Unit Counters

Know your counters, win your games

Understanding Counters

Age of Empires II has a complex rock-paper-scissors system. Understanding what counters what is essential for winning battles efficiently. Remember that numbers and upgrades also matter - 40 archers can still kill knights even though cavalry "counters" archers.

Basic Rock-Paper-Scissors

Infantry

Beats: Buildings, Eagles, Trash

Loses to: Archers, Hand Cannons

Archers

Beats: Infantry, Slow units

Loses to: Skirmishers, Siege, Eagles

Cavalry

Beats: Archers, Siege, Monks

Loses to: Spearmen, Camels, Monks

Siege

Beats: Infantry blobs, Buildings

Loses to: Cavalry, Bombard Cannons

Monks

Beats: Expensive single units

Loses to: Light Cavalry, Mass cheap units

Detailed Counter Matrix

Knights/Cavalry

Good Against

  • Pikeman
  • Halberdier
  • Camel Rider
  • Monk

Weak Against

  • Spearman line
  • Camels
  • Monks
  • Massed Archers

Archers

Good Against

  • Infantry
  • Cavalry
  • Buildings

Weak Against

  • Skirmisher
  • Siege (Mangonel)
  • Eagle Warriors
  • Hussar raids

Skirmishers

Good Against

  • Archers
  • Spearmen

Weak Against

  • Infantry
  • Cavalry
  • Siege
  • Scorpions

Infantry (Militia line)

Good Against

  • Buildings
  • Trash units
  • Eagles

Weak Against

  • Archers
  • Hand Cannoneers
  • Cavalry Archers
  • Scorpions

Siege (Mangonels)

Good Against

  • Archers
  • Infantry groups
  • Buildings

Weak Against

  • Cavalry
  • Bombard Cannons
  • Other Mangonels
  • Monks

Cavalry Archers

Good Against

  • Infantry
  • Slow units
  • Siege

Weak Against

  • Skirmisher
  • Elite Skirmisher
  • Camel Archers
  • Hussar raids

Monks

Good Against

  • Expensive units
  • Knights
  • Elephants

Weak Against

  • Light Cavalry
  • Scout rush
  • Eagle Warriors
  • Archers

Trebuchets

Good Against

  • Buildings
  • Castles
  • Town Centers

Weak Against

  • Cavalry raids
  • Bombard Cannons
  • Other Trebuchets
  • Onagers

Advanced Counter Tips

  • Micro matters: Good micro can overcome unfavorable matchups
  • Upgrades are crucial: Fully upgraded archers beat non-upgraded counter units
  • Positioning: Hills give +25% damage, fight uphill when possible
  • Numbers: Enough of any unit can overwhelm counters
  • Mix your army: Don't go all-in on one unit type
  • Scout and adapt: See what your opponent makes and counter accordingly
  • Trash wars: In late game, spears/skirms/hussars are cost-effective
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