China, the archipelago was often visited by people from both regions who introduced new cultures and technologies to the locals. This is reflected by one of their bonuses: the Malay advance to the next Ages twice as fast as the other civilizations.

    Coastal defence is essential for kingdoms located in the region. To reflect this, Malay Docks and their allies have much longer line of sight. Malay also possess Thalassocracy technology to give their Docks new ability to defend themselves. The vast sea with huge amount of fish is reflected by their Fishing Ship and Fish Trap bonuses. Finally, the Sumatran forest has large number of wild elephants and they are often tamed by local people to do various tasks. This is reflected by Malay's cheaper Battle Elephant bonus.

    Vietnamese

    Wondervietnamese

    The Vietnamese Wonder

    The Vietnamese are a Southeast Asian civilization based on various dynasties in Vietnam before the European colonization. They are featured in Age of Empires II HD: Rise of the Rajas as an archer civilization with decent teamwork and team bonuses (a trash unit upgrade, a 500 gold tribute to the entire team and the revelation of enemy positions).

    Historically, the Vietnamese were known as one of the few nations who successfully resisted the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. This is mostly attributed to the resistance of the Vietnamese army that mostly consist of peasants and volunteers that were quickly deployed on the battlefield to resist against enemy invasions. To reflect on the Vietnamese peasant army, they get free Conscription once they reach Imperial Age. The Vietnamese were also masters of guerilla warfare, using the Vietnamese jungle and cliffs as their advantage for traps and striking their enemies through the shadows of the Vietnamese jungle. Such guerilla tactics were used against enemy invaders and occupiers, as they withered down the enemy forces. The guerilla tactics were even used against the American troops in the modern times during the Vietnam War. To reflect on the Vietnamese mastery of guerilla warfare, they have a unique upgrade for the Elite Skirmisher, the Imperial Skirmisher, which is available as a team bonus for Vietnamese allies.

    The Vietnamese were known to be skilled in archery, and one of their known bows were made of Rattan, a light-weight wood used to make bows. The light-weight material of the Rattan allowed their archers to wear heavier armor in battle. To reflect this, the Vietnamese gain extra HP for their Archery Range units, and their unique unit, the Rattan Archer, is an archer with incredibly high pierce armor. The Vietnamese were also known to breed elephants that were larger than most other elephants in the region, and deploy them in battle, which is reflected with their unique technology, Chatras, which gives extra HP for their Battle Elephants.

    Even though the Vietnamese have resisted the Ming Dynasty's occupation and overthrew the Ming rulers in Vietnam, China has a strong influence in the region that shaped the Vietnamese culture. To reflect on China's influence, their unique technology, Paper Money, is a team-based unique tech that grants each Vietnamese ally gold. Finally, the Vietnamese relied on peasant spies and infiltrators to locate enemy camps in order to setup surprise ambushes in the enemy camps. This is reflected with their civilization bonus where enemy Town Centers are revealed in the start of the game.

    Sources

    • Age of Empires II Tech-Tree
    • Wikipedia
    Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
    More Fandoms
    Advertisement

    Fan Feed

    More Age of Empires Series Wiki