Age of Empires II (AoE2) is full of diverse civilizations, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and playstyles. Among them, the Japanese stand out as one of the most versatile and balanced civilizations in the game. Their economic bonuses, powerful infantry, and flexible navy make them a great choice for both new and veteran players.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Japanese civilization: their bonuses, best strategies, and how to leverage their strengths in different stages of the game.
Civilization Overview
The Japanese are classified as an Infantry civilization in AoE2, but in reality, they are one of the most well-rounded civs. They have a strong economy, solid military options, and one of the best navies in the game.
Civilization Bonuses
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Fishing ships are doubly efficient with +100% HP, +2 Pierce Armor, and work rate +5%. This makes them the strongest fishing ships in the game.
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Mill, Lumber Camp, and Mining Camp upgrades cost 50% less. This fuels a faster and smoother economy in early and mid game.
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Infantry attack 33% faster starting in Feudal Age. This makes Japanese infantry deadly in early rushes and extremely efficient in late-game battles.
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Galleys attack 50% faster. A naval powerhouse, especially on water maps.
Unique Unit
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Samurai: An infantry unit that excels at fighting other unique units. They attack quickly and are surprisingly cost-efficient in mass.
Unique Technology
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Yasama: Archer Towers fire arrows in all directions, making them far stronger for defensive or offensive play.
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Kataparuto: Trebuchets pack and unpack faster, allowing for aggressive and safe siege pushes.
Strengths of the Japanese
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Strong Early Economy: Cheap eco upgrades mean you can afford Loom, Feudal, and eco techs earlier than many civilizations.
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Powerful Infantry: Faster-attacking infantry from Feudal Age gives them some of the best Men-at-Arms rushes in the game.
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Naval Dominance: Faster-firing galleys and tanky fishing ships make the Japanese top-tier on water maps like Islands, Team Islands, or Baltic.
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Late-Game Versatility: Fully upgraded infantry, strong siege, and an elite navy make them deadly in prolonged games.
Weaknesses of the Japanese
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Lack of Paladins: Their cavalry is mediocre compared to cavalry-heavy civilizations.
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Archers Are Average: While functional, Japanese archers don’t receive late-game bonuses.
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Gold Reliant: Samurais, siege, and navy all demand heavy gold investment.
Early Game Strategies
1. Men-at-Arms Rush (Feudal Age)
The Japanese excel at this strategy thanks to their infantry bonus.
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Build order: Standard 21–22 pop Feudal Age timing.
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Transition: Create 3–4 Militia → upgrade to Men-at-Arms → pressure enemy villagers.
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Why it works: Faster attack speed means your units win trades against other civs’ infantry.
2. Drush (Dark Age Rush)
Even before Feudal, the Japanese can commit to a Drush with 3–4 militia. Their eco upgrades are cheap, so the economic setback is smaller.
3. Fast Castle into Samurai
If you survive Feudal with minimal damage, the Japanese can rush to Castle Age and unlock their unique unit. Samurai are especially effective if the opponent relies on unique units (e.g., Teutonic Knights, War Elephants, Jaguar Warriors).
Mid-Game Strategies
1. Infantry Push
Japanese Men-at-Arms into Long Swordsmen is a solid option. With their faster attack, these units trade very well against other infantry and can overwhelm enemies if not countered by archers or knights.
2. Crossbow Support
Although Japanese archers don’t have special bonuses, adding a few crossbows to your infantry comp helps cover weaknesses against enemy units like Eagles or other infantry.
3. Naval Domination
On water maps, the Japanese should always prioritize navy. Their galleys’ faster firing rate guarantees naval superiority if you micro properly. Combine with tanky fishing ships for a booming economy.
Late-Game Strategies
1. Samurai Massing
Samurai shine when fighting other unique units or infantry-heavy armies. Against Goths, Teutons, or Aztecs, they can shred enemy compositions.
2. Champions + Siege
Japanese Champions with their attack speed bonus are some of the strongest in the game. Combine them with Trebuchets (buffed by Kataparuto) for an unstoppable push.
3. Water Control into Land Domination
On hybrid maps, controlling water gives you fish boom advantages and the ability to transport units. Japanese navy can often decide the game before land battles even begin.
Tips & Tricks
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Always take advantage of your eco upgrades being cheaper. Prioritize Double-Bit Axe, Horse Collar, and Mining upgrades earlier than usual.
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In Feudal, a 3–Militia Men-at-Arms rush is more deadly with Japanese due to the attack speed.
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Use Samurai situationally. They’re amazing against unique units but might not always be gold-efficient compared to Champions.
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Don’t overcommit to cavalry—their knights are fine in Castle Age but fall off later.
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On water maps, rush Dock + Fishing Ships early. With their bonus armor and efficiency, they’re very hard for enemies to deny.
Example Build Order: Men-at-Arms with Japanese
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6 on sheep/boar
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3 to wood
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1 to lure boar
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3 more to food
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4 to wood
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2 to berries (mill)
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Send rest to sheep/boar/deer
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Research Loom → Advance to Feudal (21–22 pop)
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Build Barracks and make 3 Militia → upgrade to Men-at-Arms.
From here, you can add Archery Range for support or transition into Fast Castle.
Conclusion
The Japanese are one of the most well-rounded civilizations in Age of Empires II. Their powerful infantry, unmatched navy, and economic bonuses make them a threat on virtually any map. While they lack powerhouse cavalry or unique archer bonuses, their flexibility and consistency ensure they’re always a strong pick in competitive play.
Whether you’re looking to rush your opponent with Men-at-Arms, dominate the seas with unstoppable galleys, or overwhelm the late game with Samurai and Champions, mastering the Japanese civ is a rewarding journey.