Age of Empires / Units & counters
Age of Empires unit roles and army counters
Read the original unit families before investing in an expensive army.
Edition covered
Guide scope: the original 1997 game and its twelve civilizations. Pictures show the 2018 Definitive Edition, which also includes Rise of Rome and changes graphics, interface and balance. Expansion civilizations and Return of Rome are outside the original-game tables.
5 items · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.
Units & counters
Quick notes
- Combine roles instead of one unit. A Hoplite line can punish enemies that fight it directly, but slow infantry needs help catching archers and siege engines.
- Support the weapons that break walls. Siege Workshop units threaten buildings and packed formations, but they are exposed when cavalry reaches them.
- Treat priests as specialist units. Priests convert enemies and heal friendly units.
- Confirm availability before upgrading. The original twelve civilizations have distinct technology trees.
Support the weapons that break walls
| Unit or building | Function | Practical limit |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Thrower line | Area siege fire | Vulnerable when enemies reach it |
| Ballista line | Direct ranged siege fire | Needs space and protection |
| Fishing Boat | Food collection at sea | Not a fighting vessel |
| Transport Ship | Moves land troops across water | Requires naval protection |
| Dock warships | Contest water and escort transports | Availability changes with age and civilization |
Useful tip
The original twelve civilizations have distinct technology trees. A unit family appearing in this reference does not guarantee that your chosen civilization receives its final upgrade.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Publisher game and edition listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Microsoft edition overview | www.ageofempires.com |
| Original publisher manual | www.bestoldgames.net |