Elite Ratha unit icon - Age of Empires 2

Elite Ratha

Cavalry
Wood60
Gold60
Hit Points115
Attack12
Melee Armor3
Pierce Armor3
Train Time18s
Speed1.3

Evolution

Ratha

Castle

Elite Ratha

Imperial
Food 1100 Gold 1000

STRONG AGAINST

You win these trades cost-effectively.

?
Infantry
?
Siege Weapons
Archers
Archers
Light Cavalry
Light Cavalry

WEAK AGAINST

Avoid these fights or bring support.

Halberdiers
Halberdiers
?
Heavy Camels
Monks
Monks

Strategic Analysis

Tactical Identity

Elite hybrid cavalry chariot with superior combat stats

Tactical Playbook

Enhanced Durability

115 HP and 3/3 armor means Elite Rathas can sustain longer fights. Use this to brawl in melee mode against units that would kite the base version.

Ranged Superiority

The extra pierce armor (3) makes ranged mode more viable against archer fire. You can trade shots more effectively before switching to melee.

Army Anchor

Elite Rathas can anchor your army composition. Their flexibility means fewer hard counters and more tactical options in every engagement.

Critical Point

Still vulnerable to Halberdiers and Heavy Camels. The upgrade is expensive - ensure you have the economy to field enough Elite Rathas to justify the investment.

Understanding The Stats

Elite Ratha gains 15 HP, +2 melee attack, and +1 pierce armor. These improvements make it formidable in both combat modes.

Boosted Attack

12 melee / 6 ranged

Melee mode now hits for 12, ranged mode improved to 6 pierce damage

Elite Armor

3/3

Equal melee and pierce armor provides excellent balanced protection

Increased HP

115

15 more HP allows for extended engagements and better survivability

Faster Training

18s

2 seconds faster training helps mass production

Coach's Tip

115 HP lets you take more punishment. Engage confidently in melee mode - you have the stats to brawl.

Mechanics & Bonuses

Attack Bonuses

TargetBonus Dmg

Armor Classes

Cavalry

Takes heavy bonus damage from Pikemen/Halberdiers and Camels.

Unique Unit

Vulnerable to units with bonus damage vs this class.

Cavalry Archer

Vulnerable to units with bonus damage vs this class.