Murder Holes in Age of Empires II – A Defensive Masterclass

The strategic depth of Age of Empires II (AOE2) has captivated players for decades, with countless hours spent mastering its intricacies. But amidst the bustling battles, resource management, and technological advancements, a seldom-discussed, yet crucial, aspect of defense lies within the “murder holes” – a silent testament to the cunning of medieval fortifications.

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While most players focus on powerful units and aggressive tactics, the true masters of AOE2 understand that defense can be just as potent as offense. This is where murder holes emerge as a deceptively simple yet remarkably effective defensive tool, playing a crucial role in shaping the outcome of many battles. But what exactly are they, and why are they so important in AOE2?

Unveiling the Mystery: What are Murder Holes?

Murder holes, often called “machicolations” in historical context, are small, usually unobserved openings in a castle wall or tower. These openings are designed to inflict damage on attackers who attempt to scale the fortifications. Think of them as concealed “death traps,” waiting to spring into action.

In essence, these holes function like a medieval “sniper nest.” They allow defenders to launch a surprise attack on unsuspecting attackers positioned below. The advantage is tremendous, as the defenders have a clear line of sight and the element of surprise, allowing them to inflict significant damage without exposing themselves to attack.

Murder Holes in Age of Empires II: From History to Gameplay

While inspired by historical defensive architecture, AOE2’s implementation of murder holes emphasizes strategic gameplay rather than strict historical accuracy. In the game, murder holes are represented as small, arched structures built within castle walls, designed to amplify the defensive power of these iconic fortifications. Their strategic utility lies in their ability to give defenders a significant tactical advantage over attackers attempting to breach castle walls.

The Mechanics of Murder Holes in AOE2:

Here’s how murder holes work in the game:

1. Placement: Murder holes are built within existing Castle walls and Towers. This means that they are not standalone structures but rather integral parts of a larger defensive complex.
2. Defensive Advantage: When enemies attempt to attack your castle walls, the walls will automatically inflict damage on them. Additionally, any ranged units stationed within the walls will gain additional attack range, thanks to the murder holes.
3. Strategic Importance: This extra attack range, combined with the inherent defensive strength of castle walls, makes them potent tools for defending against attacks, especially from melee units.
4. Unit Compatibility: While any ranged unit can utilize murder holes for added range, units like Crossbowmen and Hand Cannoneers benefit the most due to their powerful ranged capabilities.
5. Counter-Strategy: Siege weapons, particularly Trebuchets and Onagers, are remarkably effective against castle walls and murder holes. Their high damage output can quickly break down the fortifications, negating the advantage provided by murder holes.

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The Evolution of Murder Hole Strategies

As AOE2’s competitive scene has matured, players have become increasingly innovative in their use of murder holes. While traditionally used as a defensive tool, clever players have incorporated them into their offensive strategies too. For example, players have used murder holes to create “chokepoints” in their base, funneling enemy units into areas where they are vulnerable to attack.

The latest trend in murder hole strategies involves using them in conjunction with specific unit compositions and siege weapons. For example, players are using murder holes alongside Hand Cannoneers to create a powerful, long-range defensive force. Another novel strategy entails using murder holes to protect Trebuchets, allowing them to bombard the enemy’s base from a safe distance. These innovative tactics have added a layer of depth and complexity to the game, making AOE2 increasingly strategic and engaging.

Tips for Mastering Murder Holes in AOE2

To truly benefit from murder holes, you need to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Here are some tips to make you a master of murder hole defenses:

• Strategic Placement: Placing murder holes in areas where enemies are likely to attack is crucial. Consider their attack path and place your loopholes accordingly.
• Effective Unit Choice: Choose units that can take advantage of the extra range provided by murder holes. As mentioned earlier, Hand Cannoneers and Crossbowmen are incredibly effective in this regard, but other units like Archers and Skirmishers can be effective as well.
• Defensive Mindset: Avoid using murder holes offensively. They are primarily intended as defensive structures, and trying to force an attack will likely result in losses. Instead, utilize them to their full potential by strategically defending your base.
• Counter-Siege Strategies: Remember, siege weapons can negate the advantage provided by murder holes. Be prepared to counter them with effective anti-siege units like Monks or a combination of ranged and melee units.

FAQ: Murder Holes in AOE2

Q: Are murder holes only effective against melee units?

A: While they are particularly strong against melee units, they can be useful against ranged units like archers and skirmishers, especially if those units lack the attack range to hit your walls.

Q: Do murder holes have a role in the late game?

A: Yes, even in the late game, where powerful units like Paladins and Siege Onagers dominate the battlefield, murder holes can still provide a significant defensive advantage, especially when combined with the right unit composition.

Q: Is there an optimal number of murder holes to build?

A: The number of murder holes you build should be determined by the type of attack you anticipate and the resources you have available. Generally, building them at strategic points is important, focusing on key chokepoints and areas where attackers are likely to concentrate their forces.

Murder Holes Aoe2

Conclusion

Murder holes are a crucial element of defensive strategy in Age of Empires II. They add a layer of depth and complexity to the gameplay, rewarding players who understand how to use them effectively. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, mastering the art of murder holes is a crucial step towards becoming a truly skilled AOE2 player.

Are you interested in learning more about murder hole strategies or other advanced AOE2 tactics? Let us know in the comments below!