4 Spies
4 Spies is a Commerce Age Consulate technology for the Chinese and Indians that delivers four Spy units. It is a specialist option for missions or matchups where identifying and eliminating high-value Heroes or Mercenaries matters; it does not add a broad frontline army.
Research profile
- Age
- Commerce Age
- Research location
- Consulate
- Research time
- 30 seconds
- Export cost
- 300
- Effect
- Delivers 4 Spies
Effect & research conditions
The Consulate takes 30 seconds to research the delivery. Spies are specialized against Heroes and Mercenaries, while ordinary military units can threaten them. Their value depends on the opponent’s roster and whether your force can escort them to the targets; the Consulate choice alone does not make them safe to deploy.
Research condition
Chinese or Indian Consulate option in the Commerce Age; research time: 30 seconds.
When to research
Choose the delivery after scouting an opponent who relies on Heroes or Mercenaries and when an escort can protect the Spies. Against an army made mostly of ordinary units, a broader Consulate company may contribute more. Treat four as the delivery count, not as a combat bonus applied to other troops.
Ally requirement and repeatable delivery
Chinese and Indian players must choose the British as their Consulate ally and reach the Commerce Age to research 4 Spies. The delivery costs 300 Export, takes 30 seconds, and ships four Spies. Since update 13.58326 it can be researched repeatedly, allowing additional Spy groups when the Export budget permits. The ally choice is therefore a prerequisite, not just a flavor label on the shipment.
Target selection and escort
Spies are specialists against Heroes and Mercenaries; the in-game description also identifies Explorers, War Chiefs, and Monks as effective targets. They do not replace a general-purpose military company against ordinary troops. Scout first, then escort the Spies through a route where they can reach high-value targets without being intercepted. If the opposing army has few such units, a broader Consulate shipment may provide more immediate battlefield value.