GUIDE · BATTLE STRATEGY
The Great Ride Tarkan route plan
The Great Ride uses a fast mounted force to disrupt Sofia’s economy, damage Naissus’s wood production, and recruit units held behind walls. Remove defenders efficiently while avoiding unnecessary Castle fire.
Overview
The Great Ride uses a fast mounted force to disrupt Sofia’s economy, damage Naissus’s wood production, and recruit units held behind walls. Remove defenders efficiently while avoiding unnecessary Castle fire.
Plan and execution
Use Cavalry Archers to pick off Sofia’s Villagers and exposed troops before sending Tarkans against the Town Center. Move east to destroy Naissus’s Lumber Camps, keeping ranged cavalry outside the Watch Tower’s reach. Return west and free the Gaia Tarkans and Hussars from their enclosure; on higher difficulties, draw defenders away from the Castle and use the breach to reach the Town Center rather than fighting under Murder Holes. Combine the rescued units with the original force before taking the next objective.
Risks and adaptation
Avoid trading the mobile army against a defended Castle when a safer route can expose its Town Center. Keep Cavalry Archers away from Watch Towers and do not leave the freed units behind when the next attack begins.
- Focus
- Early base disruption and caged-unit rescue
- Signature / category
- Plan and execution
- Release / context
- Age of Empires II system
- Region
- Battle strategy
- Classification
- Battle strategies