Civilization Match-up Discussion Round 5 Week 12: Ethiopians vs Incas

Omg I actually remembered to write the post BEFORE I went to bed Tuesday night!

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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 Mayans, and next up is the Ethiopians vs Incas!

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Ethiopians: Archer civilization

• Archer-line fires +18% faster
• Receive +100f, +100g upon reaching the next age
• Pikeman upgrade free
• TEAM BONUS: Towers and Outposts +2 LoS
• Unique Unit: Shotel Warrior (Fast, fragile infantry with massive attack)
• Castle Age Unique Tech: Royal Heirs (Shotel Warriors created nearly instantly)
• Imperial Age Unique Tech: Torsion Engines (Siege Workshop units increased blast radius)

Incas: Infantry Defensive civilization

• Start with a free llama
• Villagers affected by infantry Blacksmith upgrades
• Houses support 10 population
• Buildings cost -15% stone
• TEAM BONUS: Irrelevant
• Unique Unit: Kamayuk (Powerful spearman with 1 range)
• Unique Unit: Slinger (Anti-infantry ranged unit available at Archery Range)
• Castle Age Unique Tech: Andean Sling (Slingers and Skirmishers no minimum range)
• Imperial Age Unique Tech: Couriers (Eagles, Kamayuks, Slingers +1/+2 armor)

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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!

• We've been on a roll with good match ups recently! On your typical 1v1 Arabia, Incas are considered to be an all-around top tier pick, but Ethiopians are certainly no slouch on the map themselves. Both have deadly early Feudal Ages, mediocre mid-game economies, and powerful options in the late game. Whom do you favor here?
• On Arena I feel like both these civs are fairly strong, if not at that highest tier (maybe more experienced clowns disagree). Potential for early trushes/Siege Tower + Xbows or Eagles, but again that very counter-unit-focused late game army. How does Arena change these civs' dynamics?
• In a team game, these two civs are probably bottom 5 pockets. However, both are excellent on the flank. Do Ethiopians offer more with their deadly archers and late game siege, or do the Incas offer more with their eagles and Kamayuks?

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

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Previous discussions: Part 1 Part 2