Chinese

A versatile civilization that excels in the late game with strong Chu Ko Nu and excellent tech tree. High skill ceiling.

Difficulty: Hard Versatile

Civilization Bonuses

Start Bonus

Start with +3 villagers but -200 food (150 food total)

Technology Cost

Technologies cost -10/15/20% in Feudal/Castle/Imperial

Town Centers

Town Centers support +5 population

Demolition Ships

Demolition Ships have +50% HP

Unique Unit

Unit Age Cost HP Range Attack
Chu Ko Nu Castle Age 40 Wood, 35 Gold 45 4 8 (fires 3 arrows)

Chu Ko Nu fires 3 arrows rapidly, making them extremely effective against infantry.

Unique Technologies

Great Wall

Castle Age

Walls and Towers +30% HP

Rocketry

Imperial Age

Chu Ko Nu +2 attack, Scorpions +4 attack

Build Orders

Fast Feudal (Difficult Start)

  1. Immediately queue 1 villager
  2. 2 Villagers → Build houses, then sheep
  3. 4 Villagers → Sheep
  4. 4 Villagers → Wood
  5. 1 Villager → Lure Boar
  6. Must micro carefully due to food deficit
  7. Click Feudal around 22-23 pop

Chu Ko Nu Rush

  1. Fast Castle with defensive play
  2. Build Castle ASAP
  3. Mass Chu Ko Nu continuously
  4. Research Rocketry for +2 attack
  5. Support with Siege Rams

Strategy Tips

Strengths

  • Strong late game with tech discounts
  • Chu Ko Nu are devastating when massed
  • Excellent tech tree with many options
  • Extra villagers provide economic lead if executed well

Weaknesses

  • Very difficult Dark Age management
  • Vulnerable to early aggression
  • No Siege Onager
  • Chu Ko Nu struggle vs high pierce armor

Counter Matchups

vs Goths Chu Ko Nu destroy infantry, easy win
vs Franks Difficult - need Halberdiers with Chu Ko Nu
vs Britons Out-range is a problem, close distance fast