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− | + | {{For|unit in [[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|Age of Empires II]]|the unit in [[Age of Empires]]|Cataphract (Age of Empires)}} |
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+ | {{Infobox unit |
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− | {{AoEIIUnits |
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− | |Name =Cataphract |
+ | |Name = Cataphract |
+ | |Intro = [[File:KingsIcon.png]] ''[[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|The Age of Kings]]'' |
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− | |Image = Cataphract.gif |
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+ | |Image = <tabber> Definitive= [[File:CataphractIcon-DE.png|thumb|left|45px]]|-|Original= |
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− | |||
− | + | [[File:CataphractIcon.jpg|45px]] |
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+ | </tabber> |
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⚫ | |||
− | |Type = [[Cavalry]] |
+ | |Type = [[Cavalry units (Age of Empires II)|Cavalry]] |
+ | |Civilization = [[File:KingsIcon.png]] [[Byzantines]] |
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− | |Wood = |
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+ | |Age = [[File:CastleageDE.png|20px]] [[Castle Age]] |
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⚫ | |||
+ | |UpTo = [[File:CataphractIcon.jpg|22px]] '''Elite Cataphract''' |
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+ | |UpCost = [[File:Elite-unique-research.jpg|22px]] {{resources|food = 1,600}}, {{resources|gold = 800}} |
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+ | |UpTime = 50 seconds |
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+ | |TrainTime = {{tt|20|23 in The Age of Kings}} seconds |
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|Food = 70 |
|Food = 70 |
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|Gold = 75 |
|Gold = 75 |
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+ | |HP = 110, 150 <small>(Elite)</small> |
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− | |Stone = |
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− | | |
+ | |Attack = 9, 12 <small>(Elite)</small> [[Attack#Age of Empires II|melee]] |
− | | |
+ | |AttackBonus = +9, +12 <small>(Elite)</small> vs [[Armor class: Infantry|Infantry]]<br>+9, +10 <small>(Elite)</small> vs [[Armor class: Condottiero|Condottiero]] |
− | | |
+ | |Armor = 2 |
− | | |
+ | |PierceArmor = 1 |
+ | |Class = [[Armor class: Cavalry|Cavalry]] (+12, +16 <small>(Elite)</small>)<br>[[Armor class: Unique unit|Unique unit]] |
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− | |Pierce Armour = 1 |
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− | |Speed = |
+ | |Speed = 1.35 |
+ | |LOS = 4, 5 <small>(Elite)</small> |
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− | |Upgraded To = Elite Cataphract<br>[[File:Elite-unique-research.jpg]] |
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+ | |ROF = {{tt|1.8|2.0 in The Age of Kings}}, {{tt|1.7|2.0 in The Age of Kings}} <small>(Elite)</small> |
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− | |Cost to Upgrade = {{Resources|food=1600}}<br/>{{Resources|gold=800}}}} |
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+ | }} |
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+ | {{quote|Byzantine unique unit. Heavily armored cavalry.|''Age of Empires II'' description}} |
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+ | The '''Cataphract''' is the [[Unique unit (Age of Empires II)|unique unit]] of the [[Byzantines]] in ''[[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|Age of Empires II]]''. It is a heavy [[Cavalry units (Age of Empires II)|cavalry]] unit that excels at combat against [[Infantry units (Age of Empires II)|infantry]]. |
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+ | Cataphracts can be upgraded to Elite Cataphracts in the [[Imperial Age (Age of Empires II)|Imperial Age]]. |
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− | In ''[[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|Age of Empires II]]'', the '''Cataphract''' is a [[Unique Unit|unique unit]] to the [[Byzantines]] which has an attack bonus against [[Infantry]]. In the ''[[Age of Empires II: The Conquerors|Conquerors]]'' expansion, the Byzantines can research [[Logistica]], which gives [[Trample Damage|trample damage]] to the Cataphract. With the upgrade, Cataphracts are roughly equal in statistics to [[Paladin]]s; however, they still lose to paladins when they come face to face, due Paladin's higher hitpoints. |
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== Tactics == |
== Tactics == |
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− | Due to its trample damage, good statistics, and bonus against |
+ | Due to its [[trample damage]], overall good statistics, and attack bonus against infantry, the Cataphract is probably the unit with the fewest weaknesses. Particularly Elite Cataphracts are effective against almost all units which have an attack bonus against mounted units, such as [[Camel Rider (Age of Empires II)|Camel Riders]] or [[Mameluke (Age of Empires II)|Mamelukes]], since they have an innate resistance (+12/+16 (Elite) armor) to anti-cavalry attack bonuses. The attack bonus of Mamelukes (9, 12 for Elite) is nullified, as well the one of the Camels (9), only [[Heavy Camel Rider|Heavy]] and [[Imperial Camel Rider]]s (18) are left with a small bonus. [[Halberdier (Age of Empires II)|Halberdiers]], however, are still a threat to them and much more cost effective, even though their immense attack bonus of 32 against cavalry is halved. |
+ | Even a fully upgraded Cataphract only has moderate attack (14), not even more than a [[Malians|Malian]] [[Light Cavalry (Age of Empires II)|Light Cavalry]], but their +18 attack bonus against infantry and resistance against bonus damage make it a very potent combatant. Since they also do trample damage and attack very fast, they can even compete with heavy cavalry in mass battles, although that should be avoided. Players should do their utmost to avoid unnecessary casualties with Cataphracts, as they are expensive to produce and their upgrades are extremely costly as well. |
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− | A fully upgraded Cataphract can deal as much as 14 attack damage. They have 12 bonus damage to infantry (18 after the Logistica upgrade) and area attack of 5 damage to units close to it after the Logistica upgrade. Elite Cataphracts also have an additional 16 attack bonus defense. This means that Elite Cataphracts can sustain 16 more bonus damage dealing with enemy's attempted counters. For instance a Halberdier deals 32 bonus damage against cavalry; this will be reduced to 16. The anti-cavalry bonus of Camels (10 bonus damage) and Mamelukes (9 bonus damage, 12 for elite) are nullified. Heavy Camels with a bonus of 18 only have a small effect. |
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⚫ | |||
− | The '''Elite Cataphract''' is an upgrade of the Byzantine unique unit. It is available in the [[Imperial Age (Age of Empires II)|Imperial Age]]. Like their predecessor, Elite Cataphracts have an attack bonus versus infantry which greatly reduces their weaknesses against infantry units such as [[Pikeman (Age of Empires II)|Pikemen]]. Elite Cataphracts also have a faster attacking rate (1.7 vs. 1.8) compared to regular Cataphracts. Further researching Logistica gives this unit the ability to cause trample damage to all units surrounding it. Logistica also gives them an additional +6 bonus attack against Infantry. Although the Elite Cataphract has considerably better stats than its predecessor, the overall cost, speed and armor remains the same. |
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− | === |
+ | === Counters === |
− | ==== |
+ | ==== Halberdiers ==== |
− | Though Halberdiers do not deal as much bonus damage to Cataphracts as they do to |
+ | Though Halberdiers do not deal as much bonus damage to Cataphracts as they do to other cavalry, they are still a moderately good choice to counter Cataphracts. It is always advisable to send large groups of Halberdiers, since Cataphracts have a very high damage bonus against all kinds of infantry and will easily win in one on one combat. The groups of Halberdiers should be managed carefully since sending them into battle sporadically and sparsely will lead to little or no effect. While dueling, each hit of a Cataphract deals a damage of as much as 29 [[Hit points|HP]] to a Halberdier if both units are fully upgraded, which is very fortunate for the Halberdiers, since it allows them to survive the second hit with 2 HP and strike a second time themselves. |
+ | Civilizations that lack [[Plate Mail Armor]] (like the [[Goths]]), however, struggle even more against Cataphracts, since they have one less armor and die with the second hit already. That means, in one-on-one combat, a fully upgraded Cataphract survives with 129/150 hit points left. |
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− | ===='''Paladins'''==== |
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⚫ | This is one of the best tactics to engage Cataphracts, if enough |
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+ | [[Kamayuk]]s fare poorly against Cataphracts, dealing only 7 damage per hit and losing even more distinctly. In one-on-one combat, the Cataphract wins with 136 hit points left. Even in mass battles, despite being able to use their range, Kamayuks do not stand a chance. |
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− | ===='''Archers, Hand Cannoneers, and Scorpions'''==== |
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− | Cataphracts are weaker than other cavalry when engaging ranged units, or specifically units that cause pierce damage. Cataphracts have lower Pierce Armor compared to [[Paladin]]s or [[Hussar (Age of Empires II)|Hussars]], 1+4 once fully upgraded. That should show that they do not fare well against masses of archers. Large groups of [[Arbalest]]s placed wisely can stop approaching Cataphracts pretty well. It is also good to make use of unique units if the player has [[Archers|Archer]]-type unique units. Groups of [[Longbowman (Age of Empires II)|Longbowmen]], backed up with some inexpensive units like Halberdiers can devastate Cataphracts from a distance. Other than the Longbowmen, units like [[Chu Ko Nu (Age of Empires II)|Chu Ko Nu]], [[Koreans|Korean]] [[War Wagon (Age of Empires II)|War Wagons]], [[Maya]]n [[Plumed Archer]]s with backup would be a good combination to take out Cataphracts. [[Mongols|Mongol]] [[Mangudai]], or [[Heavy Cavalry Archer]]s formed properly would also make fresh meat out of Cataphracts. [[Hand Cannoneer]]s and [[Scorpion]]s, with their even greater pierce attack, can be used to greater effect against Cataphracts. Even massed [[Skirmisher (Age of Empires II)|Skirmishers]] can be used when in a pinch. |
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+ | ==== Heavy cavalry ==== |
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− | On the other hand, it is important to remember that Cataphracts move at the same speed as Knights and can close in the distance on ranged units rather quickly. Even if they have a moderate attack (12+2), most ranged units have low hit points and no melee armor. However, even with [[Husbandry (Age of Empires II)|Husbandry]] upgrade they are still slower than cavalry archers. The Mongols have an advantage since their Cavalry Archer and Mangudai fire 20% faster than usual and in conjunction with the [[Thumb Ring]] they can devastate Cataphracts. |
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⚫ | This is probably one of the best tactics to engage Cataphracts, if enough food and gold is available. [[Paladin]]s can tackle a Cataphract army and even go on the offensive without too much trouble. Even though Cataphracts deal trample damage, the Paladins are superior even in mass battles. Fully upgraded Paladins have 18 attack and 180 HP against 14 attack and 150 HP on the Cataphract's side. Even fully upgraded [[Cavalier]]s (such as the ones of the [[Berbers]], [[Chinese (Age of Empires II)|Chinese]], or [[Turks]]) defeat Cataphracts in one-on-one battle, but lose in mass battles due to the trample damage. |
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+ | Naturally, the other unique heavy cavalry units, [[War Elephant (Age of Empires II)|War Elephants]], [[Leitis]], and [[Boyar]]s, as well as [[Battle Elephant]]s, do not have too much trouble facing Cataphracts, though Cataphracts can easily run away from any Elephant units. |
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− | ===='''Unique Units'''==== |
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− | The [[Persians (Age of Empires II)|Persian]] [[War Elephant (Age of Empires II)|War Elephant]], with its massive attack, hitpoints and a greater innate trample damage can easily defeat Cataphracts. The [[Slavs|Slavic]] [[Boyar]], similar to Paladins, can be used against Cataphracts to a greater effect. |
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+ | ==== Ranged units ==== |
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− | At maximum stats, the Hunnic [[Tarkan]] has one attack point more, but one armor point less compared to the Cataphract. One-on-one, the Tarkan loses by a narrow margin, despite having an advantage of 20 hit points, due to its slightly slower attack. In massed battles, the Tarkan simply lacks the sheer endurance of the Paladins to negate the trample damage of Elite Cataphracts. Also worth noting is that while the [[Japanese (Age of Empires II)|Japanese]] [[Samurai (Age of Empires II)|Samurai]] has a bonus attack against all unique units, the Cataphract's bonus attack against infantry far exceeds the bonus that the Samurai has against unique units. [[Kamayuk]]s are also a threat to them due their high damage and range. |
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+ | Apart from the [[Camel Rider (Age of Empires II)|Camel Rider]], the Cataphract is the weakest non-ranged cavalry unit when it comes to pierce armor. As a logical consequence, they take high damage from [[Archer units (Age of Empires II)|archer units]] and [[defensive structure]]s. |
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⚫ | |||
+ | |||
⚫ | |||
+ | Groups of [[Arbalester]]s, [[Heavy Scorpion]]s, [[Heavy Cavalry Archer]]s, or other unique archer units usually kill Cataphracts without too many casualties when they are properly managed. Even [[Elite Skirmisher]]s deal 2 damage and can be used when [[gold]] is scarce. |
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⚫ | |||
+ | |||
⚫ | |||
+ | However, Cataphracts still possess the speed, health, and attack to threaten these units, so they should be massed (ideally in groups of at least 40) and/or protected with aforementioned heavy cavalry or Halberdiers before being sent to face the Cataphracts. |
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+ | |||
+ | ==== Monks ==== |
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+ | Due to the high cost and value on the battlefield of Cataphracts, they are likely to become a prime target for enemy [[Monk (Age of Empires II)|Monks]]. [[Conversion|Converting]] Cataphracts can be devastating if several are converted at once. It is also unlikely that a Byzantine player is able to afford [[Heresy]] or [[Faith]] easily due to the extremely high gold costs of [[Logistica]], the Elite Cataphract upgrade, and the Cataphracts themselves. Cataphracts also require at least four strikes to kill a Monk with [[Sanctity]], making it unlikely a lone Cataphract can take out a lone Monk before being converted. |
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+ | |||
⚫ | |||
+ | As Cataphracts are unique to the Byzantines, only technologies that are available to them are shown in the following table: |
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+ | |||
⚫ | |||
|- |
|- |
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− | ! |
+ | !colspan="2" style="color:black; font-size:110%; padding:1em;" | Unit strengths and weaknesses |
|- |
|- |
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|'''Strong vs.''' |
|'''Strong vs.''' |
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− | + | |[[Skirmisher (Age of Empires II)|Skirmishers]], [[Infantry units (Age of Empires II)|infantry]], [[Siege weapons (Age of Empires II)|siege weapons]], [[Light Cavalry (Age of Empires II)|Light Cavalry]] |
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|- |
|- |
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|'''Weak vs.''' |
|'''Weak vs.''' |
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+ | |[[War Elephant (Age of Empires II)|War Elephants]], massed [[Archer units (Age of Empires II)|archers]], heavy cavalry |
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− | |{{{Weak vs.| [[Pikeman (Age of Empires II)|Pikemen]], [[Kamayuk]], [[Berserk (Age of Empires II)|Berserk]], [[Genoese Crossbowman]], [[Samurai (Age of Empires II)|Samurai]], [[Mameluke (Age of Empires II)|Mameluke]], [[Camel]]s, [[War Elephant (Age of Empires II)|War Elephant]], [[Archer (Age of Empires II)|Archers]], Heavy Cavalry ( [[Boyar]]s and [[Knight]]s), Cavalry Archers}}} |
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|- |
|- |
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− | ! |
+ | !colspan="2" style="color:black; font-size:110%; padding:1em;" | Upgrades |
⚫ | |||
− | |'''Speed''' |
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⚫ | |||
|- |
|- |
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|'''Attack''' |
|'''Attack''' |
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− | |{{ |
+ | |{{2icons|Forging}} (+1)<br />{{2icons|Iron Casting}} (+1)<br />{{2icons|Logistica}} (+6 attack against [[Armor class: Infantry|infantry]] and adds [[trample damage]]) |
|- |
|- |
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|'''Armor''' |
|'''Armor''' |
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− | |{{ |
+ | |{{2icons|Scale Barding Armor}} (+1/+1)<br />{{2icons|Chain Barding Armor}} (+1/+1)<br />{{2icons|Plate Barding Armor}} (+1/+2) |
|- |
|- |
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− | |''' |
+ | |'''Speed''' |
+ | |{{2icons|Husbandry}} (+10%) |
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− | |{{{Creation Speed|[[Conscription]]}}} |
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|- |
|- |
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|'''Conversion defense''' |
|'''Conversion defense''' |
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− | |{{ |
+ | |{{2icons|Faith}}<br />{{2icons|Heresy}} |
⚫ | |||
+ | |'''Creation speed''' |
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+ | |{{2icons|Conscription}} (+33%) |
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|- |
|- |
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|'''Upgrades''' |
|'''Upgrades''' |
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− | | |
+ | |[[File:Elite-unique-research.jpg|22px]] Elite Cataphract |
− | | |
+ | |} |
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
+ | {{-}} |
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⚫ | |||
+ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
+ | * A team containing [[Berbers]]: With [[Kasbah]] researched, Cataphracts are created and upgraded 25% faster, and [[Conscription]] and [[Logistica]] are researched 25% faster. |
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− | user387674_pic839188_1282870139.jpg|Cataphract in Screen |
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+ | * A team containing [[Bulgarians]]: [[Blacksmith]] upgrades are researched 50% faster. |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
+ | * A team containing [[Lithuanians]]: [[Faith]] and [[Heresy]] are researched 20% faster. |
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⚫ | |||
+ | |||
+ | == Changelog == |
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⚫ | |||
+ | * Cataphracts train in 23 seconds. |
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+ | * Cataphracts have a [[Rate of Fire]] of 2.0. |
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+ | |||
+ | === ''The Conquerors'' === |
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+ | * Cataphracts train in 20 seconds. |
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+ | * Cataphracts have a Rate of Fire of 1.8 (1.7 for Elite). |
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+ | * Cataphracts receive +12 (+16 for Elite) bonus defense against anti-cavalry attacks. |
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+ | * [[Heresy]] technology introduced. |
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+ | * [[Byzantines]]: [[Logistica]] technology introduced. |
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+ | |||
+ | == Trivia == |
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+ | * Having few weaknesses compared to other unique units, the Cataphract serves as a good introduction to the unique unit concept of the game to new players, similar to the civilization owning them. |
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+ | * The Cataphract's beta model was modified and used for the [[Boyar]] in the ''Forgotten Empires'' mod. |
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+ | * With 1.7 seconds reload time, Elite Cataphracts are the fastest attacking cavalry in game. |
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+ | * The original Cataphract model, with mostly [[wikipedia:plate armour|plate-armored]] rider and horse, was actually based on the late-Medieval Western European knights (e.g. [[Franks|French]] [[wikipedia:Gendarme (historical)|gendarmes]]). |
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+ | ** In the ''[[Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition|Definitive Edition]]'', the Cataphract's model is more historically accurate, with [[wikipedia:Lamellar armour|lamellar-armored]] horse and rider wearing fewer plates over the [[wikipedia:chain mail|mail]]. |
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+ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | {{quote|The Byzantine army carried on many of the military traditions of the old Roman Empire into the Middle Ages. This was a professional force that was well trained and well led. Officers studied tactics and command. The army was organized into formal units that maintained their own traditions for centuries. The best units in the Byzantine army were partially armored cavalrymen called cataphracts. They fought with several weapons, including the bow and sword. With plains to the east and north of their empire, the cataphract was ideally suited for combat against the unarmored cavalry of their enemies. The Byzantine army went into decline partially because it lost the plains of Asia Minor from which it had drawn both horses and cavalrymen for service as cataphracts.}} |
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+ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
+ | Cataphract.png|A group of Cataphracts |
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+ | Cataphractcombat.png|Cataphracts engaging enemy infantry |
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+ | c51d9bbe1ec59e44cc75f7b6c14bd091_400x400.png|Cataphract model |
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⚫ | |||
+ | 6e9d585a05166a307d1645cfa4185d1a.jpg|An artist's rendition of Byzantine/Roman Clibanarii, a type of heavy cavalry akin to Cataphracts. Historians are uncertain if the term was a synonym for "cataphracti" in Latin or if it was fact a distinctive type of cavalry itself. |
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⚫ | |||
+ | Age-of-Empires Atilla Screenshot2.png|Cataphracts in the ''[[Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition|Definitive Edition]]'' |
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+ | Cataphract render.png|A render of the Cataphract model |
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+ | Byzantine_Greek_Alexander_Manuscript_Cataphract.jpg|Byzantine Cataphracts representing Late Classical Companion Cavalry of Alexander the Great |
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+ | Bizantinos.jpg|Cataphract in the ''HD Edition'' and ''Definitive Edition'' |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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+ | |||
− | {{Units AoE2}} |
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− | + | {{Units List (Age of Empires II)}} |
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[[Category:Unique units]] |
[[Category:Unique units]] |
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− | [[Category: |
+ | [[Category:Age of Empires II]] |
− | [[Category:Imperial Age ( |
+ | [[Category:Imperial Age (Age of Empires II)]] |
[[Category:Castle Age]] |
[[Category:Castle Age]] |
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− | [[Category: |
+ | [[Category:Heavy cavalry]] |
− | [[Category:Castle (AoE II)]] |
Revision as of 08:32, 31 May 2020
This article is about the unit in Age of Empires II. For the unit in Age of Empires, see Cataphract (Age of Empires). |
“ | Byzantine unique unit. Heavily armored cavalry. | ” |
—Age of Empires II description |
The Cataphract is the unique unit of the Byzantines in Age of Empires II. It is a heavy cavalry unit that excels at combat against infantry.
Cataphracts can be upgraded to Elite Cataphracts in the Imperial Age.
Tactics
Due to its trample damage, overall good statistics, and attack bonus against infantry, the Cataphract is probably the unit with the fewest weaknesses. Particularly Elite Cataphracts are effective against almost all units which have an attack bonus against mounted units, such as Camel Riders or Mamelukes, since they have an innate resistance (+12/+16 (Elite) armor) to anti-cavalry attack bonuses. The attack bonus of Mamelukes (9, 12 for Elite) is nullified, as well the one of the Camels (9), only Heavy and Imperial Camel Riders (18) are left with a small bonus. Halberdiers, however, are still a threat to them and much more cost effective, even though their immense attack bonus of 32 against cavalry is halved.
Even a fully upgraded Cataphract only has moderate attack (14), not even more than a Malian Light Cavalry, but their +18 attack bonus against infantry and resistance against bonus damage make it a very potent combatant. Since they also do trample damage and attack very fast, they can even compete with heavy cavalry in mass battles, although that should be avoided. Players should do their utmost to avoid unnecessary casualties with Cataphracts, as they are expensive to produce and their upgrades are extremely costly as well.
Counters
Halberdiers
Though Halberdiers do not deal as much bonus damage to Cataphracts as they do to other cavalry, they are still a moderately good choice to counter Cataphracts. It is always advisable to send large groups of Halberdiers, since Cataphracts have a very high damage bonus against all kinds of infantry and will easily win in one on one combat. The groups of Halberdiers should be managed carefully since sending them into battle sporadically and sparsely will lead to little or no effect. While dueling, each hit of a Cataphract deals a damage of as much as 29 HP to a Halberdier if both units are fully upgraded, which is very fortunate for the Halberdiers, since it allows them to survive the second hit with 2 HP and strike a second time themselves.
Civilizations that lack Plate Mail Armor (like the Goths), however, struggle even more against Cataphracts, since they have one less armor and die with the second hit already. That means, in one-on-one combat, a fully upgraded Cataphract survives with 129/150 hit points left.
Kamayuks fare poorly against Cataphracts, dealing only 7 damage per hit and losing even more distinctly. In one-on-one combat, the Cataphract wins with 136 hit points left. Even in mass battles, despite being able to use their range, Kamayuks do not stand a chance.
Heavy cavalry
This is probably one of the best tactics to engage Cataphracts, if enough food and gold is available. Paladins can tackle a Cataphract army and even go on the offensive without too much trouble. Even though Cataphracts deal trample damage, the Paladins are superior even in mass battles. Fully upgraded Paladins have 18 attack and 180 HP against 14 attack and 150 HP on the Cataphract's side. Even fully upgraded Cavaliers (such as the ones of the Berbers, Chinese, or Turks) defeat Cataphracts in one-on-one battle, but lose in mass battles due to the trample damage.
Naturally, the other unique heavy cavalry units, War Elephants, Leitis, and Boyars, as well as Battle Elephants, do not have too much trouble facing Cataphracts, though Cataphracts can easily run away from any Elephant units.
Ranged units
Apart from the Camel Rider, the Cataphract is the weakest non-ranged cavalry unit when it comes to pierce armor. As a logical consequence, they take high damage from archer units and defensive structures.
Groups of Arbalesters, Heavy Scorpions, Heavy Cavalry Archers, or other unique archer units usually kill Cataphracts without too many casualties when they are properly managed. Even Elite Skirmishers deal 2 damage and can be used when gold is scarce.
However, Cataphracts still possess the speed, health, and attack to threaten these units, so they should be massed (ideally in groups of at least 40) and/or protected with aforementioned heavy cavalry or Halberdiers before being sent to face the Cataphracts.
Monks
Due to the high cost and value on the battlefield of Cataphracts, they are likely to become a prime target for enemy Monks. Converting Cataphracts can be devastating if several are converted at once. It is also unlikely that a Byzantine player is able to afford Heresy or Faith easily due to the extremely high gold costs of Logistica, the Elite Cataphract upgrade, and the Cataphracts themselves. Cataphracts also require at least four strikes to kill a Monk with Sanctity, making it unlikely a lone Cataphract can take out a lone Monk before being converted.
Further statistics
As Cataphracts are unique to the Byzantines, only technologies that are available to them are shown in the following table:
Unit strengths and weaknesses | |
---|---|
Strong vs. | Skirmishers, infantry, siege weapons, Light Cavalry |
Weak vs. | War Elephants, massed archers, heavy cavalry |
Upgrades | |
Attack | Forging (+1) Iron Casting (+1) Logistica (+6 attack against infantry and adds trample damage) |
Armor | Scale Barding Armor (+1/+1) Chain Barding Armor (+1/+1) Plate Barding Armor (+1/+2) |
Speed | Husbandry (+10%) |
Conversion defense | Faith Heresy |
Creation speed | Conscription (+33%) |
Upgrades | Elite Cataphract |
Team bonuses
- A team containing Berbers: With Kasbah researched, Cataphracts are created and upgraded 25% faster, and Conscription and Logistica are researched 25% faster.
- A team containing Bulgarians: Blacksmith upgrades are researched 50% faster.
- A team containing Huns: Researching Husbandry is 20% faster.
- A team containing Lithuanians: Faith and Heresy are researched 20% faster.
- A team containing Teutons: Cataphracts are more resistant to conversion.
Changelog
The Age of Kings
- Cataphracts train in 23 seconds.
- Cataphracts have a Rate of Fire of 2.0.
The Conquerors
- Cataphracts train in 20 seconds.
- Cataphracts have a Rate of Fire of 1.8 (1.7 for Elite).
- Cataphracts receive +12 (+16 for Elite) bonus defense against anti-cavalry attacks.
- Heresy technology introduced.
- Byzantines: Logistica technology introduced.
Trivia
- Having few weaknesses compared to other unique units, the Cataphract serves as a good introduction to the unique unit concept of the game to new players, similar to the civilization owning them.
- The Cataphract's beta model was modified and used for the Boyar in the Forgotten Empires mod.
- With 1.7 seconds reload time, Elite Cataphracts are the fastest attacking cavalry in game.
- The original Cataphract model, with mostly plate-armored rider and horse, was actually based on the late-Medieval Western European knights (e.g. French gendarmes).
- In the Definitive Edition, the Cataphract's model is more historically accurate, with lamellar-armored horse and rider wearing fewer plates over the mail.
History
“ | The Byzantine army carried on many of the military traditions of the old Roman Empire into the Middle Ages. This was a professional force that was well trained and well led. Officers studied tactics and command. The army was organized into formal units that maintained their own traditions for centuries. The best units in the Byzantine army were partially armored cavalrymen called cataphracts. They fought with several weapons, including the bow and sword. With plains to the east and north of their empire, the cataphract was ideally suited for combat against the unarmored cavalry of their enemies. The Byzantine army went into decline partially because it lost the plains of Asia Minor from which it had drawn both horses and cavalrymen for service as cataphracts. | ” |