FIELD GUIDEAGE OF EMPIRES IIBrowse entries ↗
01 — DARK AGE✦02 — FEUDAL AGE✦03 — CASTLE AGE✦04 — IMPERIAL AGE

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA

Drush

GUIDES, MAPS & GAME SYSTEMS · AGE OF EMPIRES II ONLY

GUIDE · BATTLE STRATEGY

Drush

A Dark Age rush uses a small group of Militia to distract or damage the opposing economy before the Feudal Age. The aim is to create disruption and gain information while continuing to develop your own economy.

Town Center in Age of Empires II
Related game artwork: Town Center

Overview

A Dark Age rush uses a small group of Militia to distract or damage the opposing economy before the Feudal Age. The aim is to create disruption and gain information while continuing to develop your own economy.

How to execute the plan

Train a limited Militia group in the Dark Age to scout the opponent and disrupt an exposed resource. Focus on forcing a short idle period or revealing the defensive plan, then withdraw before the Town Center can trap the units. Keep the economy and Age-up requirements visible while the group is away.

Risks and response

Militia pressure is not meant to win a prolonged fight against Town Center fire or a prepared garrison. If the opponent walls early or counters the group, stop reinforcing it and use the information to choose a safer Feudal or Castle Age plan.

Focus
Battle strategy
Signature / category
How it works
Release / context
Age of Empires II system
Region
Battle strategy
Classification
Battle strategies
Ⅱ

ABOUT THIS FIELD GUIDE

Built for the next question.

A growing English-language encyclopedia for Age of Empires II. Browse civilizations, stories, armies, architecture, research, editions, and strategic systems.