The Ethiopians in Age of Empires II possess a range of distinct advantages that define their playstyle, notably focusing on vision, effective anti-cavalry measures, and a unique infantry unit. These bonuses provide strategic flexibility and can heavily influence early-game map control and military engagements.
Ethiopian Civilization Bonuses
The primary direct advantage for the Ethiopian civilization is:
- Free Pikeman Upgrade: Ethiopians automatically receive the Pikeman upgrade without needing to research it at the Barracks. This offers a significant economic and strategic advantage, saving both resources (food and gold) and valuable research time. It allows them to quickly field strong anti-cavalry units from the moment they advance to the Castle Age, making them highly effective against early cavalry-heavy opponents.
Ethiopian Team Bonus
When playing in a team, the Ethiopians provide a unique benefit to all their allies:
- Outposts with Enhanced Line of Sight: Ethiopian Outposts are created with additional Line of Sight (LoS). This significantly expands their scouting capabilities, granting the entire team more expansive vision of the map. This increased vision is crucial for early warning of enemy movements, identifying resource locations, and planning strategic maneuvers.
Unique Units and Military Strengths
Beyond their direct bonuses, the Ethiopians are characterized by specific military attributes and a unique unit:
- Shotel Warrior: This is the Ethiopian unique unit, a powerful and fast-moving infantry unit trained at the Castle. It effectively replaces the Champion, providing the Ethiopian infantry line with a distinct identity and tactical role.
- Strong Infantry: Despite lacking access to the Champion unit, Ethiopian infantry are considered a good overall force. Combined with their free Pikeman upgrade, this makes them a reliable backbone for their army composition, particularly adept at countering mounted units.
Here's a summary of the key Ethiopian unique aspects in Age of Empires II:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Civilization Bonus | The Pikeman upgrade is automatically provided for free, saving resources and research time. |
| Team Bonus | Outposts constructed by Ethiopians have an increased Line of Sight, providing enhanced map vision for all team members. |
| Unique Unit | Shotel Warrior: A fast and powerful infantry unit trained at the Castle, serving as the Ethiopian unique unit and replacing the standard Champion. |
| Military Trait | Ethiopian infantry units are considered strong overall, forming a robust core for their army, especially with the immediate access to Pikemen. |
For more detailed insights into the Ethiopian civilization, their unique technologies, and strategic applications in Age of Empires II, you can explore the Age of Empires II Wiki.
