a. Celts [AOK6A]

Master the Celts in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition! Learn about their history, unique strengths like faster infantry and siege, and weaknesses to exploit.

Hey there! So you're looking to dive into the Celts in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition? Awesome choice! They've got a really cool history tied to ancient Europe, think Stonehenge and famous figures like William Wallace. Let's break down what makes them tick in the game.

Civilization Attributes & Team Bonus:

• Team Bonus: Your Siege Workshops churn out units 20% faster. This is huge for getting those Rams out quickly to pressure your enemies.
• Infantry: They move 15% faster than most other civs. Get ready for some speedy foot soldiers!
• Lumberjacks: These guys work 15% faster. This probably helps with that quick siege unit production we just talked about.
• Sheep Bonus: Your sheep won't get converted by enemies if a Celt unit is nearby. Sounds minor, but in the early game, keeping your food sources safe is crucial, especially when you're relying on those non-renewable sheep.

Celtic Technology Tree Breakdown:

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what the Celts can and can't do technologically.

• Archers: This is where the Celts stumble a bit. They don't get Arbalests, which is a major bummer for their late-game archer power. Their only Imperial Age archer option is the Heavy Cavalry Archer, but they're not super effective due to shorter range. Plus, they miss out on key Blacksmith upgrades like Bracer and Ring Archer Armor. So, yeah, archers aren't their strong suit.
• Infantry: They have all the Barracks units, but they're missing the Squires upgrade. This upgrade normally gives infantry a 25% speed boost. So, while Celtic infantry are 15% faster overall, some other civs' infantry can end up being 25% faster than normal. This means if you're planning an infantry rush, you'll want to do it early, before your opponents catch up in the tech race. Just keep an eye out for enemy archers!
• Cavalry: Their cavalry is pretty solid. They get Knights, Cavaliers, and even Paladins. The only real downside is they lack Plate Barding Armor, making their armor a bit weaker than some. However, since only a few civs even get Paladins, your Celtic Paladins will still be competitive against most of the field. Don't expect any Camel units though – no deserts here!
• Naval: At the Dock, they're mostly good. The big miss is not getting Fast Fire Ships in the Imperial Age. However, they do get the Shipwright upgrade, which cuts down on the Wood cost for ships. This can be a real advantage in longer naval engagements. And honestly, Elite Cannon Galleons aren't that crucial anyway, since regular Cannon Galleons are already great for taking down buildings.
• Defenses: They've got all the standard base defenses, so you're well-covered there.