Elefante de Guerra

War Elephants are one of the most durable units in the game with 620 hit points when fully upgraded (over three times the hit points of a Paladin), as well as high melee attack (24) and trample damage. These factors combined make the unit the most population-efficient in the game. However, they move slowly and are vulnerable to units that deal damage at long range as a result. Even against melee units, they often struggle to force an engagement, as even infantry can run away from War Elephants. They are also one of the most expensive units in the game, with a very high training time for a Castle unit. Enemy Pikemen can defeat them cost-efficiently, though it will take a large group to take them down. Their slow speed also makes them vulnerable to Cavalry Archers, though it will take a while for the archers to kill them due to their high health and decent pierce armor. Mamelukes, with their high speed and anti-cavalry bonus, are an effective method of fighting War Elephants. Because they are big, move slowly and only have melee attack, siege weapons can be effective. Scorpions particularly do +6 (+8 for Heavy) bonus damage to War Elephants. Mangonels are effective against them, because the massive Elephants can hardly dodge the projectiles. The War Elephant has enough durability to sometimes make it to the siege, so said siege should always be backed by Pikemen. They can be converted by enemy Monks, and the Persians do not have access to Heresy, so they should always be deployed with ranged units or Light Cavalry. Kamayuks will also trade cost-effectively with War Elephants. Further, Flaming Camels deal bonus damage for a total of 200 damage (before armor and blast distance are taken into account) against Elephant units, and are thus extremely lethal against packed groups of War Elephants. All of these factors make the War Elephant one of the most situational unique units in the game. However, if the specific units required to counter them are dealt with, War Elephants are virtually unbeatable. This, coupled with their high durability, makes them excellent for pitched battles. It also aids them in knocking down buildings and defenses which they are virtually immune to.