= Analysis of Tool Units =

A detailed analysis of Age of Empires IV's Tool Age military units: Clubman, Axeman, Bowman, Scout, Scout Ship, and Tower. Learn their strengths, weaknesses, and best uses.

This guide analyzes the military units available in the Tool Age of Age of Empires IV. These units include the Clubman, Axeman, Bowman, Scout, Scout Ship, and Tower. Each unit's strengths, weaknesses, and strategic applications are evaluated.

Clubman/Axeman

Produced at the barracks and very cheap, Clubmen and Axemen (upgraded Clubmen) are effective against Villagers and buildings. They are excellent for "cleaning up" a city in the Tool Age. The defensive upgrade (Leather Infantry Armor) is recommended if targeting Villagers. The offensive upgrade (Toolworking) is only beneficial when fighting Villagers, as it does not increase building destruction speed.

Bowman

With their range, Bowmen are highly effective Villager killers. They require a single defensive upgrade (Leather Archer Armor). Bowmen automatically attack enemy Villagers within range, making them a common choice for Tool Rushes. Their main drawbacks are slow speed and limited Line of Sight (LOS) compared to Scouts, allowing Villagers to escape.

Scout

Scouts are a preferred Tool Age weapon due to their superior speed and larger LOS, enabling quicker movement to the enemy, chasing fleeing Villagers, and locating hidden ones. While a Scout can defeat a single Bowman, groups of Bowmen overwhelm Scouts, and Axemen also defeat Scouts. Scouts should leverage their speed to avoid combat with other military units and focus on Villagers. As Scouts do not attack automatically, they require constant player instruction. Both Tool Working and Leather Cavalry Armor upgrades are recommended.

Scout Ships

Scout Ships offer high power for their cost but are generally ineffective in Tool Rushes as they cannot typically target enemy Villagers. They may be necessary for players engaged in dock fishing.

Towers

Towers are durable and effective for area defense in the Tool Age but are not well-suited for Tool Rushes due to their stationary nature, allowing Villagers to escape. While specific Tower Rushing strategies exist for certain civilizations (Choson, Babylonian), they are unlikely to succeed against equally skilled opponents.

Mixed Units

Tool Age attacks are often composed of a single unit type due to resource constraints. However, following up an attack with Clubbers/Axers or Bowmen with Scouts can help ensure that no escaping Villagers are left behind.

A Note on Walls

During extended Tool Age battles or when facing a Bronze Age opponent, protecting Villagers is crucial. Building walls is the fastest and easiest method. Once the decision to wall is made and food is spent on the upgrade, immediately assign multiple Villagers to walling. Never use a single Villager for a large area under threat of invasion. A partially completed wall is ineffective; only a fully completed wall will repel enemy military units. Prioritize walling by taking a break from production and dedicating sufficient Villagers to complete the task properly.