Caravel
ShipBase values, before Blacksmith upgrades. The Blacksmith raises attack and armour for infantry, cavalry and archers — Blast Furnace, for instance, gives "+2 Attack for infantry & cavalry". Late in a game, the real numbers are higher.
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Caravel
Castle
Elite Caravel
ImperialThe coach's briefing
The Caravel is the Portuguese unique naval unit. It fires multiple arrows per attack like the Longboat and has +6 bonus vs Galley-type ships. At 1.36 speed you match Galleys, you do not outrun them. Combined with Portuguese naval bonuses, Caravels excel at controlling water on naval maps.
STRONG AGAINST
You win these trades cost-effectively.
WEAK AGAINST
Avoid these fights or bring support.
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Your coach names the counters during the match — not once the game is over.
Strategic Analysis
Tactical Identity
The Caravel is your **anti-Galley specialist**. It shreds Galley-line ships with multi-arrow volleys.
Tactical Playbook
Multi-Arrow Fire
Fires multiple arrows per attack. Higher effective DPS than single-shot ships.
Galley Bonus
+4 vs Galley-type ships. Combined with multi-arrow, dominates naval fights.
Fast Speed
1.36 speed only matches Galleys. Can kite or chase as needed.
Critical Point
**Fire Ships counter you**. Like all Galley-types, Fire Ships closing on you is dangerous. Mix with Demo Ships or keep distance.
Understanding The Stats
The Caravel is a fast, high-DPS warship specialized in destroying Galley-line ships.
Multi-Arrow Attack
Multiple projectiles per volley. Superior damage output.
Galley Killer
Bonus damage shreds enemy Galleys and Galleons.
Fast Speed
Exactly the speed of a standard Galley (1.36) — the Caravel buys its edge on the volley, not on mobility.
Moderate HP
Decent durability. Can trade but don't overcommit.
Coach's Tip
130 HP is moderate but 5 pierce armor is excellent. You take reduced arrow damage. Focus on Galley-line targets.
Mechanics & Bonuses
Attack Bonuses
| Target | Bonus Dmg |
|---|---|
| Galley-type ship | +4 |
Armor Classes
Ship
Takes bonus from Heated Shot, Fire Ships, and Demolition Ships.
Galley-type ship
Vulnerable to units with bonus damage vs this class.
Key Upgrades
Castle Age
Imperial Age
Civilizations
* 1 civilizations have access to this unit.
Other Units
AoE Coach analysis
Context & meta
The Caravel is the Portuguese unique Warship, listed at 90 wood and 43 gold, 25 seconds to train, 130 HP, 4 attack, 0/5 armor, 6 range, 1.36 speed and 9 line of sight. Its official help gives the categories: strong versus large groups of ships and weak versus Fire Ships. The pass-through ranged attack is the identity: a line of ships can damage several hulls instead of choosing only one. The low base attack and 43-gold cost keep it from being a generic fleet anchor, while Portuguese water bonuses and the quick 25-second train time let the unit scale when the map rewards massed naval control.
History & balance
The Caravel gives Portugal a naval weapon whose value increases with density. The official description does not promise a superior one-on-one duelist; it says the pass-through attack is strong against large groups and keeps Fire Ships as the weakness. That is a clear design choice: Portuguese players are rewarded for arranging a fleet that makes every shot cross useful hulls, while the opponent is rewarded for forcing close-range contact. The 90-wood/43-gold profile and 25-second train time support a scalable fleet, and Portuguese trade and naval technology give the composition a longer economic horizon. The Caravel is therefore a formation unit, not a lone hero ship.
In pro play
Mass Caravels in a line or shallow arc so pass-through projectiles cross several ships without exposing your fleet to one collision. Use 1.36 speed to keep distance from Fire Ships, and let cheaper vessels scout the enemy Dock transition before the investment grows. Six range still needs a screen and open water; a narrow channel removes the formation advantage. Portuguese players can protect trade routes, crossings or a landing, then switch focus to Docks and transports when the opponent splits. The best timing is after the enemy commits to a broad naval mass, not when only one ship is visible.
How to counter it
The classic mistake is clumping ships into the line that makes Caravel pass-through damage efficient. The official help gives the categories: strong versus large groups of ships and weak versus Fire Ships. Fire Ships and Fast Fire Ships close the distance; Heavy Demolition Ships add decisive impact when several Caravels are trapped. Spread the fleet, use terrain to deny the firing lane and attack from two sides so the 1.36-speed ships cannot hold their angle. Do not send one Fire Ship alone into the pass-through line. If you keep losing to Caravels without knowing what to produce or when, AoE Coach reads your match-up and gives you the counter composition and timing.