Shu

Overview

Shu are part of Age of Empires II, representing East Asia and emphasizing infantry & war carts. Their signature roster includes the White Feather Guard. Lumberjacks also produce a little food.

Civilization identity

Shu is classified as East Asia and is centered on infantry & war carts. Its defining roster entrys are White Feather Guard, War Chariot, Liu Bei (hero). 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, foot archers other than skirmishers gain line of sight; 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.

• Lumberjacks also produce a little food Its practical value depends on whether the affected unit, resource, or building is part of the plan for this match.
• Archery Range and Blacksmith archery research costs less This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.
• Land siege units and Lou Chuans move faster in later Ages Its practical value depends on whether the affected unit, resource, or building is part of the plan for this match.

Signature units and unique technologies

White Feather Guard: Shu infantry whose attacks slow the movement of their targets War Chariot: A heavy siege cart that can switch between focused bolts and a wider barrage Liu Bei (hero) 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.

• Coiled Serpent Array: Spearmen and White Feather Guards gain hit points while close together
• Bolt Magazine: Archers, War Chariots, and Lou Chuans fire extra projectiles

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: Adjust the first Villager assignments to take advantage of the food gained while gathering wood.
• Core army: Arbalesters and siege form a strong land core, with the navy available on water maps.
• Transition: Use wood efficiency to keep ranged production flowing, then add the unique technology and siege support.
• Watch for: The opening depends on balancing food and wood; follow the plan only if the map and starting resources support it.

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: Parthian Tactics, Hand Cannoneer
• Stable: Bloodlines, Hussar, Knight, Battle Elephant, Camel Rider, Steppe Lancer
• Siege Workshop: Siege Onager, Scorpion, Bombard Cannon
• Castle: Trebuchet
• Dock: Fast Fire Ship, Cannon Galleon
• Monastery: Sanctity, Redemption, Herbal Medicine, Block Printing
• Defensive structures: Keep, Bombard Tower
• Blacksmith: Iron Casting
• University: Keep, Bombard Tower, Incendiaries
• Mining Camp: Stone Shaft Mining
• Mill: Crop Rotation
• Market:

Team-game role

The team bonus is Foot archers other than Skirmishers gain line of sight. 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.