l. Chinese [AOK6L]

Explore the Chinese civilization in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Learn about their unique bonuses, starting advantages, and technological strengths.

Hey there! Let's dive into the Chinese civilization in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. They've got a really rich history, and it translates into some cool advantages in the game. Historically, China was a powerhouse for centuries, known for its advancements and unique culture that influenced much of Asia. Emperors held supreme power, and the government was run by highly educated civil servants who passed rigorous exams. Dynasties like the T'ang and Song saw incredible cultural and economic growth, with inventions like printing and gunpowder emerging long before they did in the West. Even with periods of conflict and conquest, like the Mongol invasions, China always managed to rebuild and maintain its status as a major world power. They've got a history of innovation, from the compass to paper money, and that's reflected in their in-game strengths.

Now, let's talk about how this translates to Age of Empires II. The game's historical timeline for China might be a bit simplified, but the core bonuses are what matter for your strategy. You'll get a nice head start right from the beginning:

• Farm Bonus: All your farms start with 45 extra food. This is huge for getting your economy rolling early and helps compensate for not having Crop Rotation available in the Imperial Age.
• Starting Villagers: You begin with 3 extra Villagers! That's a significant boost, though it does mean you've already spent 150 food at the start.
• Cheaper Technologies: This is a big one. Technologies cost less as you advance: 10% off in Feudal Age, 15% off in Castle Age, and 20% off in Imperial Age. This overall discount is often better than civilizations that get a few free upgrades, as it applies to everything and lets you strengthen your empire more broadly without needing to prioritize as much.
• Town Center Population: Your Town Centers support 10 Population, which means when you expand and build a new base, you can save on building a house.
• Demolition Ship HP: Demolition Ships get a 50% HP boost. These units are usually fragile, but with this buff, they become much more survivable, allowing them to deal more damage or at least force your opponent to react.

These bonuses give the Chinese a strong foundation, especially in the early to mid-game. The cheaper technologies mean you can research upgrades faster and more efficiently, opening up a lot of tactical possibilities. Plus, that starting boost with the extra villagers and farm food really helps you get ahead. Keep these advantages in mind as you play, and you'll find the Chinese can be a very flexible and powerful civilization!