GUIDE · TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY
Pavise archer-armor upgrade timing
Pavise improves the durability of eligible foot archers and can support Genoese Crossbowmen, other archer lines, and Condottieri depending on the game version. Research it when those units are central to your plan and the current version makes the coverage worthwhile.
Overview
Pavise improves the durability of eligible foot archers and can support Genoese Crossbowmen, other archer lines, and Condottieri depending on the game version. Research it when those units are central to your plan and the current version makes the coverage worthwhile.
Plan and execution
For a Genoese Crossbowman or foot-archer army, first ensure production and key range or damage upgrades are in place, then compare Pavise with the cheaper armor improvement available from the Blacksmith. Add Pavise when its coverage across the active army materially improves survival in repeated ranged fights. Use the extra durability to hold a firing line while cavalry or infantry protects against dives.
Risks and adaptation
Pavise’s affected units and value have changed between releases, and it does not apply to every ranged unit. Check the current roster and patch behavior before prioritizing it; do not delay an Age-up or core armor upgrade for a marginal benefit.
- Focus
- Choosing the right foot-archer defense
- Signature / category
- Plan and execution
- Release / context
- Age of Empires II system
- Region
- Technology strategy
- Classification
- Technology strategies