Techs & Relic Economy Guide
Blacksmith upgrades, University technologies, and Relics decide how well your army and economy scale into the late game of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Archer builds take attack and range first while cavalry builds take armor first. Each Relic garrisoned in a Monastery generates 0.5 Gold per second, or 30 Gold per minute.
Prioritizing building upgrades, technology trees, and passive resource generators makes sure your economy and army scale efficiently into the late game.
Blacksmith Upgrade Sequencing
Upgrades at the Blacksmith dictate unit power spikes during early Feudal and Castle Age engagements.
| Military Composition | Priority 1 Tech | Priority 2 Tech | Priority 3 Tech |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archer Line | Fletching (+1 Range/Attack) | Bodkin Arrow (+1 Range/Attack) | Padded Archer Armor |
| Cavalry Line | Scale Barding (+1/+1 Armor) | Forging (+1 Attack) | Chain Barding (+1/+1 Armor) |
| Infantry Line | Forging (+1 Attack) | Scale Mail Armor | Iron Casting (+1 Attack) |
- Archer Priority: Always research attack range first. Extra range allows archers to pick off enemy workers and out-range defensive Watch Towers.
- Cavalry Priority: Always research armor upgrades first. Added pierce armor allows Scout Cavalry and Knights to dive under enemy Town Center fire without taking heavy casualties.
University Technology Priorities
The University unlocks key architectural defenses and ballistic targeting. Research Ballistics first, then Chemistry, then Siege Engineers.
| Technology | Available Age | Primary Effect | Tactical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballistics | Castle Age | Ranged units calculate lead angle for moving targets | Crucial upgrade for Crossbowmen and Watch Towers |
| Masonry / Architecture | Castle / Imperial | Increases building HP and armor stats | Essential for holding bases under siege pressure |
| Chemistry | Imperial Age | Adds +1 attack to ranged units (gunpowder units excluded) and unlocks gunpowder | Unlocks Hand Cannoneers and Bombard Cannons |
| Siege Engineers | Imperial Age | Adds +1 range to ranged siege weapons and +20% bonus damage against buildings | Allows Trebuchets and Onagers to out-range defenses |
Monastery Relic Economy
Relics scattered across the map provide a passive, infinite source of Gold that becomes vital once gold mines deplete. A Monk picks each one up, and garrisoning it in a Monastery starts the income.
- Base Generation Rate: Each garrisoned Relic generates 0.5 Gold per second (30 Gold per minute). Controlling four Relics yields 120 passive Gold per minute.
- Burgundian Relic Bonus: The Burgundian team bonus makes Relics generate 20 Food per minute alongside their gold.
- Lithuanian Attack Bonus: Lithuanians gain +1 attack for their Knight and Leitis line per captured Relic (up to +4 attack maximum).
- Monastery Defenses: Research Devotion and Faith to increase unit resistance against enemy Monk conversions. Research Heresy so converted units die instead of joining the enemy army.
Modern Economic Drop-off Mechanics: Mule Carts
Introduced for the Georgians and Armenians, Mule Carts act as mobile resource drop-off points.
- Mobile Economy: Mule Carts replace static Lumber Camps and Mining Camps. Workers drop off Wood, Gold, Stone, and hunted food directly at the cart.
- Positioning: Relocate your Mule Cart along forest lines as trees are cleared to eliminate Villager walk time completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gold does a Relic generate in Age of Empires II?
Each Relic garrisoned in a Monastery generates 0.5 Gold per second, which works out to 30 Gold per minute. Holding four Relics yields 120 passive Gold per minute.
Which Blacksmith upgrades should you research first?
Archer builds take Fletching then Bodkin Arrow for range and attack. Cavalry builds take Scale Barding first so Scouts and Knights can dive under Town Center fire, and infantry builds open with Forging.
What does Ballistics do in Age of Empires II?
Ballistics lets ranged units calculate a lead angle against moving targets. It is a Castle Age University technology and a crucial upgrade for Crossbowmen and Watch Towers.
How do you stop enemy Monks from converting your units?
Research Devotion and Faith at the Monastery to raise resistance against conversion. Research Heresy so any unit that does get converted dies instead of joining the enemy army.
What do Mule Carts do?
Mule Carts are mobile drop-off points for the Georgians and Armenians that replace static Lumber Camps and Mining Camps. Workers deposit Wood, Gold, Stone, and hunted food at the cart, so you move it along the forest line as trees fall.
What to Read Next
- Economy and Build Orders. The eco base that pays for tech sequencing.
- Unit Counters and Combat. How Blacksmith upgrades rewrite the counter math.
- Civilizations and Meta. Unique techs worth building your game around.
- Siege and Defense. University techs that reinforce your defenses.
- Tips and Tricks. Relic income per minute and the two halves of a Monk defense.