Wei

Overview

Wei are part of Age of Empires II, representing East Asia and emphasizing heavy cavalry. Their signature roster includes the Tiger Cavalry. Each economic technology grants a Villager.

Civilization identity

Wei is classified as East Asia and is centered on heavy cavalry. Its defining roster entrys are Tiger Cavalry, Xianbei Raider, Cao Cao (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, cavalry deal extra damage to siege weapons; 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.

• Each economic technology grants a Villager Its practical value depends on whether the affected unit, resource, or building is part of the plan for this match.
• Hei Guang Cavalry and Xianbei Raiders gain hit points in later Ages 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.
• Traction Trebuchets and Lou Chuans cost less This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.

Signature units and unique technologies

Tiger Cavalry: Wei cavalry that grows stronger after defeating enemy units and is equipped to pressure archers Xianbei Raider: Mounted archers that periodically charge up a volley of multiple projectiles Cao Cao (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.

• Tuntian: Soldiers passively generate food
• Ming Guang Armor: Mounted units gain melee armor

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: Plan for a quick Feudal Age, when economic research starts adding Villagers and strengthening the economy.
• Core army: Cavalry is a major strength; pair it with the available ranged or siege support as the matchup requires.
• Transition: Invest the Feudal economic gains into a Castle Age army and use the strong mounted roster to maintain tempo.
• Watch for: The Dark Age has few bonuses; protect the opening and do not delay the Feudal transition.

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: Gambesons, Champion
• Archery Range: Arbalester, Cavalry Archer, Hand Cannoneer
• Stable: Knight, Battle Elephant, Camel Rider, Steppe Lancer
• Siege Workshop: Siege Onager, Bombard Cannon
• Castle: Trebuchet, Sappers
• Dock: Dry Dock, Shipwright, Cannon Galleon, Heavy Demolition Ship
• Monastery: Heresy, Redemption, Herbal Medicine, Atonement
• Defensive structures: Bombard Tower
• Blacksmith: Plate Barding Armor, Plate Mail Armor
• University: Architecture, Siege Engineers, Bombard Tower, Arrowslits, Dry Dock, Shipwright, Siphons
• Lumber Camp: Two-Man Saw
• Market: Guilds

Team-game role

The team bonus is Cavalry deal extra damage to siege weapons. 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.