Elite 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 Elite Caravel has 150 HP, 7 attack, 7 range, and an increased Galley bonus. It dominates Galleons in straight fights and can chase down fleeing ships. Portuguese should always upgrade when Imperial Age water fights matter.
STRONG AGAINST
You win these trades cost-effectively.
WEAK AGAINST
Avoid these fights or bring support.
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Strategic Analysis
Tactical Identity
The Elite Caravel is your **Imperial Age naval dominator**. It beats Galleons in direct combat.
Tactical Playbook
Maximum DPS
7 attack with multi-arrow and a +6 bonus against galley-type ships. Shreds everything.
Range Parity
7 range ties Galleon. You can trade favorably at equal distance.
Chase Potential
1.36 speed only matches the Galley line — you trade, you do not chase. No escape.
Critical Point
**Fast Fire Ships still dangerous**. Fast Fire Ships reach 1.56 speed and clearly outrun your 1.36. Mix with Demo Ships or bring overwhelming numbers.
Understanding The Stats
The Elite Caravel is an excellent all-around naval unit that excels vs Galley-line ships.
Improved Attack
+2 over base. Multi-arrow amplifies this significantly.
More HP
+20 HP. Survives longer in sustained fights.
Full Range
+1 range. Ties Galleon for maximum Galley-line range.
Strong Bonus
Increased from +6. Even better vs enemy ships.
Coach's Tip
150 HP and 6 pierce armor is excellent. Combined with multi-arrow, you're one of the best Galley-type ships in the game.
Mechanics & Bonuses
Attack Bonuses
| Target | Bonus Dmg |
|---|---|
| Galley-type ship | +6 |
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
Civilizations
* 1 civilizations have access to this unit.
Other Units
AoE Coach analysis
Context & meta
Elite Caravel is the upgraded Portuguese warship with a ranged pass-through attack. It costs 90 wood and 43 gold, trains in 25 seconds, and has 150 HP, 7 attack, 0 melee armor and 6 pierce armor. Its range is 7, speed 1.36, and line of sight 9. The official help gives the categories: large groups of ships as a strength, and Fire Ships as a weakness. It is not a lone duelist. Its value rises when several hulls line up so the projectile can pass through the fleet, while a close fire ship still threatens the formation directly.
History & balance
The Elite Caravel makes the Portuguese naval identity about geometry instead of a single impressive number. A pass-through projectile rewards a fleet that keeps its targets in a lane, so formation discipline becomes part of the weapon. The unit also keeps a clear answer in its profile: Fire Ships can close and fight where the Caravel cannot use its preferred distance safely. That contrast gives the upgrade a useful story. It is a fleet multiplier, but only while the fleet stays coherent. Break the line and the special attack loses much of its meaning.
In pro play
Use Elite Caravels in a line behind a small screen of ships, not as scattered scouts. Range 7 and speed 1.36 let the group kite slower targets, while the pass-through attack rewards firing down the length of the enemy formation. The 25-second train time supports a growing Dock queue, and the Portuguese gold discount makes the 43-gold price easier to sustain, but 150 HP still punishes careless contact. Keep a retreat route, focus one side of the opposing fleet, and turn the formation when Fire Ships enter the firing lane. The goal is repeated line shots, not a brave collision.
How to counter it
The classic mistake is fighting Elite Caravels one ship at a time and allowing every pass-through shot to touch several hulls. The official help gives the categories: large groups of ships as a strength, and Fire Ships as a weakness. In practice, Fire Ships are the close-range answer because they can enter the firing lane and force the Caravels to turn; keep the approach wide enough that one volley cannot hit the entire fleet. Attack the screen, then the back line, and do not mirror the Portuguese formation. Facing Elite Caravels without knowing what to produce or when? AoE Coach reads your matchup and gives you the composition + timing.