Guard Tower (Age of Empires II)

In Age of Empires II, the Guard Tower is third available tower (after the Outpost and Watch Tower), first available on the Castle Age. They are the upgrade of Watch Tower, researched from the University. Like watch towers and keeps, Guard Towers are very good against infantry and archers, but are quickly overpowered by cavalry.

Garrisoned foot archers and villagers will increase the number of arrows the tower fires, thus increasing the damage. Up to five foot-soldiers (infantry and archers, although infantry do not increase the firepower of the tower) may be garrisoned into the watch tower. When garrisoned in the guard tower (or any other building) units will slowly regain any lost hit points. This ability can be sped up by researching Herbal Medicine.

Offensively, towers can be upgraded by Fletching, Bodkin Arrow, and Bracer (all Blacksmith upgrades) for range and damage, Chemistry (at the University) for damage, and Heated Shot (also at the University) for damage against ships. Defensively, towers may be upgraded with Masonry, Architecture (increase HP), and Murder Holes (eliminates minimum range). Towers are generally more useful in the game for stopping and slowing small raiding parties. They are ineffective against large armies and siege weapons.