Wu

Overview

Wu are part of Age of Empires II, representing East Asia and emphasizing infantry & navy. Their signature roster includes the Fire Archer. Military buildings and Docks provide food when built.

Civilization identity

Wu is classified as East Asia and is centered on infantry & navy. Its defining roster entrys are Fire Archer, Jian Swordsman, Sun Jian (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, houses are built faster; 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.

• Military buildings and Docks provide food when built This changes access to a unit, building, or resource and can open a timing or map-control option earlier than usual.
• Infantry regenerate health This improves religious support or relic play; its value rises when the map and matchup make control of Monks or Relics relevant.
• Jian Swordsmen and Hei Guang Cavalry gain attack in the Imperial Age 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.
• Careening and Dry Dock are free This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.

Signature units and unique technologies

Fire Archer: A Wu ranged unit that shifts between multi-projectile attacks on troops and longer-range fire against buildings Jian Swordsman: Wu infantry that adapts its stance as it takes damage, trading armor for speed and attack Sun Jian (hero): A Wu campaign hero whose presence increases nearby troops’ movement speed 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.

• Red Cliffs Tactics: Demolition Ships and Fire Archers gain fire damage against ships and buildings
• Sitting Tiger: Traction Trebuchets and Lou Chuans fire additional 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: Use the fast House construction to free Villagers for food and move toward Feudal Age efficiently.
• Core army: Hei Guang Cavalry and other mounted options reward a cavalry-centered plan.
• Transition: Use early tempo to wall or pressure, then grow production behind the civilization’s strong mounted line.
• Watch for: The opening advantage is timing-based; scout for aggression and keep enough Villagers gathering to 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.

• Barracks: Gambesons
• Archery Range: Heavy Cavalry Archer, Parthian Tactics, Thumb Ring, Hand Cannoneer
• Stable: Knight, Battle Elephant, Camel Rider, Steppe Lancer
• Siege Workshop: Capped Ram, Siege Onager, Bombard Cannon
• Castle: Trebuchet, Hoardings, Sappers
• Dock: Shipwright, Cannon Galleon
• Monastery: Heresy, Block Printing
• Defensive structures: Fortified Wall, Bombard Tower
• Blacksmith: Ring Archer Armor
• University: Fortified Wall, Bombard Tower, Siege Engineers, Arrowslits, Shipwright, Incendiaries
• Mill: Crop Rotation
• Market:

Team-game role

The team bonus is Houses are built faster. 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.