Ethiopians

Overview

Ethiopians are part of Age of Empires II, representing East Africa and emphasizing archers & siege. Their signature roster includes the Shotel Warrior. Archer-line units fire faster.

Civilization identity

Ethiopians is classified as East Africa and is centered on archers & siege. Its defining roster entry is Shotel Warrior. 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, outposts gain line of sight and no longer cost stone; 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.

• Archer-line units fire faster Its practical value depends on whether the affected unit, resource, or building is part of the plan for this match.
• Advancing to a new Age grants food and gold Its practical value depends on whether the affected unit, resource, or building is part of the plan for this match.
• Pikeman research is free This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.

Signature units and unique technologies

Shotel Warrior: Fast, lightly protected infantry that can be trained quickly and strikes hard 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.

• Royal Heirs: Shotel Warriors and Camels take less damage from mounted units
• Torsion Engines: Siege Workshop units gain a larger blast radius

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: Play the opening carefully and use the resources gained on age advancement to establish a timely ranged army.
• Core army: Archer-line units are the central strength, supported by siege and specialized infantry.
• Transition: Use the Castle Age power spike to maintain ranged pressure, then transition into siege or the unique unit when needed.
• Watch for: The economy is less forgiving before its age-up bonuses arrive; defend early and avoid spending food that delays the next Age.

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, Gambesons
• Archery Range: Hand Cannoneer, Parthian Tactics
• Stable: Paladin, Battle Elephant, Steppe Lancer, Bloodlines
• Castle: Hoardings
• Dock: Fast Fire Ship, Heavy Demolition Ship, Elite Cannon Galleon
• Monastery: Redemption, Block Printing
• Defensive structures: Bombard Tower
• Blacksmith: Plate Barding Armor
• University: Bombard Tower, Arrowslits, Treadmill Crane, Carvel Hull, Siphons
• Mill: Crop Rotation
• Market:

Team-game role

The team bonus is Outposts gain line of sight and no longer cost stone. 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.