Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale is the most common whale resource in Age of Empires III and appears on many naval maps. It supplies infinite Coin gathered by Fishing Boats, so its strategic value comes from water access and protection rather than a finite reserve. Humpbacks share the same gathering rules as Beluga and Minke Whales.
Recorded values
- Durability & mobility
- 100 (invulnerable) hit points · 9 line of sight
Role, availability & values
A whale spot supports up to four Fishing Boats, with a listed rate of 30 Coin per minute per boat before bonuses. The income is slower than mining land deposits, but the resource does not deplete. Home City shipments and Dock upgrades such as Gill Nets and Long Lines can improve fishing, and the same coastline may also support Food from Fish.
Matchup & timing
Whaling can provide a durable Coin stream after nearby Mines are depleted, especially when a navy already controls the water. Avoid queuing more boats than the spot can support, and protect the fleet from raids; if the opponent controls the coast, land Mines are safer despite their limited reserves.
An enduring naval Coin site
Unlike a Mine, a Humpback Whale has no finite Coin reserve. Its profile is invulnerable, so ordinary attacks do not remove the resource itself; the practical risk is losing the Fishing Boats gathering there. Four boats can work one whale at once, with a listed base return of 30 Coin per minute for each boat. The Humpback is the most common whale and appears on many maps, but the exact number and position of sites depend on the map.
Balance whaling against other water jobs
Fishing Boats assigned to a whale provide Coin instead of gathering Food from a Fish school. The same boat investment also competes with naval construction and transport needs at the Dock. When the sea is safe, a small group of boats can add repeatable Coin while Villagers remain on land resources; when the coast is contested, the unlimited deposit does not protect the fleet from being sunk. Long Lines and Gill Nets are relevant Dock improvements, but check the active civilization and game version for access.