Heavy Demolition Ship
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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Demolition Raft
Feudal
Demolition Ship
Castle Heavy Demolition Ship
ImperialThe coach's briefing
The Heavy Demolition Ship deals 140 explosion damage - nearly enough to one-shot Galleons. 70 HP and 0 pierce armor make it harder to stop. In Imperial Age, Heavy Demo Ships end naval stalemates. One good explosion can delete half an enemy fleet. Invest in the upgrade if you rely on Demo Ship tactics.
STRONG AGAINST
You win these trades cost-effectively.
WEAK AGAINST
Avoid these fights or bring support.
Just lost against this unit?
Your coach names the counters during the match — not once the game is over.
Strategic Analysis
Tactical Identity
The Heavy Demolition Ship is your **Imperial Age fleet-killer**. It ends naval stalemates decisively.
Tactical Playbook
One-Shot Threats
140 damage nearly kills Galleons (155 HP). Fast Fire Ships (140 HP) die instantly. Devastating value.
Cannon Galleon Counter
Heavy Demo Ships can dive Cannon Galleons. Cannon Galleons are slow (1.05 speed) and can't escape.
End Games
When you need to break through, Heavy Demo Ships end naval control. Force decisive engagements.
Critical Point
**Upgrade cost is steep**. 300 gold and 250 wood is significant. Only upgrade if you're committed to Demo Ship tactics.
Understanding The Stats
The Heavy Demolition Ship is the ultimate suicide naval unit with devastating area damage.
Massive Explosion
Nearly one-shots Galleons. Kills Fast Fire Ships instantly.
Improved Durability
Survives more shots during approach. Hard to stop.
Same Speed
Still the fastest ship class. Catches everything.
Same Cost
Same unit cost. Upgrade cost (250W/300G) is the investment.
Coach's Tip
70 HP with 0 pierce armor is surprisingly tanky. Your pierce armor is 0, so Galleon arrows land at full value — closing fast is the only protection you have. You can tank many shots.
Mechanics & Bonuses
Attack Bonuses
| Target | Bonus Dmg |
|---|---|
| Building | +280 |
Armor Classes
Ship
Takes bonus from Heated Shot, Fire Ships, and Demolition Ships.
Demolition Ship
Vulnerable to units with bonus damage vs this class.
Key Upgrades
Castle Age
Civilizations
* 24 civilizations have access to this unit.
Other Units
AoE Coach analysis
Context & meta
The Heavy Demolition Ship is the largest standard explosive naval charge: 70 HP, 120 attack, 2 melee armor, 0 pierce armor, range 0, 1.52 speed and 6 line of sight. It still costs 45 wood and 80 gold and trains in 31 seconds. The official help gives the category: strong versus units at close range, because the ship self-destructs when used. The 120 attack makes a successful arrival decisive, but the zero range and absent pierce armor keep the answer mechanical and readable. This is not a durable heavy ship; it is a high-impact delivery system that turns a compact fleet into a liability.
History & balance
The Heavy Demolition Ship is the end point of the explosive naval idea: spend the same basic resources as a Demolition Ship, wait the same 31 seconds, and threaten a larger blast when the hull reaches contact. That efficiency is why the unit changes fleet discipline. A player cannot simply add more ships and keep the same formation; every extra hull can become another target in the blast. The design also creates a clean risk for the attacker. The Heavy charge is frightening only while it is alive and approaching, so scouting, escort and path control matter as much as the attack number. Its role is strategic leverage, not prolonged presence on the water.
In pro play
Use Heavy Demolition Ships when the opponent must pass through a predictable point: a narrow channel, a Dock line, a transport crossing or a fight around a damaged flagship. Their 1.52 speed and 31-second production support repeated threats, but the 70 HP means the charge still needs cover. Open with regular ships, force the enemy to turn, and send the Heavy hull on the shortest path to the densest cluster. Do not spend it on a lone target merely because the icon is available. The goal is to convert one controlled approach into several destroyed ships, then use the moment of separation to seize the water or finish the exposed economy.
How to counter it
The classic mistake against a Heavy Demolition Ship is pulling every vessel into one safe-looking corner and offering the perfect detonation. The official help gives the category: strong versus units at close range. In practice, spread the fleet, keep vision on the approach, and focus the ship before contact. Galleys and War Galleys provide ranged fire against the zero-range hull; a wide formation limits the damage if one charge slips through. Do not chase with the whole fleet or stack transports behind combat ships. If Heavy Demolition Ships keep winning trades and you do not know what to build or when, AoE Coach reads your match-up and gives you the counter composition and timing.