Dim Mak
Dim Mak is an Exploration Age upgrade accessed through a Trading Post or Tambo on a Shaolin Temple holy site. It increases Rattan Shield damage by 50%, strengthening the unit’s attacks without directly changing its health or movement.
Research profile
- Research location
- Trading Post or Tambo on a Shaolin Temple holy site
- Research time
- 10 seconds
- Wood cost
- 300
- Coin cost
- 300
- Effect
- Rattan Shield damage +50%
Effect & research conditions
The research costs 300 Wood and 300 Coin and takes 10 seconds. The Shaolin Temple connection is required, and the effect applies to Rattan Shields rather than all Chinese or Asian infantry. Check the active unit profile for the attack values affected by the damage bonus; other unit lines do not receive the same modifier.
Research condition
Available from the Exploration Age. Research it at Trading Post or Tambo on a Shaolin Temple holy site.
When to research
Research when Rattan Shields form a meaningful part of the army and can reach targets safely. The short research time makes it possible to prepare before a push, but 600 resources still compete with unit production. If the opponent’s composition forces the Rattan Shields away from combat, a broader upgrade or a different unit may have higher value.
Pair the damage increase with access to targets
A 50% damage increase matters only while Rattan Shields are able to attack. Use supporting units to protect their approach, and choose engagements where their melee presence can be maintained instead of charging them into a prepared counter. The holy-site Trading Post or Tambo is both the source of the technology and a map position worth defending. Dim Mak is a focused offensive improvement, not a substitute for improving the rest of the formation or controlling the approach.