Monastery
Military - CastleDescription
"Religious building that trains Monks and researches powerful technologies. Monks can heal units and convert enemies, providing unique strategic options."
Strategic Analysis
Strategic Role
The Monastery enables one of the most unique mechanics in AoE2: conversion. A group of Monks can turn the tide of battle by stealing expensive enemy units like Knights or War Elephants.
Key Tactics
Monk Rush
In early Castle Age, 3-4 Monks with Sanctity can convert enemy Knights, turning their investment into yours. This works especially well on Arena.
Relic Control
Collect all 5 relics to generate 150 gold per minute. In long games, relics can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Healing Support
Monks behind your army can heal expensive units between fights, maximizing the value of your military investment.
Anti-Cavalry
Monks are the soft counter to Knights. The threat of conversion forces cavalry players to engage carefully or switch to faster units.
Warning
Monks are extremely fragile and slow. Protect them with infantry or keep them behind walls. Light Cavalry can easily kill unprotected Monks.
Stats Analysis
The Monastery is a support building with good durability. It has the most technologies of any building, making it a hub for important upgrades.
Hit Points
1800 HP
Slightly more durable than standard military buildings, reflecting its importance.
Technologies
10 Techs
The Monastery has more researchable technologies than any other building. Prioritize based on your strategy.
Relic Storage
Unlimited
Monks can garrison relics in the Monastery. Each relic generates 30 gold per minute.
Build Time
40s
Fast construction allows quick Monk production upon reaching Castle Age.
Units Produced
Placement Tip
Build your Monastery behind your walls, safe from raids. Keep Monks near your Monastery for quick healing and relic deposit.
Timing Tip
Build a Monastery early in Castle Age if planning a Monk strategy. Collect relics immediately - every minute without them is lost gold income.
