TECHNOLOGY · CIVILIZATION-SPECIFIC

Thunderclap Bombs

Several Jurchen explosive weapons detonate on defeat, and their projectiles can cause further blasts.

Overview

Several Jurchen explosive weapons detonate on defeat, and their projectiles can cause further blasts.

Effect and affected units

Thunderclap Bombs changes rocket Carts, Lou Chuans, and Grenadiers explode when defeated and also create delayed explosions when their projectiles land. 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 900 Food, 600 Gold, and the research time is 50 seconds. Consider whether the upgrade will affect enough units or workers to repay that investment before the match is decided.

Matchup plan: Thunderclap Bombs siege-dive deterrence

Thunderclap Bombs adds an explosive threat around eligible units when they are destroyed and strengthens certain Lou Chuan attacks against units. Use the effect as a deterrent while keeping fragile siege and gunpowder behind a screen Keep Grenadiers and Rocket Carts behind infantry or cavalry so enemies must pay for reaching their minimum-range weakness. When Lou Chuans are active, use their siege attack against units and keep the fleet positioned to punish a close approach. Let the secondary blast complement the main volley rather than using the technology as a reason to expose the units The explosion only matters once the unit dies, which is a poor trade if an escort could have prevented the loss. Its relevance differs by unit, and some naval opponents stay outside the blast radius. Screen the siege and avoid clustering valuable units around an explosion

Effect and research timing

Several Jurchen explosive weapons detonate on defeat, and their projectiles can cause further blasts. Effect: Rocket Carts, Lou Chuans, and Grenadiers explode when defeated and also create delayed explosions when their projectiles land. Research becomes available in: Imperial Age; Research at: Castle; Research cost: 900 Food, 600 Gold; Research time: 50 seconds. This research is restricted to its named civilization, so it is part of that faction’s identity rather than a shared option.

Research details

Age: Imperial Age
Research building: Castle
Cost: 900 Food, 600 Gold
Research time: 50 seconds
Effect: Rocket Carts, Lou Chuans, and Grenadiers explode when defeated and also create delayed explosions when their projectiles land

Research requirements and effects for this entry.

Also known as: Thunderclap Bombs (Age of Empires II)
Focus: Unique technology · Jurchens
Signature / category: Unique technology · Jurchens
Release / context: Civilization research
Region: Civilization-specific
Classification: Unique technologies