Double-Bit Axe is a technology in Age of Empires II that can be researched at the Lumber Camp or Mule Cart once the Feudal Age is reached. Once researched, it allows Villagers to gather wood 20% faster.
Bow Saw is the further upgrade of this technology.
Strategy[]
Double-Bit Axe has been referred to as one of the most important upgrades in the game.[1] Wood is a vital resource used for most purchases in the game (from Farms, to archers, most economic upgrades, and other buildings) and increasing the gather rate for this resource essentially affects the player's whole economy, allowing them to purchase more of everything available to them.
While this upgrade does not provide any direct improvement to a player's power (perhaps like increasing in Age might provide civilization bonuses), due to its relatively low expense and high long-term benefit it is researched as soon as it can be fitted in. At the time period when it becomes available, no additional Town Centers can be built, so there are usually not enough Villagers available to completely satisfy the player's resource needs. Double-Bit Axe can push the player towards even bigger armies or a surplus of resources. Alternatively, it can allow Villagers to be redistributed to other resources of strategic priority while still allowing enough wood to be collected to sustain the player's Farms.
Civilization bonuses[]
Armenians: Double-Bit Axe is 40% more effective.- Burgundians: Can research Double-Bit Axe in the Dark Age. Double-Bit Axe costs -33% food.
- Burmese: Double-Bit Axe is free.
- Chinese: Double-Bit Axe is 5%/10%/15% cheaper in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
- Spanish: Receive 20 gold after researching Double-Bit Axe.
- Vietnamese: Researching Double-Bit Axe is 100% faster and costs no wood.
Team bonuses[]
- Portuguese: Researching Double-Bit Axe is 25% faster.
Changelog[]
Rise of the Rajas[]
- Vietnamese: Double-Bit Axe costs the regular price.
Definitive Edition[]
- Vietnamese: With update 35584, Double-Bit Axe costs no wood.
- Portuguese: With update 42848, all technologies are researched 30% faster.
Lords of the West[]
- Burgundians: With update 47820, Double-Bit Axe costs -50% food.
Dynasties of India[]
- Burgundians: With update 66692, Double-Bit Axe costs -40% food. With update 78174, Double-Bit Axe costs -33% food.
Return of Rome[]
- Vietnamese: With update 87863, researching Double-Bit Axe is 100% faster.
History[]
| “ | The double-bit axe had blades, or bits, on both sides. It was a large, heavy axe that speeded the cutting of trees. With two cutting edges, woodcutters could switch bits when one became dull and then sharpen both at the same time. Cutters worked faster and more efficiently with the double-bit axe. | ” |
References[]
- ↑ AoE2: Understanding Economic Upgrades. Harvest Build Destroy. Published 23 Nov 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019
