= Cataphract =

Learn how to train and utilize the powerful Cataphract unit in Age of Empires IV. Discover its stats, upgrade costs, and strategic advantages.

Alright, let's talk about the Cataphract in Age of Empires IV. This is your top-tier heavy cavalry unit, and it's a real game-changer when you get it on the field. Think of it as the evolution of your Heavy Cavalry, but way tougher and hitting a lot harder.

Before you can even dream of building a Cataphract, you've got a few prerequisites to meet. Make sure you've got your Town Center up, a Barracks, and a Stable. You'll also need to research Cavalry and then upgrade that to Heavy Cavalry. Don't forget Metallurgy – that's crucial for unlocking the Cataphract upgrade itself. So, basically, you need to have a solid economic and military base established first.

Upgrade Cost: To turn your Heavy Cavalry into these bad boys, it'll set you back 2000 Food and 850 Gold. It's a hefty investment, but totally worth it.

Training Cost: Once unlocked, each Cataphract costs 70 Food and 80 Gold to train.

Stats & Abilities:

• Hit Points: 180 – That's a good chunk of health, letting them take a beating.
• Attack: 12 – Solid damage output.
• Armor: 3 – Decent protection against most attacks.
• Piercing Armor: 1 – This is key! It gives them an extra layer of defense against ranged attacks like those from Ballistas, Helepolis, and other missile units.
• Range: 0 – They're melee cavalry, so they need to be right in the thick of it.
• Speed: Fast – They can close the distance quickly.
• Special: Cavalry charge bonus (+5 attack against infantry) – This is huge! When they charge into infantry, they get a significant attack boost.
• Special: +1 piercing armor against Ballista, Helepolis, and missile weapons – As mentioned, this makes them great at soaking up ranged damage.

Upgrade Of: Heavy Cavalry. You're building upon your existing cavalry force.

Train At: Stable. Make sure your Stables are ready to churn them out.

Key Research for Improvement:

• Nobility: Increases hit points. More HP means they can stay in the fight longer.
• Toolworking, Metalworking, and Metallurgy: These all boost attack strength. Maxing these out makes your Cataphracts even more deadly.
• Leather Armor, Scale Armor, and Chain Mail: These upgrades increase their armor rating, making them even more survivable.

Historically, the Cataphract was the ultimate heavy cavalry of ancient times, like Alexander the Great's Companions. They were heavily armored, often including their horses, which made them incredibly effective against both arrows and close-combat weapons. They were expensive, though, so only the wealthiest and most powerful armies could field them. You get to bring that same power to your Age of Empires IV battles!

Think of the Cataphract as your elite shock cavalry. Their charge bonus against infantry is devastating, and their extra piercing armor makes them excellent for breaking through enemy ranged units or protecting your own. Use their speed to flank, harass, and deliver powerful blows where the enemy least expects it.