Achaemenids

Overview

Achaemenids are a Chronicles civilization in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, built around archers & cavalry. Their campaign roster features Immortal; Chronicles factions are not part of the standard ranked civilization roster.

Civilization identity

Achaemenids is classified as Ancient world and is centered on archers & cavalry. Its defining roster entry is Immortal. This focus is a starting point for reading the technology tree, not a requirement to use only one unit line: the bonuses and matchup determine which parts of the roster are worth investing in. In team games, houses are built faster; account for this while choosing allies and deciding which role the civilization should cover.

Civilization bonuses and their value

Each bonus applies to a specific part of the economy, army, or map plan. Read the effect together with its target: a discount matters when it changes a build or upgrade timing, while a combat bonus matters only when the affected unit or structure is actually fielded.

• Shipyards work faster and Stable technologies research faster This affects economic tempo or worker efficiency and can change how quickly the civilization reaches its next production or Age-up timing.
• From the Civic Age, each Town Center can be permanently specialized for economy, military support, or defense Its practical value depends on whether the affected unit, resource, or building is part of the plan for this match.
• Town Center specializations grant nearby Villagers faster gathering, nearby military units healing and speed, or stronger Town Center defenses with an attack-speed aura This affects economic tempo or worker efficiency and can change how quickly the civilization reaches its next production or Age-up timing.

Signature units and unique technologies

Immortal: A fast Achaemenid fighter that switches between melee attacks and a short-ranged bow attack These units define the civilization’s distinctive options. Its unique technologies add later-game choices; compare their effects with the cost and research timing before committing resources.

• Sparabaras: Immortals and Spearmen gain additional armor
• Reed Arrows: Bowmen, Cavalry Archers, ranged Immortals, and Galleys fire faster
• Scythed Chariots: War Chariots gain a wider trample radius
• Sagaris: Melee cavalry deal additional unblockable damage

Civilization game plan

The guide below connects the civilization’s bonuses to an opening, a main army, a transition, and the principal risk to watch. Adapt the sequence after scouting rather than treating it as a fixed build order.

• Opening: Choose a Town Center specialization in the Civic Age for a specific objective: economic growth near safe resources, military support at a contested approach, or defense where a Town Center must hold. The choice is permanent, so scout before setting it. Faster Stable research helps a mounted follow-up only after the required food and gold are secured.
• Core army: Immortals can support an archer and cavalry army; select Reed Arrows when the ranged lines are already numerous, or Sparabaras for an infantry screen. Keep Town Center auras close to the workers or army they are meant to help. Shipyard speed matters on water maps, but do not sacrifice land defense to win a naval race that has no useful target.
• Transition: Choose a technology or production change that improves the force already fighting, then secure the resource route needed to replace it.
• Watch for: A permanent specialization cannot be moved with the fight. Avoid choosing a forward military aura before the army can hold that area.

Team-game role

The team bonus is Houses are built faster. This can help define a complementary team role. Coordinate it with allied civilizations that can use the bonus or cover a weakness in the roster.