Broad Swordsman

The Broad Swordsman is an infantry unit in Age of Empires that is a stronger upgrade of the Short Swordsman. The Broad Sword technology is available at the Barracks in the Bronze Age for 140 food and 50 gold. The Broad Swordsman can be upgraded further to a Long Swordsman once the Iron Age is reached.

Gameplay Edit

The Broad Swordsman is stronger than the Short Swordsman and is an upgrade available immediately after researching the Short Sword Technology. Only three civilizations in the game cannot upgrade to the Broad Sword. It has more hit points and attack, making it useful in the Bronze Age, being better equipped to stand up to cavalry. However, their speed still poses a problem, making them vulnerable to archers, just like Short Swordsmen. However, they do make a good army when massed for a Bronze Age assault.

Upgrades Edit

Tool AgeEdit

Tool Age Edit

•  Toolworking: Increases attack by 2 points.
•  Leather Armor Infantry: Increases armor by 2 points.

Bronze Age Edit

•  Metalworking: Increases attack by 2 points.
•  Scale Armor Infantry: Increases armor by 2 points.
•  Bronze Shield: Increases pierce armor by 1 point.
•  Logistics: Decreases population usage by 1/2.

Iron Age Edit

•  Metallurgy: Increases attack by 3 points.
•  Chain Mail Infantry: Increases armor by 2 points.
•  Iron Shield: Increases pierce armor by 1 point.
•  Tower Shield: Increases pierce armor by 1 point.
• Can be upgraded to the Long Swordsman.

Barracks Tree
Stone Age Barracks Clubman Tool Age Axeman Slinger Bronze Age Short Swordsman Broad Swordsman Iron Age Long Swordsman Legion

Civilization Bonuses Edit

• Romans: Broad Swordsmen attack +33% faster.
• Macedonians: Broad Swordsmen have +2 line of sight and are four times more resistant to conversion.
• Choson: Broad Swordsmen have +20 Hit points*
• The Broad Swordsman is not available for Egyptians, Greeks, and Yamato.

Changelog Edit

Age of Empires Edit

• Broad Swordsmen have 70 hit points.

Age of Empires: Definitive Edition Edit

• Broad Swordsmen have 80 hit points.
• Choson Broad Swordsmen get +20 hit points.

History Edit

“The appearance of bronze short swords led to further advances in weaponry as competing cultures sought an advantage in military technology over their neighbors. Where the early short sword was primarily a piercing weapon, the broad sword evolved as a slashing weapon. The width of the blade increased strength sufficiently to support a slashing attack that could cut into armor and break short swords designed for stabbing.”

—the Age of Empires manual

Gallery Edit

A group of Broad Swordsmen, facing all possible directions.

A group of Gaia-controlled Broad Swordsmen

A Broad Swordsman in the Definitive Edition

Add a photo to this gallery

Units in Age of Empires
Age of Empires
Priest · Villager · Trade Boat · Merchant Ship · Fishing Boat · Fishing Ship · Light Transport · Heavy Transport
Infantry	Clubman · Axeman · Short Swordsman · Broad Swordsman · Long Swordsmen · Legion · Hoplite · Phalanx · Centurion
Archers	Bowman · Improved Bowman · Composite Bowman · Chariot Archer · Elephant Archer · Horse Archer · Heavy Horse Archer
Cavalry	Scout · Cavalry · Heavy Cavalry · Cataphract · Chariot · War Elephant
Siege	Stone Thrower · Catapult · Heavy Catapult · Ballista · Helepolis
Navy	Scout Ship · War Galley · Trireme · Catapult Trireme · Juggernaught
The Rise of Rome
Armored Elephant · Camel Rider · Fire Galley · Scythe Chariot · Slinger
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