Thracians

Overview

Thracians are a Chronicles civilization in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, built around infantry. Their campaign roster features Rhomphaia Warrior; Chronicles factions are not part of the standard ranked civilization roster.

Civilization identity

Thracians is classified as Ancient world and is centered on infantry. Its defining roster entry is Rhomphaia 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, most buildings gain additional 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.

• Elite Skirmisher is free, and upgraded Skirmishers regenerate health This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.
• Battle Drills is available in the Classical Age This changes access to a unit, building, or resource and can open a timing or map-control option earlier than usual.
• Most buildings can be placed on any elevation; Forts and Towers support nearby miners and lumberjacks This changes access to a unit, building, or resource and can open a timing or map-control option earlier than usual.
• Herding and hunting generate gold 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

Rhomphaia Warrior: A fast Thracian infantry unit specialized in fighting cavalry 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.

• Odomantian Raiders: Infantry and cavalry earn gold for defeating enemy units
• Dii Plunderers: Several infantry lines generate resources while attacking enemy buildings
• Bessian Metalworking: Levy, Lancer, and Rhomphaia Warrior attacks strip armor from targets
• Peltasts: Skirmishers deal 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: Hunting and herding add gold, making early food collection part of the military funding plan. Free Elite Skirmisher and regenerating upgraded Skirmishers can support a durable answer to enemy ranged units. Use flexible elevation placement to put a Tower or Fort where it covers miners or lumberjacks, not simply on the nearest hill.
• Core army: Rhomphaia Warriors and other infantry can pressure behind a screen, while Battle Drills arriving in the Classical Age creates an earlier upgrade opportunity. Resource-generating combat technologies reward chosen targets and sustained production, but losses can still exceed the return. Peltasts improves Skirmishers when a large enough ranged force is present to use the pass-through effect.
• Transition: Choose a technology or production change that improves the force already fighting, then secure the resource route needed to replace it.
• Watch for: Forward buildings and raiders need a protected route back to the economy. Do not chase a resource bonus into a fight the army cannot win.

Team-game role

The team bonus is Most buildings gain additional 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.