Asian Civilizations

The Asian Dynasties expansion introduces three unique and powerful civilizations to Age of Empires III: the Japanese, Chinese, and Indians. Each offers distinct playstyles, economic models, and military units, requiring a fresh approach to strategy compared to their European counterparts. Mastering these factions involves understanding their unique wonders, consulate alliances, and the nuances of their unit rosters.

General Asian Civilization Strategies

Wonders: Unlike European civilizations that advance through ages by building a Town Center, Asian civilizations construct Wonders. Each Wonder provides a unique bonus upon completion and serves as your Age-up building. Prioritize the Wonder that best suits your current strategy or addresses immediate needs. For example, the Tower of the White Pagoda (Chinese Age II) provides a steady stream of experience, while the Kothandaramaswamy Temple (Indian Age III) significantly boosts villager production.
Consulate: The Consulate is a pivotal building for all Asian civilizations, allowing you to forge alliances with European powers or other Asian factions. These alliances grant access to unique units, technologies, and economic benefits. Experiment with different alliances based on your opponent and map. For instance, the Japanese can ally with the Portuguese for powerful Organ Guns or the British for faster economic growth.
Monk/Disciple Units: Asian civilizations feature unique religious units (Monks for Japanese, Disciples for Chinese, Gurus for Indians) that are more versatile than European Priests. They can gather relics, heal units, and often possess unique abilities or combat prowess. Utilize them for early map control and support.
Trade Routes: Asian civilizations often have strong synergies with trade routes. Consider building Trading Posts early to secure valuable resources and experience, especially with civilizations like the Chinese who can field powerful armies with a strong economy.

Japanese

The Japanese are a highly aggressive civilization focused on powerful, well-trained units and a strong early-game presence. Their unique ability to train all villagers at once from the Town Center, coupled with their Shrine economy, makes them formidable.

Early Game (Discovery Age - Age I)

Initial Build Order: Start by building 2-3 Shrines immediately around huntable animals. Shrines generate resources passively and can be built by villagers.
Villager Production: Continuously train villagers. The Japanese can train all villagers at once from the Town Center, making their early economy incredibly potent.
Age Up: Aim for a fast Age II with the Gate of the Sun Wonder for early military pressure or the Golden Pavilion for a defensive boost.

Mid Game (Colonial Age - Age II)

Military Pressure: Train Ashigaru Musketeers and Yumi Archers. These units are strong for their age and can put significant pressure on opponents.
Consulate Alliance: Consider allying with the Portuguese for early Organ Guns or the Spanish for powerful Lancers to complement your infantry.
Shrine Placement: Continue expanding your Shrine network, prioritizing areas with abundant resources or near your opponent's base for scouting.

Late Game (Fortress Age - Age III & Imperial Age - Age IV)

Daimyo & Shogun: Utilize your Daimyo and Shogun units effectively. These powerful leaders can train units and provide significant buffs.
Unique Units: Incorporate Samurai, Naginata Riders, and Flaming Arrows into your army composition. Samurai are excellent heavy infantry, Naginata Riders are strong cavalry, and Flaming Arrows provide siege capabilities.
Wonders: The Toshogu Shrine (Age III) provides a steady stream of powerful Daimyo, while the Great Buddha (Age IV) offers a massive population cap increase and a powerful healing aura.

Chinese

The Chinese excel at mass production and overwhelming opponents with large armies. Their unique "Banner Army" system allows them to train groups of diverse units simultaneously, making them highly adaptable.

Early Game (Discovery Age - Age I)

Initial Build Order: Focus on economic buildings. Build a few Villages (Chinese houses) and gather resources efficiently.
Villager Production: Maintain constant villager production. The Chinese economy thrives on a large population.
Age Up: Aim for a fast Age II with the Confucian Academy Wonder for faster research or the Summer Palace for early military units.

Mid Game (Colonial Age - Age II)

Banner Armies: Start training Banner Armies from your War Academy. These groups of units are cost-effective and allow for rapid army creation. For example, the Pikeman/Chu Ko Nu Banner Army provides a balanced early force.
Consulate Alliance: Allying with the British for faster economic growth or the French for powerful Cuirassiers can be highly beneficial.
Defensive Structures: Utilize your unique Villages, which can garrison units and fire arrows, for early defense.

Late Game (Fortress Age - Age III & Imperial Age - Age IV)

Artillery: The Chinese boast powerful artillery, including the Flamethrower and Flying Crow. Integrate these into your siege lines.
Unique Units: Utilize Iron Troops for heavy infantry, Keshik for swift cavalry, and the Meteor Hammer for a powerful melee unit.
Wonders: The Porcelain Tower (Age III) provides a continuous stream of resources, while the Temple of Heaven (Age IV) offers powerful healing and economic boosts.

Indians

The Indians possess a unique blend of powerful elephant units, strong cavalry, and a distinctive economic model centered around their Sacred Cows and the ability to train villagers for free from their Town Center.

Early Game (Discovery Age - Age I)

Initial Build Order: Focus on gathering food and wood. Build a few Houses and start collecting resources.
Villager Production: The Indians train villagers for free from their Town Center, but at a slower rate. Supplement this with shipments and prioritize economic upgrades.
Sacred Cows: Build a Livestock Pen and start training Sacred Cows. These units generate experience and can be fattened for a large food boost.
Age Up: Aim for a fast Age II with the Agra Fort Wonder for a strong defensive structure or the Charminar for early economic benefits.

Mid Game (Colonial Age - Age II)

Elephant Units: Begin training Sepoy and Sowar units. While elephants are powerful, they are expensive, so manage your economy carefully.
Consulate Alliance: Allying with the French for powerful Cuirassiers or the Ottomans for Janissaries can provide valuable support for your elephant forces.
Economic Focus: Continue to expand your Sacred Cow herd and research economic upgrades to support your expensive army.

Late Game (Fortress Age - Age III & Imperial Age - Age IV)

War Elephants: The Indian War Elephant is a formidable unit, capable of soaking up immense damage and dealing heavy blows. Use them as your frontline.
Unique Units: Incorporate Mahout Lancers for anti-cavalry, Gurkha for powerful ranged infantry, and Howdah for ranged elephant units.
Wonders: The Kothandaramaswamy Temple (Age III) significantly boosts villager production, while the Taj Mahal (Age IV) provides a powerful defensive and economic aura.