Unit Counters

Master the counter system to dominate battles

Understanding AoE4 Combat

Age of Empires IV features a nuanced combat system with armor classes and bonus damage. Unlike AoE2, armor reduces a flat amount of damage rather than a percentage. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for efficient army composition.

Armor Types

Light Melee

Examples: Spearman, Villager

Strong vs: Unarmored

Weak vs: Ranged

Heavy Melee

Examples: Man-at-Arms, Knight

Strong vs: Ranged attacks

Weak vs: High damage attacks

Ranged

Examples: Archer, Crossbow

Strong vs: Melee from distance

Weak vs: Cavalry charges

Siege

Examples: Ram, Mangonel

Strong vs: Buildings, groups

Weak vs: Direct combat

Detailed Counter Matrix

Knights/Heavy Cavalry

Good Against

  • Archers
  • Siege
  • Villagers

Weak Against

  • Spearman
  • Crossbowman
  • Camel
  • Monks

Archers

Good Against

  • Spearmen
  • Light Infantry

Weak Against

  • Horseman
  • Mangonels
  • Knights (with charge)

Crossbowmen

Good Against

  • Armored units
  • Knights
  • Men-at-Arms

Weak Against

  • Horseman raids
  • Mangonels
  • Handcannoneers

Spearmen

Good Against

  • Cavalry
  • Knights
  • Horsemen

Weak Against

  • Archers
  • Crossbowmen
  • Handcannoneers
  • Mangonels

Men-at-Arms

Good Against

  • Archers
  • Light units
  • Buildings

Weak Against

  • Crossbowmen
  • Knights
  • Handcannoneers

Horsemen

Good Against

  • Archers
  • Siege
  • Villagers

Weak Against

  • Spearmen
  • Knights
  • Men-at-Arms

Mangonels

Good Against

  • Infantry groups
  • Archers
  • Buildings

Weak Against

  • Springalds
  • Cavalry
  • Bombards

Springalds

Good Against

  • Siege
  • Mangonels
  • Bombards

Weak Against

  • Cavalry
  • Infantry
  • Other Springalds

Combat Tips for AoE4

  • Charge damage: Cavalry deals bonus damage on impact - space out charges
  • Bracing: Spearmen can brace to negate cavalry charges
  • Elevation: High ground provides significant range and damage bonus
  • Stealth forests: Use forests to hide units and ambush
  • Fire attacks: Fire damage ignores armor - devastating vs buildings
  • Siege positioning: Protect siege with infantry screens
  • Mix compositions: Pure army compositions are easily countered
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