Civilization Match-up Discussion Round 2 Week 2: Celts vs Italians

I can't think of a witty one-liner for this one grassSad

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 Franks vs Mayans, and next up is the Celts vs Italians!

Celts: Infantry^andSiege civilization

• Infantry move 15% faster
• Lumberjacks work 15% faster
• Siege Weapons fire 25% faster
• Sheep not converted if it's in 1 Celt unit's LoS

• TEAM BONUS: Siege Workshops work 20% faster

• Unique Unit: Woad Raider (Pajama-clad, fast moving infantry)

• Castle Ague Unique Tech: Stronghold (Castles and Towers fire 25% faster)

• Imperial Age Unique Tech: Furor Celtica (Siege Workshop units have +40% hp)

Italians: Archer and Naval civilization

• Aging up costs -15%
• Dock techs cost -50%
• Fishing ships cost -20%
• Gunpowder units cost -25%

• TEAM BONUS: Condotierro available in the Imperial Age

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

• Castle Age Unique Tech: Pavise (+1/+1 armor for archer-line and Genoese xbows)

• 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!

• Both of these civilizations seem relatively powerful on both Arabia and Arena. Which civ is more powerful at different points of the game on those maps and why?
• Celts are 100% better on BF and Italians are 100% better on water maps. I don't think anyone will disagree there
• Regarding Team Games, in BoA Italians are the 20th most picked civilization and Celts are the 23rd. Why do we see these civs in the lower third of pick rates?

Thank you as always for participating! Next week we will look at the Goths vs Malay. Hope to see you there! :)