Macedonians

Overview

Macedonians are a Chronicles civilization in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, built around infantry & cavalry. Their campaign roster features Phalangite; Companion Cavalry; Chronicles factions are not part of the standard ranked civilization roster.

Civilization identity

Macedonians is classified as Ancient world and is centered on infantry & cavalry. Its defining roster entrys are Phalangite, Companion Cavalry. 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 can be upgraded into fortified outposts; 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.

• Units take less damage from enemies fighting from higher ground 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.
• Recruitment Doctrines at Barracks, Archery Ranges, and Stables trade unit cost against training speed This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.
• Infantry armor upgrades also improve cavalry; siege weapons gain pierce armor and bonus damage against buildings 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

Phalangite: A Macedonian infantry fighter with extended melee reach and a minimum attack range Companion Cavalry: Macedonian cavalry with bonus damage against unique units 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.

• Veteran Chiliarchs: Recruitment Doctrine effects become stronger
• Ends of the World: Fortified Outposts heal nearby allied units
• Pezhetairoi: Phalangites have less minimum range
• Sarissophoroi: Companion Cavalry gain a charged 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: Use the Recruitment Doctrine at each production building according to the immediate need: cheaper units for sustained pressure or faster training when a short timing matters more. Infantry armor research helps cavalry too, making it a good shared investment for a mixed ground force. Still scout and defend the food income before adding too many queues.
• Core army: Phalangites can anchor the line while Companion Cavalry threaten a flank or punish exposed ranged units. Siege gains protection and building damage, but must move with an escort. Reduced damage from attackers on higher ground eases an uphill fight; it does not justify charging a fortified hill without a route and support.
• Transition: Choose a technology or production change that improves the force already fighting, then secure the resource route needed to replace it.
• Watch for: A faster queue can empty resources before replacements are ready. Reassess the doctrine when the army changes or the economy is disrupted.

Team-game role

The team bonus is Outposts can be upgraded into Fortified Outposts. 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.