Militia unit icon - Age of Empires 2

Militia

Infantry
Food60
Gold20
Hit Points40
Attack4
Melee Armor0
Pierce Armor1
Train Time21s
Speed0.9

Evolution

Food 100 Gold 40
Food 200 Gold 65
Food 300 Gold 100

Champion

Imperial
Food 750 Gold 350

STRONG AGAINST

You win these trades cost-effectively.

Villager
Villager
Skirmisher
Skirmisher

WEAK AGAINST

Avoid these fights or bring support.

Scout Cavalry
Scout Cavalry
Archer
Archer
Man-at-Arms
Man-at-Arms

Strategic Analysis

Tactical Identity

The Militia is the foundation of the iconic **Drush** (Dark Age Rush) strategy. While individually weak, 3 Militia arriving at your opponent's base while they're still building their economy can be devastating.

Tactical Playbook

Drush (Dark Age Rush)

Send 3 Militia to your opponent's base around 6-7 minutes. Target villagers on gold/berries. Even if you kill nothing, forcing idle time is worth it.

Scout Harassment Defense

Keep 1-2 Militia near your woodline to deter enemy Scout Cavalry from killing villagers.

Transition to M@A

Research Man-at-Arms upgrade while advancing to Feudal. Your Militia automatically become stronger upon completion.

Critical Point

Militia are slow (0.9 speed) and will be kited by Scout Cavalry. Don't chase - focus on forcing villager idle time, then retreat.

Understanding The Stats

The Militia has modest stats designed for Dark Age combat. Low cost makes them expendable, but their slow speed and lack of armor bonuses limit their effectiveness.

Dark Age Power

40 HP

40 HP is enough to survive multiple villager hits. A group of 3 can kill an unsupported villager.

Affordable Cost

60F 20G

Low cost allows Dark Age production without crippling your economy. The gold cost hurts early game though.

Slow Movement

0.9 Speed

Slower than villagers (0.8) but much slower than Scouts (1.55). You cannot chase mounted units.

Upgrade Potential

→ M@A

Upgrading to Man-at-Arms adds +2 attack and bonus vs buildings, transforming them into a real threat.

Coach's Tip

Your 4 attack is enough to threaten villagers. 3 Militia can kill a villager in about 4-5 hits. Force them to garrison or run - mission accomplished.

Mechanics & Bonuses

Attack Bonuses

TargetBonus Dmg

Armor Classes

Infantry

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