Elite Samurai unit icon - Age of Empires 2

Elite Samurai

Infantry
Food45
Gold30
Hit Points80
Attack12
Melee Armor1
Pierce Armor1
Train Time9s
Speed1

Evolution

Food 950 Gold 875

STRONG AGAINST

You win these trades cost-effectively.

?
All unique units
Elite Huskarl
Elite Huskarl
Elite Teutonic Knight
Elite Teutonic Knight
Elite Cataphract
Elite Cataphract

WEAK AGAINST

Avoid these fights or bring support.

Arbalester
Arbalester
Paladin
Paladin
Hand Cannoneer
Hand Cannoneer

Strategic Analysis

Tactical Identity

The Elite Samurai is the **apex unique unit hunter**. Enhanced stats make you competitive even in generic fights while dominating unique unit matchups.

Tactical Playbook

Universal Counter

12 attack + 10 bonus = 22 damage vs unique units. Most die in 3-4 hits.

DPS King

12 damage every 1.45 seconds = 8.3 DPS. Champions deal 13 damage every 2.0 seconds = 6.5 DPS. You out-DPS them.

Hybrid Option

Unlike base Samurai, Elite can fight generic infantry reasonably well. You're not locked into anti-unique role.

Critical Point

**Still infantry**. Archers and Hand Cannoneers remain dangerous. Bring Skirmishers or siege support.

Understanding The Stats

The Elite upgrade improves all stats while maintaining the Samurai's core identity as a fast-attacking unique unit counter.

Higher Attack

12 Damage

+2 over base. With +10 bonus = 22 vs unique units.

More HP

80 HP

+10 HP. Helps win prolonged fights against other elite units.

Same Speed

1.45 Reload

Attack speed unchanged. Still 38% faster than Champions.

Same Mobility

1.0 tiles/s

Standard infantry speed. Mobile enough to catch most targets.

Coach's Tip

12 attack at 1.45 speed = 8.3 DPS. Elite Teutonic Knight has 17 attack at 2.0 speed = 8.5 DPS. But you deal 22 to them (12+10 vs unique), they deal 16 to you (17-1). You win.

Mechanics & Bonuses

Attack Bonuses

TargetBonus Dmg
Unique Unit+10
Eagle Warrior+2
Building+2

Armor Classes

Infantry

Takes bonus damage from Hand Cannoneers, Slingers, and anti-infantry unique units.

Unique Unit

Vulnerable to units with bonus damage vs this class.