Chinese

Overview

Chinese are part of Age of Empires II, representing East Asia and emphasizing flexible army & economy. Their signature roster includes the Chu Ko Nu. Begin with three extra Villagers, but less food and wood.

Civilization identity

Chinese is classified as East Asia and is centered on flexible army & economy. Its defining roster entrys are Chu Ko Nu, Dragon Ship. 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, farms and pastures contain more 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.

• Begin with three extra Villagers, but less food and wood This affects economic tempo or worker efficiency and can change how quickly the civilization reaches its next production or Age-up timing.
• Town Centers support more population and have wider line of sight Its practical value depends on whether the affected unit, resource, or building is part of the plan for this match.
• Technologies become cheaper in later Ages This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.
• Fire Galley-line ships and Fire Lancers move faster as the game advances This is a water-map advantage; plan around control of fishing, crossings, and transport rather than assuming it matters equally on a land map.

Signature units and unique technologies

Chu Ko Nu: A repeating crossbow unit that releases several projectiles in one volley Dragon Ship: A Chinese warship upgrade with a short-ranged flame 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.

• Great Wall: Walls and Towers gain extra hit points
• Rocketry: Several Chinese siege units gain attack

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: Stabilize the unusual opening first: the extra Villagers require quick food gathering and an orderly first build.
• Core army: Use archers and the broad unit roster to adapt after scouting the opponent.
• Transition: Carry the strong economy into Castle Age production and use the flexible technology tree for counter transitions.
• Watch for: A slow food start or idle Town Center erases the value of the extra Villagers; prioritize early food and housing.

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: Hand Cannoneer, Parthian Tactics
• Stable: Hussar, Paladin, Battle Elephant, Steppe Lancer, Camel Rider
• Siege Workshop: Mangonel, Bombard Cannon
• Castle: Hoardings
• Dock: Cannon Galleon
• Monastery: Redemption, Heresy
• University: Siege Engineers, Treadmill Crane, Carvel Hull, Incendiaries
• Mill: Crop Rotation
• Market: Guilds

Team-game role

The team bonus is Farms and Pastures contain more 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.