Mastering Terrain Bonuses in Age of Empires 2: An Essential Guide

In the dynamic and strategic world of Age of Empires 2 (AoE2), controlling terrain bonuses can grant a significant advantage to players. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of terrain bonuses, empowering you with the knowledge and strategies to maximize their impact on your gameplay.

Transition: Understanding Terrain Bonuses

Terrain bonuses provide strategic benefits to units positioned on specific terrain types. They can enhance unit attack and defense, movement speed, and resource gathering efficiency. Mastering these bonuses is crucial for effective army management and resource optimization.

Types of Terrain Bonuses

Forest Bonus

• Units gain +20% attack and defense.
• Archers can shoot through trees, providing concealment and protection.

Hill Bonus

• Infantry units gain +25% attack damage.
• Walls on hills provide a height advantage, making them more difficult to attack.

Mountain Bonus

• Infantry units gain +50% attack damage.
• Walls on mountains are nearly impregnable, offering exceptional protection.

Desert Bonus

• Cavalry units move 25% faster.
• Camels and Mamelukes gain +25% hit points and attack damage.

Water Bonus

• Ships gain +20% attack and defense.
• Docks and fishing ships gather resources faster.

Importance of Terrain Bonuses

Leveraging terrain bonuses can significantly impact your gameplay experience in AoE2:

Enhanced Military Advantage

Terrain bonuses amplify the effectiveness of your units in combat. By positioning them on advantageous terrain, you can inflict greater damage while reducing casualties.

Efficient Resource Management

Terrain bonuses enhance the gathering speed of resource-generating units. This enables you to amass resources more quickly, accelerating your economic development.

Strategic Positioning

Controlling key terrain features, such as hills or forests, provides strategic advantages. You can use them as natural barriers, choke points, or ambush points to outmaneuver your opponents.

Effective Strategies

Exploit Terrain Advantages

• Deploy melee units in forests or on hills to maximize their attack power.
• Use cavalry to dominate open plains or deserts.
• Station archers in forests or on hillsides to provide protection and shooting range.

Deny Opponent Bonuses

• Block enemy units from accessing forests, hills, or mountains.
• Control water passages to hinder naval attacks.
• Build walls on hills to prevent enemy infantry advances.

Adapt to Changing Terrain

• Monitor the terrain and adjust your strategies accordingly.
• Utilize terrain bonuses to your advantage in skirmishes and battles.
• Don't be afraid to move your units to capitalize on better terrain.

Stories and Lessons

The Battle of Agincourt

In 1415, the outnumbered English army defeated the French at Agincourt. By positioning their archers in a forest, they gained a significant attack bonus and decimated the French cavalry. This victory highlights the power of terrain bonuses in changing the tide of battle.

The Siege of Tenochtitlan

The Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan was built on an island in the middle of a lake. This provided the Aztecs with a strong water bonus, making it difficult for the Spanish conquistadors to attack. Only by building siege towers and using causeways to bypass the water did the Spanish eventually conquer the city.

Lesson: Utilize Terrain to Your Advantage

These stories demonstrate the decisive role terrain bonuses can play in warfare. By understanding and leveraging these bonuses, you can outsmart your opponents and secure victory.

Conclusion

Mastering terrain bonuses is an essential skill for any AoE2 player. By understanding their types, importance, and effective strategies, you can gain a decisive advantage on the battlefield and dominate your resource management. Remember, the terrain is not just a neutral backdrop; it is a powerful force that can shape the outcome of your battles.

Call to Action

Put your knowledge of terrain bonuses to the test in your next AoE2 game. Experiment with different strategies and observe how they impact your gameplay. By embracing the power of the terrain, you can elevate your skills and achieve lasting success in this timeless strategy classic.