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The Aztecs


Dominance by Age

The dominance of each civilization by age indicates how they are best used. By examining the combination of the aspects described above, we can gauge this dominance in terms of the Aztecs.

Dark Age

As mentioned above, the Aztecs receive a +5 carrying bonus, which gives them an economic edge over most other civilizations in the Dark Age. They also start off with the Eagle Warrior, allowing them to better scout out their land, and their opponents' land. This sets them up really well to attack in the Feudal Age.

Feudal Age

The Aztecs will have a slight speed advantage against civilizations without economic bonuses, and the speed they are lacking in age advancement against the Chinese or another fast civilization, is just about made up by their faster production of military units. Also, their +5 carrying capacity plays a role here as well, as they don't necessarily have to spend time at the Town Center researching the wheelbarrow. They may not have the best Feudal Rush, but they can certainly deliver one.

Castle Age

Castle Age is not the strongest point for the Aztecs, however they do fare well in it, despite their lack of mounted units. They have many options for what to do in Castle Age. A few options they have on the attack are: a Monk Rush; raiding with Eagle Warriors; or a massive castle attack consisting of any combination of castle age units except cavalry. Economically, the Aztecs make for a good partner in the pocket, as they can boom better than most civilizations with their +5 carrying capacity.

Imperial Age

At the beginning of the Imperial Age the Aztecs are a little vulnerable, as they need a few key upgrades before they can really do some damage - such as upgrading their infantry lines and researching Garland Wars. Before that happens, they are at a little of a disadvantage against other civilizations' Cavalry and Archers.

Aztec champs make even the mighty Paladin wary

Post-Imperial Age

The Aztecs do extremely well in the Post Imperial Age, as they have an extremely powerful infantry line. Between Champions, Pikemen, Elite Eagle Warriors, and Elite Jaguar Warriors, they can counter any unit fielded by an opponent. Since they have weak archers, expensive siege and no cavalry, infantry is about the only choice anyway - but it is a good choice. They will have more than enough resources to support their cheap infantry, as that +5 carrying capacity still makes their economies one of the best in the game.

Conclusion

The Aztecs are an interesting civ with many strengths but a few obvious weaknesses. Most critical is their inability to fight on the seas late game. Lacking galleons is an enormous handicap for the Aztec player and it is something to be well aware of. The second component is both a boon and a weakness. The Aztecs are simple to play - you just focus on infantry. However this also makes them predictable. Keeping a well-rounded force with Aztecs can be difficult and a player must remember to add skirms and Eagles in to keep their infantry army alive.

Perhaps more than any other civilization, the Aztecs will field monks. This is not only because of the bonuses their monk line gets but also because an infantry strong economy is a cheap economy which leaves them with gold to spare on monks. When you add in the increased relic garrisoning benefits you can see why you shouldn't be surprised to see monks in an Aztec army.

By DaRq_FX