Elite Woad Raider unit icon - Age of Empires 2

Elite Woad Raider

Infantry
Food70
Gold25
Hit Points85
Attack15
Melee Armor0
Pierce Armor1
Train Time10s
Speed1.17

Evolution

Food 1000 Gold 800

STRONG AGAINST

You win these trades cost-effectively.

Villager
Villager
?
Siege
Archers
Archers
Champion
Champion
?
Buildings

WEAK AGAINST

Avoid these fights or bring support.

Arbalester
Arbalester
Hand Cannoneer
Hand Cannoneer
Paladin
Paladin
Elite Cataphract
Elite Cataphract

Strategic Analysis

Tactical Identity

The Elite Woad Raider becomes a **genuine combat infantry** while retaining unmatched mobility for raids.

Tactical Playbook

Combat Viable

15 attack means you trade effectively vs Champions now. Speed lets you pick fights.

TC Deletion

+3 vs buildings with 15 base attack. Groups of Elite Woads can destroy Town Centers quickly.

Chase Everything

1.17 speed catches siege, archers, and even some cavalry. Nothing escapes.

Critical Point

**Still 0/1 armor**. Ranged units remain deadly. Use speed to close gaps or avoid engagements entirely.

Understanding The Stats

The Elite upgrade significantly boosts HP and attack while maintaining the signature speed.

Much More HP

85 HP

+15 HP over base. Survives longer in raids and fights.

High Attack

15 Damage

+4 over base. Kills villagers in 2 hits now.

Building Bonus

+3 vs Buildings

+1 over base. Even better at destroying structures.

Same Speed

1.17 tiles/s

Still the fastest infantry. Raiding power unchanged.

Coach's Tip

15 attack at 1.17 speed is devastating. You deal damage equivalent to a Two-Handed Swordsman but can chase down anything.

Mechanics & Bonuses

Attack Bonuses

TargetBonus Dmg
Building+3
Standard Building+3

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.