Burgundians

Overview

Burgundians are part of Age of Empires II, representing Western Europe and emphasizing cavalry & economy. Their signature roster includes the Coustillier. Most economic technologies cost less food and arrive one Age earlier.

Civilization identity

Burgundians is classified as Western Europe and is centered on cavalry & economy. Its defining roster entrys are Coustillier, Flemish Militia. 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, relics also generate 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.

• Most economic technologies cost less food and arrive one Age earlier This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.
• Stable technologies cost less; Cavalier is available in the Castle Age This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.
• Gunpowder units deal more damage 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

Coustillier: Burgundian cavalry that builds up a powerful charge attack between strikes Flemish Militia: A temporary infantry army created by Burgundian research, useful for a sudden surge in defenders Mounted Crossbowman: A heavily armed ranged cavalry unit with strong attacks but a slower firing cadence 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.

• Burgundian Vineyards: Farms also generate gold
• Flemish Revolution: Transforms existing Villagers into Flemish Militia

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 early economic research selectively: an upgrade only pays off when enough Villagers can benefit from it. Protect the transition with scouting and a small defensive force.
• Core army: Use cavalry to exploit the economy lead and Coustilliers for decisive charge damage. Add infantry or ranged support when enemy spears and Monks make pure cavalry inefficient.
• Transition: Burgundian Vineyards and Flemish Revolution offer late-game options with very different economic consequences. Choose them only when the current stockpile and battlefield justify the commitment.
• Watch for: Early upgrades compete with units and age advancement. Avoid investing in several technologies at once while leaving the base exposed.

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: Gambesons
• Archery Range: Cavalry Archer, Arbalester, Thumb Ring, Parthian Tactics
• Stable: Camel Rider, Battle Elephant, Steppe Lancer, Bloodlines
• Siege Workshop: Siege Ram, Siege Onager, Heavy Scorpion
• Castle:
• Dock: Heavy Demolition Ship, Shipwright, Dry Dock
• Monastery: Heresy, Theocracy
• Blacksmith: Ring Archer Armor
• University: Siege Engineers, Heated Shot, Dry Dock, Shipwright

Team-game role

The team bonus is Relics also generate 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.