Berserkergang (Age of Empires II)

This article is about the technology in Age of Empires II. For the technology in Age of Mythology, see Berserkergang (Age of Mythology).

Berserkergang
Availability
Introduced in	Age of Empires II: The Conquerors
Removed in	Definitive Edition - update 81058
Civilization	Vikings
Age	Imperial Age
Research
Researched at	Castle
Food	850
Gold	400
Research time	40 seconds
Effect
Berserks regenerate faster

Berserkergang was a technology in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors that was unique to the Vikings and could be researched at the Castle once the Imperial Age is reached. Once researched, it allowed Berserks to regenerate at double the rate (from 20 hit points per minute to 40 hit points per minute), allowing them to last even longer in battles without Monk support.

It was removed and replaced by Bogsveigar in update 81058, and Berserk regeneration rate was increased to 40 hit points/minute, essentially making the technology free from start of the game.

Strategy

Berserkergang allowed Berserks to stay in the fight longer due to the fact that they did not need to wait for Monks to heal them. After researching Berserkergang, Berserks should be at the front of all offensives and defenses, only pulling back when they have sustained a large number of hits. If played right, they could sustain minimal losses while inflicting great damage on the opponent. However, this technology did not extend the in-battle durability of Berserks significantly. Additionally, the technology was very expensive in The Conquerors, though its cost before being removed was fairly reasonable for its effect.

Team bonuses

• Portuguese: Researching Berserkergang is 25% faster.

Changelog

The Conquerors

• Berserkergang costs 500 food, 850 gold.

The Forgotten

• Berserkergang costs 850 food, 400 gold.

Dynasties of India

• With update 81058, Berserkergang is removed from the game.

History

A shield-biting rook in the Lewis chessmen (12th century).

“	The extreme fit or form of madness that seemed to overcome Viking Berserks was known as the Berserkergang. It was described as beginning with a chill, shivering, and chattering of teeth. Then the body temperature seemed to soar, swelling the face and turning it red. Now fully enraged, a man attaining this state would howl like a wild animal, go apparently mad (witnesses report the biting of a shield), and cut down everyone they met indiscriminately. When the rage had passed, the Berserk fell into a torpor or depression that may have lasted for days.	”
—The Conquerors manual

Trivia

• The manual's History section is paraphrased from "On Going Berserk: A Neurochemical Inquiry", by Howard Fabing (1956).