Italians

Overview

Italians are part of Age of Empires II, representing Southern Europe and emphasizing archers & navy. Their signature roster includes the Genoese Crossbowman. Age advances cost less.

Civilization identity

Italians is classified as Southern Europe and is centered on archers & navy. Its defining roster entrys are Genoese Crossbowman, Condottiero. 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, condottieri can be trained at the barracks; 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.

• Age advances cost less This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.
• Foot archers and Condottieri gain 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.
• Dock and University research cost less; Fishing Ships and gunpowder units are cheaper This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.

Signature units and unique technologies

Genoese Crossbowman: A foot archer specialized in fighting mounted units Condottiero: Fast infantry with a bonus against gunpowder troops, shared through the Italian team bonus 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.

• Silk Road: Trade units cost less
• Pirotechnia: Hand Cannoneers gain accuracy and pass-through damage

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: On water maps, invest early in Docks and use the civilization’s naval advantages to contest the shoreline.
• Core army: Genoese Crossbowmen and the broad naval roster provide answers to cavalry and ships.
• Transition: Use the lower advance costs and strong economy to reach Castle Age, then support allies or establish a late naval lead.
• Watch for: The land cavalry tree has omissions; do not assume the standard Knight or Camel transitions remain available.

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: Halberdier, Gambesons
• Archery Range: Cavalry Archer, Parthian Tactics
• Stable: Paladin, Camel Rider, Battle Elephant, Steppe Lancer
• Siege Workshop: Siege Ram, Siege Onager, Heavy Scorpion
• Castle: Sappers
• Dock: Heavy Demolition Ship
• Monastery: Heresy
• University: Siege Engineers
• Mining Camp: Gold Shaft Mining

Team-game role

The team bonus is Condottieri can be trained at the Barracks. 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.