Age of Empires 3: Japanese Artillery - A Force to Be Reckoned With

In the Age of Empires 3 video game, the Japanese civilization boasts a formidable artillery arsenal that can decimate enemy ranks with devastating precision. Let's delve into the world of Japanese artillery and explore their unique capabilities and strategies.

The Types of Japanese Artillery

The Japanese artillery lineup consists of three distinct units:

Mortar

• Cost: 200 wood, 100 gold
• Range: 16
• Attack: 23 (melee) / 8 + 15 splash (ranged)
• Rate of Fire: 1.25 seconds

Mortars are versatile artillery pieces that excel at bombarding enemy formations from a distance. Their low cost and good range make them ideal for supporting your armies in the early game.

Howitzer

• Cost: 300 wood, 150 gold
• Range: 18
• Attack: 10 (melee) / 15 + 20 splash (ranged)
• Rate of Fire: 2.2 seconds

Howitzers are more powerful than mortars but come at a higher cost. Their increased range and splash damage allow them to effectively target and eliminate large groups of infantry and buildings.

Heavy Mortar

• Cost: 400 wood, 200 gold
• Range: 20
• Attack: 30 (melee) / 12 + 25 splash (ranged)
• Rate of Fire: 4 seconds

Heavy mortars are the ultimate artillery units in the Japanese arsenal. Their massive firepower and long range enable them to bombard enemy fortifications and demolish entire armies. However, their slow rate of fire and high cost make them less versatile than the other two types of artillery.

Strategies for Using Japanese Artillery

Japanese artillery is most effective when used in conjunction with other units. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Protect Your Artillery: Japanese artillery units are relatively fragile and vulnerable to melee attacks. Protect them by using cavalry units to screen them from enemy raiders or by constructing fortifications around them.
• Flank Enemy Positions: Use your artillery's range advantage to flank enemy positions and bombard them from unexpected angles. This can force the enemy to split their forces and reduce their effectiveness.
• Target High-Value Units: Prioritize targeting enemy artillery, heavily armored units, and buildings with your artillery. This can cripple the enemy's offensive capabilities and make it easier for your armies to advance.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Artillery Effectiveness

• Research the "Improved Artillery" technology to increase the damage and range of your artillery units.
• Use the "Artillery Tactics" card to improve the accuracy and rate of fire of your artillery.
• Consider deploying your artillery on hills to gain a height advantage and increase their firing range.
• If possible, place your artillery in areas with good visibility to maximize their field of fire.

Comparison of Pros and Cons

Pros of Japanese Artillery:

• Long range and high damage output
• Effective against large groups of units and buildings
• Can be used to support armies or bombard enemy fortifications at a distance

Cons of Japanese Artillery:

• Relatively fragile and vulnerable to melee attacks
• Can be expensive to produce and maintain
• Slow rate of fire can make it difficult to respond to enemy threats quickly

FAQs about Japanese Artillery

1. What is the best way to protect Japanese artillery?
   - Use cavalry units to screen them or construct fortifications around them.
2. What should you prioritize targeting with Japanese artillery?
   - Enemy artillery, heavily armored units, and buildings.
3. How can you increase the effectiveness of Japanese artillery?
   - Research the "Improved Artillery" technology, use the "Artillery Tactics" card, deploy on hills, and place in areas with good visibility.
4. What is a weakness of Japanese artillery?
   - Their vulnerability to melee attacks and slow rate of fire.
5. What is the cost of a mortar?
   - 200 wood, 100 gold
6. What is the range of a heavy mortar?
   - 20
7. What is the attack damage of a howitzer?
   - 15 + 20 splash damage
8. What technology improves the damage of Japanese artillery?
   - Improved Artillery technology