Bengalis

Overview

Bengalis are part of Age of Empires II, representing South Asia and emphasizing elephants & monks. Their signature roster includes the Ratha. Elephant units take reduced bonus damage and resist conversion better.

Civilization identity

Bengalis is classified as South Asia and is centered on elephants & monks. Its defining roster entry is Ratha. 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, trade units also provide a small amount of food; 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.

• Elephant units take reduced bonus damage and resist conversion better This directly changes the named unit or structure in combat, so it is strongest when the affected line is part of the army or defense.
• Town Centers create two Villagers when advancing to a new Age This affects economic tempo or worker efficiency and can change how quickly the civilization reaches its next production or Age-up timing.
• Cavalry deal extra damage to Skirmishers This directly changes the named unit or structure in combat, so it is strongest when the affected line is part of the army or defense.
• Ships regenerate health; Monks have extra armor This directly changes the named unit or structure in combat, so it is strongest when the affected line is part of the army or defense.

Signature units and unique technologies

Ratha: Bengali cavalry archers that can switch between ranged and melee attacks 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.

• Paiks: Rathas and elephant units attack faster
• Mahayana: Villagers and Monks use less population space

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: Use the extra Villager safety gained on age advancement to keep the economy stable through transitions. Scout the map and opponent before choosing between a fast technology lead and early pressure.
• Core army: Rathas can switch between ranged and melee roles, while elephant units supply durability and Monks support conversions and healing. Mix these tools instead of sending elephants forward unsupported.
• Transition: The civilization’s Monk bonuses reward relic control and investment in Monastery upgrades. Add ranged support when enemy spear units threaten the elephant core.
• Watch for: Elephant armies cost heavily and move slowly; preserve them, maintain production, and use flexible units to answer pikes and mobile raids.

Technology tree gaps

This civilization-specific tree marks the units, research, and upgrades that are unavailable. Check the named production building or research line before planning a transition; the gaps can rule out an otherwise familiar counter or upgrade.

• Archery Range: Cavalry Archer, Hand Cannoneer, Thumb Ring, Parthian Tactics
• Stable: Hussar, Knight, Camel Rider, Steppe Lancer
• Siege Workshop: Battering Ram, Siege Onager, Bombard Cannon
• Castle: Hoardings, Sappers
• Dock: Heavy Demolition Ship
• Monastery: Heresy
• Defensive structures: Bombard Tower
• Blacksmith: Plate Mail Armor
• University: Bombard Tower, Incendiaries, Treadmill Crane
• Mining Camp: Stone Shaft Mining
• Market:

Team-game role

The team bonus is Trade units also provide a small amount of food. 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.