Two-Handed Swordsman unit icon - Age of Empires 2

Two-Handed Swordsman

Infantry
Food60
Gold20
Hit Points60
Attack12
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.

Hussar
Hussar
Halberdier
Halberdier
Elite Eagle Warrior
Elite Eagle Warrior
Skirmisher
Skirmisher

WEAK AGAINST

Avoid these fights or bring support.

Arbalester
Arbalester
Hand Cannoneer
Hand Cannoneer
Paladin
Paladin

Strategic Analysis

Tactical Identity

The Two-Handed Swordsman bridges the gap to Champion while being immediately useful. They dominate **trash wars** and continue to hard-counter Eagles.

Tactical Playbook

Trash War Dominance

2HS beat Hussars and Halberdiers in equal fights. In late game when gold runs out, they're your answer to trash spam.

Raiding Potential

With Squires and good armor from Blacksmith upgrades, they can raid enemy economy effectively.

Champion Transition

If you're going infantry, upgrade to Champion ASAP. The +13 attack and +70 HP makes a huge difference.

Critical Point

Still vulnerable to **Hand Cannoneers**, **Arbalesters**, and **Paladins**. You need siege or cavalry support against these threats.

Understanding The Stats

The Two-Handed Swordsman has solid Imperial Age stats but is often skipped in favor of going straight to Champion when resources allow.

Strong Attack

12 Atk

12 attack cuts through trash units quickly. Hussars (with 0 melee armor) take the full 12 damage per hit.

Good Durability

60 HP

60 HP with armor upgrades makes them tanky enough to close distance and engage.

Eagle Destruction

+10 vs Eagles

Combined with 12 base attack, you deal 22 damage to Eagles. Elite Eagle Warriors die in 3 hits.

Cost Efficiency

60F 20G

Same cost as Militia. Extremely gold-efficient for an Imperial Age combat unit.

Coach's Tip

12 attack is a major power spike. You now threaten all trash units and can hold your own against light cavalry in melee.

Mechanics & Bonuses

Attack Bonuses

TargetBonus Dmg
Building+3
Eagle Warrior+10

Armor Classes

Infantry

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