TECHNOLOGY · CIVILIZATION-SPECIFIC
Stronghold
Castles and Towers fire faster.
Overview
Castles and Towers fire faster.
Effect and affected units
Stronghold changes castles and Towers fire 33% faster; Castles heal allied infantry in an 18 tile square aura by 30 HP/min*. 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 Castle Age at the Castle. The recorded cost is 250 Food, 200 Gold, and the research time is 30 seconds. Consider whether the upgrade will affect enough units or workers to repay that investment before the match is decided.
Matchup plan: Stronghold Celt Castle-control plan
Stronghold strengthens Celt defensive positions and helps infantry remain near a Castle through repeated engagements. It is most useful when the opponent regularly attacks within the Castle’s range or when a forward Castle anchors a push Research Stronghold when your Castles are likely to see recurring close-range pressure, especially from ships or ground units that cannot safely stay outside their reach. Keep infantry near the Castle so they can benefit from its support and use the position to protect repairs, production, or a forward rally point. Pair the structure with a mobile force that intercepts siege and controls the ground outside its range Many siege units can outrange or resist Castle arrows, so the technology does not solve a siege push by itself. Avoid researching it for an isolated Castle that the opponent can bypass; defend the outer approaches and keep counters ready
Effect and research timing
Castles and Towers fire faster. Effect: Castles and Towers fire 33% faster; Castles heal allied infantry in an 18 tile square aura by 30 HP/min*. Research becomes available in: Castle Age; Research at: Castle; Research cost: 250 Food, 200 Gold; Research time: 30 seconds. This research is restricted to its named civilization, so it is part of that faction’s identity rather than a shared option. This is most relevant when the match plan includes defending a position or applying pressure to structures.
Research details
- Age
- Castle Age
- Research building
- Castle
- Research time
- 30 seconds
- Effect
- Castles and Towers fire 33% faster; Castles heal allied infantry in an 18 tile square aura by 30 HP/min*
Research requirements and effects for this entry.
- Also known as
- Stronghold (Age of Empires II)
- Focus
- Unique technology · Celts
- Signature / category
- Unique technology · Celts
- Release / context
- Civilization research
- Region
- Civilization-specific
- Classification
- Unique technologies