TECHNOLOGY · CIVILIZATION-SPECIFIC
Howdah
Battle Elephants gain armor.
Overview
Battle Elephants gain armor.
Effect and affected units
Howdah changes battle Elephants +1/+1 armor. Read the named target carefully: this effect applies only to the units, buildings, or economy described in its entry. This is the main reason to research it; compare the affected units with the army you expect to field.
Research cost and timing
Research is available in Imperial Age at the Castle. The recorded cost is 300 Wood, and the research time is 40 seconds. Consider whether the upgrade will affect enough units or workers to repay that investment before the match is decided.
Matchup plan: Howdah Burmese elephant armor plan
Howdah improves Burmese Battle Elephant armor, helping the elephants absorb ranged fire while the rest of the army closes in. Use them as a durable frontline and add the appropriate support for their counters Research Howdah when Battle Elephants are a core Burmese unit and the opponent’s ranged army is reducing their value. Move the elephants as a group to soak arrows and create space for cavalry or Arambai to attack the back line. Pair them with monks or ranged units against Spears and other threats, and keep them near reinforcements rather than charging alone The technology does not remove the elephant line’s vulnerability to conversion or anti-elephant units. Protect the expensive mass from Monks and Halberdiers, and avoid fighting under strong defenses without siege support
Effect and research timing
Battle Elephants gain armor. Effect: Battle Elephants +1/+1 armor. Research becomes available in: Imperial Age; Research at: Castle; Research cost: 300 Wood; Research time: 40 seconds. This research is restricted to its named civilization, so it is part of that faction’s identity rather than a shared option. Its value depends on which units receive the effect and how often they take part in combat; timing it before a major engagement can improve the whole eligible group.
Research details
- Age
- Imperial Age
- Research building
- Castle
- Cost
- 300 Wood
- Research time
- 40 seconds
- Effect
- Battle Elephants +1/+1 armor
Research requirements and effects for this entry.
- Also known as
- Howdah (Age of Empires II)
- Focus
- Unique technology · Burmese
- Signature / category
- Unique technology · Burmese
- Release / context
- Civilization research
- Region
- Civilization-specific
- Classification
- Unique technologies