Italian strategy
Italians can accelerate their economy through technology research, which also provides Settlers. Architects place buildings without a wood payment, trading resources saved for slower construction.
Civilization identity & tools
Researching eligible technologies produces Settlers, making early Market research a possible economic investment. Architects can place buildings without paying their normal Wood cost, while Lombards convert deposits of one resource into a gradual return of the others. Lombards smooth resource balance over time rather than providing an immediate full exchange.
Matchups & timing
Compare technology costs with the value of the Settlers and earlier access to upgrades. Use an Architect for buildings whose saved Wood matters to the plan, and fund Lombards only when the delayed resource return fits the match length.
Practical plan
Protect the early economy while choosing between research-led growth and immediate military production. Avoid over-investing in slow-payback buildings when the opponent is preparing pressure.
Architects, research and Lombards
Italian strategy links economic growth to technology research and flexible building placement. Researching eligible technologies also grants Settlers, so early Market research can create an economic advantage while unlocking improvements. This does not mean every technology should be researched immediately: the cost competes with units and age advancement, and the additional Settlers repay it over time. Architects place buildings without paying their normal Wood cost, but their construction is slower. Use an Architect when the saved Wood supports a timing or when the building can be placed safely; use ordinary production and military spending when delay is dangerous. Lombards accept deposits of one resource and return other resources gradually, helping correct an imbalance over time. The return is not an instant exchange, so make deposits early enough to matter and do not lock away the resource needed for an urgent army. The Basilica supports Italian units such as Papal Guards and other unique options, while the Lombard also has its own unit and economic functions. Protect these unique buildings because losing access can disrupt the Italian plan. Italian players should balance research-led growth against immediate military readiness: a technology economy can become powerful, but only if the opponent cannot punish the investment. Use the Architect for free placement where the saved Wood is valuable, use the Lombard when the delayed return fits the match, and maintain a force that can defend Settlers and structures. The Italian civilization belongs to Knights of the Mediterranean for Definitive Edition.
A measured opening
Italians should avoid researching every early technology before securing their economy and army. Each eligible technology may add Settlers, but the player still pays its resource cost and needs time for the workers to repay it. Choose Market improvements that fit the intended economy, and keep enough resources for a defensive force. An Architect saves Wood but builds slowly, so place a Market, House or military structure with the timing in mind. Lombards can smooth resource shortages later, but their deposits are not an immediate refund. Use the unique Italian economy to support a plan rather than treating free building placement or Settler rewards as costless.
Unique units and production
Italy’s army uses structures such as the Basilica and Lombard to access units and economic options outside a standard Barracks queue. Include the Papal Guard or other unique troops when they answer a specific threat, and protect the buildings that train them. Research and Architect savings should translate into a stronger economy or army, not simply more idle technology.
Timing the investments
Market research and Lombard deposits create value over time, while Architects save Wood at the cost of slower construction. Use those tools early enough to repay their investment, but keep a military response ready. If the opponent is attacking, immediate units may be more valuable than another technology.
Protecting economic structures
Italian growth relies on Market research, Architects and Lombards, so the opponent may target those structures to interrupt the plan. Keep the Market and Lombards behind the army, use the Architect to place buildings safely and maintain enough units to protect Settlers. A strong late economy is only useful if it survives the early pressure.
Resource conversion
Use Lombards to correct a resource imbalance when their gradual return fits the remaining match. Keep the Market research focused on technologies that add useful Settlers, and reserve Food and Coin for the army.
Use free Settlers and Architects to expand safely
Italian age advancement grants free Settlers, while Architects construct buildings without the ordinary Villager Wood expense in their applicable rules. This creates a strong infrastructure opportunity, but the free workforce still needs time to gather and the Architect builds at a limited pace. Choose age-up timing around the next worker income, protect the Architect and prioritize buildings that let the army transition into production.
Balance Lombards with unit production
Lombards can invest resources and return value later, helping Italy manage a long economy. The return is delayed, so do not commit all Food or Coin if the opponent is preparing an attack. Keep ordinary Villager gathering active and build the unit line that scouting calls for. Italian specialists and Papal units can fill particular roles, but they still need anti-Cavalry support and siege to deal with a fortified base. Use investments when the match can last long enough to benefit.