Burmese

Overview

Burmese are part of Age of Empires II, representing Southeast Asia and emphasizing infantry & elephants. Their signature roster includes the Arambai. Lumber Camp upgrades are free.

Civilization identity

Burmese is classified as Southeast Asia and is centered on infantry & elephants. Its defining roster entry is Arambai. 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 are visible from the start of the game; 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.

• Lumber Camp upgrades are free This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.
• Battle Elephants start with 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.
• Infantry gain attack as they advance through the Ages 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.
• Monastery technologies cost less This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.

Signature units and unique technologies

Arambai: Mounted ranged troops with heavy but less predictable projectile 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.

• Manipur Cavalry: Cavalry deal extra damage to Archers
• Howdah: Battle Elephants gain 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: Use the Feudal infantry attack bonus to make early Men-at-Arms pressure meaningful, then add support before opponents can stabilize.
• Core army: Infantry lead the opening; Monks and Battle Elephants give the army additional late-game roles.
• Transition: Carry an early raid into Castle Age with monastery support or an elephant transition when food and gold allow.
• Watch for: The Archery Range is a narrow option, so avoid relying on foot archers as the only answer to enemy pressure.

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: Arbalester, Hand Cannoneer, Thumb Ring
• Stable: Paladin, Camel Rider, Steppe Lancer
• Siege Workshop: Siege Ram, Siege Onager
• Castle: Hoardings, Sappers
• Dock: Fast Fire Ship, Heavy Demolition Ship, Shipwright
• Monastery: Heresy
• Defensive structures: Bombard Tower
• Blacksmith: Leather Archer Armor
• University: Bombard Tower, Arrowslits, Shipwright, Siphons
• Mining Camp: Stone Shaft Mining
• Market:

Team-game role

The team bonus is Relics are visible from the start of the game. 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.