Civilization Match-up Discussion Round 3 Week 13: Aztecs vs Italians

The civ that is top tier on every single land map vs the civ that is top tier on every single water map LUL

Hello and welcome back for another Age of Empires 2 civilization match up discussion! This is a series where we discuss the various advantages, disadvantages, and quirks found within the numerous match ups of the game. The goal is to collectively gain a deeper understanding of how two civilizations interact with each other in a variety of different settings. Feel free to ask questions, pose strategies, or provide insight on how the two civilizations in question interact with each other on any map type and game mode. This is not limited to 1v1 either. Feel free to discuss how the civilizations compare in team games as well! So long as you are talking about how the two civilizations interact, anything is fair game! Last week we discussed the Chinese vs Koreans, and next up is the Aztecs vs Italians!

Aztecs: Infantry and Monk civilization

• Villagers carry +5
• Military units (except Monks and Warships) train ~18% faster
• Monks +5 hp for every Monastery tech researched
• Start with +50g

• TEAM BONUS: Relics generate +33% gold

• Unique Unit: Jaguar Warrior (Heavy infantry with massive attack bonus vs other infantry)

• Castle Age Unique Tech: Atlatl (Skirmishers +1 range and +1 attack)

• Imperial Age Unique Tech: Garland Wars (Infantry +4 attack)

Italians: Archer and Naval civilization

• Advancing to the next age costs -15%
• Dock techs cost -50%
• Fishing ships cost -15%
• Gunpowder units cost -20%

• TEAM BONUS: Condottiero available at Barracks

• Unique Unit: Genoese Crossbowman (Foot archer with attack bonus vs cavalry)

• Unique Unit: Condottiero (Fast, expensive, anti-gunpowder infantry)

• Castle Age Unique Tech: Pavise (Archer-line and Genbows +1/+1 armor)

• Imperial Age Unique Tech: Silk Road (Trade units cost -50%)

Below are some match up-specific talking points to get you all started. These are just to give people ideas, you do not need to address them specifically if you do not want to!

• Okay so Aztecs are historically the kings of 1v1 Arabia, but with a solid opening and broad tech tree, the Italians are certainly not a terrible civ on that map type. Do they have a real shot at dealing with the power of the Aztecs early game?
• Both of these civs are considered top tier on Arena as well. Aztecs for their powerful monks, boom, and eagles; and Italians for the quick up times, broad tech tree, and cheap gunpowder. Which do you favor in this match up?
• If you are playing random civs on a water map and happen to roll Aztecs vs Italians, what do you do to attempt to win this terrible match up? 11

Thank you as always for participating! Next week we will continue our discussions with the Slavs vs Teutons. Hope to see you there! :)

Links to previous discussions: Part 1 Part 2