Age of Empires II counters: archers, cavalry, monks and siege
Compare common land matchups and the support each counter needs.
Edition covered
The 1999 Age of Kings core game and its thirteen original civilizations. Pictures are publisher media from the later HD Edition and can include The Conquerors content. Definitive Edition balancing, civilizations and DLC campaigns are outside this guide.
Counter the visible army
A Stable suggests cavalry but is not proof of the whole composition. Scout reinforcements, then position the counter near the units or workers it must protect.
| Enemy | Useful response | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Archers | Skirmishers | Protect them from melee cavalry |
| Cavalry | Spearman line | Keep the spears near likely approaches |
| Clustered slow units | Mangonels | Avoid friendly fire |
| Expensive single units | Monks | Protect them during conversion |
| Buildings | Rams or Trebuchets | Escort siege from melee defenders |
Mix complementary units
Spearmen threaten cavalry but need help against archers. Skirmishers answer archers but struggle against melee attackers. A second unit type can cover the first one's weakness.
| Main force | Support | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Archers | Spearmen | Discourage cavalry dives |
| Cavalry | Skirmishers | Pressure ranged screens |
| Rams | Infantry or cavalry | Stop defenders surrounding siege |
| Monks | Front-line units | Buy conversion and healing time |
| Defensive line | Flank scouting | Warn of an attack around the front |
Protect siege weapons
Rams and Mangonels are vulnerable when surrounded. Escort them and check firing lanes. Mangonel shots can hurt friendly units, so avoid firing into crowded melee fights.
Check numbers and upgrades
A nominal counter can lose when outnumbered or missing upgrades. Compare available armor, attack and range technologies before repeating an unsuccessful engagement.
A nominal counter can lose when outnumbered or missing upgrades. Compare available armor, attack and range technologies before repeating an unsuccessful engagement.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Age of Empires II publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Microsoft Age of Kings manual, archived copy | manuals.plus |