Berserk

The Berserk and its upgrade the Elite Berserk is the Unique Unit for the Viking civilization that is featured in Age of Empires II.

Tactics
The Viking Berserk is a heavy infantry unit that is armed with an axe and shield, and has the unique ability to regenerate health over time. This allows them to last long in combat and makes them effective in pitched battles. Berserks gain a small attack bonus against enemy buildings. They are vulnerable to archers and heavy cavalry units, such as Paladins. Due to the Viking's infantry bonus, Berserks will have 20% more HP. A normal Berserk will have 56 HP and an Elite Berserk will have 72 HP.

Strategy
On land maps, a Viking player has to make a choice between training Berserks or the Militia-line. Due to the costs involved in upgrading both units, it's impractical to train both units. As with any unique unit, the Berserkers are harder to mass than non-castle unit. Berserks as such are a viable choice only in team games, if the Viking player is in the 'pocket' i.e. flanked on both sides by allies. The Berserk's advantages over the Militia-line is their regeneration, superior armor, attack and speed. On the downside they cost an extra 5 food and gold. Both of the Viking unique technologies benefit the Berserk. Vikings can pair Spearmen, Archers, Skirmishers, Scorpions and Rams with Berserks for a well rounded army.

Castle Age
Berserks have rather weak statistics in the Castle Age, inferior to the Long Swordman (on a cost basis). Their only advantage over the Swordsman is their regeration and speed. Hence they can be used as moderately effective raiders. The Chieftains technology gives them a fighting chance against Knights, but it is rather expensive.

Imperial Age
Berserks are costlier to upgrade than Long Swordman to Champion by 250 food and 100 gold. Elite Berserks however are statistically superior to Champions, with a huge attack and melee armour. Elite Berserks have the same base attack and melee armour as Paladins. In the Forgotten Expansion, Elite Berserks have 75 HP; more than a standard Champion. Chieftains can help the Vikings cover their weakness against heavy cavalry as they lack Halberdiers. Berserks can also attempt to charge and dismantle enemy siege, another Viking weakness, due to their speed. Berserkgang effectively doubles their healing rate, but is another expensive research. It allows Berserks to effectively operate without Monk support.

Counters
Berserks share all the weaknesses of the Militia-line, but to a lesser extent. Unlike the sluggish Militia-line, the Berserk can catch up with foot archers. Hand Cannoneers, Janissaries and Slingers absolutely devastate Berserks. Massed siege can also inflict massive losses against Berserks. Cataphracts get a huge bonus versus Berserks and can nullify the Chieftains bonus with their own bonus defense. The Samurai and Jaguar Warrior have a superior attack combined with bonuses against Unique Units / Infantry.

The Conquerors Changes

 * Both elite and non-elite Berserks are move +0.15 faster.
 * Both elite and non-elite Berserks receive +1 Pierce Armor.

The Forgotten Changes

 * Berserk (non-elite) +4 HP. Berserks/Elite base HP becomes 54/62 (instead of 48/60).
 * Vikings' new unique Castle Age Tech Chieftains gives Berserks a +4 attack bonus vs. cavalry.
 * Berserkgang cost changed from 500 food, 850 gold to 850 food, 400 gold.
 * Training time of berserk line reduced to 14s (from 16s).

Team bonuses

 * A team containing Teutons, Berserks are more resistant to conversion.

History
"Late in the eighth century Viking sea raiders from Scandinavia appeared suddenly in Northern Europe. They raided and plundered coastal communities for the next 150 years. Most of the progress made by Charlemagne in uniting Northern Europe and beginning a rebirth of civilization was erased by the turmoil they caused. The Vikings were known for their great seamanship and ferocity in battle. Witnesses claimed that Viking warriors would occasionally go "berserk" and attack with nearly inhuman zeal, oblivious to all danger. Such behavior was terrifying to behold and very difficult to withstand. The ability to go mad with battle lust was a powerful attribute during a period of widespread superstition."