Bulgarians

Overview

Bulgarians are part of Age of Empires II, representing Eastern Europe and emphasizing infantry & cavalry. Their signature roster includes the Konnik. Militia-line upgrades are free.

Civilization identity

Bulgarians is classified as Eastern Europe and is centered on infantry & cavalry. Its defining roster entry is Konnik. 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, blacksmiths work 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.

• Militia-line upgrades are free This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.
• Town Centers cost less stone, apart from the starting one This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.
• Blacksmith and Siege Workshop technologies cost less food This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.
• The Krepost trains Konniks Its practical value depends on whether the affected unit, resource, or building is part of the plan for this match.

Signature units and unique technologies

Konnik: Bulgarian cavalry that continues the fight on foot when its horse is defeated 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.

• Stirrups: Cavalry attack faster
• Bagains: Militia-line units gain melee armor

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: Train Militia ahead of the Feudal transition when an early infantry attack is viable. The Militia-line upgrade is free; use discounted Blacksmith research to reinforce the timing without neglecting food and Villager production.
• Core army: Konniks add a durable cavalry threat, while the infantry bonuses make sustained Barracks production attractive. Mix in siege to convert a successful fight into map control.
• Transition: Use Stirrups to strengthen cavalry attacks when the game plan reaches Imperial Age. The flexible roster lets you shift between mounted units and infantry rather than overcommitting early.
• Watch for: Free upgrades do not replace armor research or a balanced economy. Scout for ranged counters before committing heavily to slow infantry.

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.

• Barracks: Champion
• Archery Range: Crossbowman, Hand Cannoneer
• Stable: Paladin, Camel Rider, Battle Elephant, Steppe Lancer
• Siege Workshop: Bombard Cannon
• Castle: Hoardings, Sappers
• Dock: Fast Fire Ship, Heavy Demolition Ship, Elite Cannon Galleon, Shipwright, Dry Dock
• Monastery: Atonement, Sanctity, Faith, Block Printing
• Defensive structures: Fortified Wall, Bombard Tower
• Blacksmith: Ring Archer Armor
• University: Fortified Wall, Bombard Tower, Arrowslits, Treadmill Crane, Dry Dock, Shipwright, Carvel Hull, Siphons
• Lumber Camp: Two-Man Saw
• Market: Guilds

Team-game role

The team bonus is Blacksmiths work 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.