Aztecs

The Aztecs (Mexica) were a powerful central American nation that was well known for its conquest of neighbors. Their power was centered in Tenochtitlan, present day Mexico city.

In Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, Cuauhtemoc is a crafty opponent whose mood can change at a moment’s notice. Expect the unexpected when facing this aggressive Aztec ruler.

Civilization Bonuses

• Warrior Priests can occupy at the Community Plaza for greater effect.
• War Chief aura doubles the experience from nearby friendly units’ kills
• Starts with a Warrior Priest and all Trading Post sites visible

Unique Units

War Chief The Aztec War Chief is an infantry unit with a big attack, a lot of hitpoints, and no range. Because the Aztec War Chief does damage in melee combat, he is vulnerable to ranged attacks as he moves in close. The primary bonus for the War Chief is that all units near him earn extra Experience Points for kills.

Arrow Knight The Aztec Arrow Knight is a relatively slow infantry unit with a big attack, a lot of hitpoints, and a medium range. The Arrow Knight fires flaming arrows at long range and is particularly effective against buildings and artillery.

Coyote Runner The Coyote Runner is an agile, fast, armored warrior able to perform some of a true cavalry unit’s duties at lower cost. This unit is good against skirmishers and artillery. Because the Coyote Runner does damage in melee combat, it’s vulnerable to ranged attacks as it closes in.

Eagle Runner Knight The Eagle Runner Knight is an Aztec infantry unit with a good attack and decent range. The Eagle Runner Knight flings spears from an atlatl, and is good against cavalry.

Jaguar Prowl Knight The Jaguar Prowl Knight is an Aztec infantry unit with a big attack, a lot of hitpoints, and no range. Armed with an obsidian knife, the Jaguar Prowl Knight is good against cavalry and heavy infantry. He also has the Stealth ability.

Otontin Slinger The Aztec Otontin Slinger is an infantry unit with a good attack and decent range. The Otontin Slinger is best used for ranged attacks and is most effective against heavy infantry such as Musketeers and Pikemen. Wearing simple cotton armor and armed with slings and shields, the Otontin Slinger is the Aztec’s cheapest and weakest unit.

Puma Spearman The Puma Spearman is a spear-bearing infantry unit with decent hitpoints and damage, but no range. This unit does all of its damage in melee combat. Puma Spearmen are good against cavalry or buildings.

Skull Knight The Skull Knight is a slow-moving, elite infantry unit with a lot of hitpoints and no range. A powerful melee fighter, the Skull Knight is vulnerable to ranged attacks.

Warrior Priest The Warrior Priest is an infantry unit with a good melee attack. He has the ability to heal nearby units, and counts as two units when occupying the Community Plaza.

Tlaloc Canoe The Tlaloc Canoe is a fast ship unique to the Aztecs, with a lot of hitpoints and a high attack. It is very powerful against other ships, but vulnerable to buildings and land-based artillery. The Tlaloc Canoe is available in limited number after reaching the Industrial Age. Tlaloc Canoes have a special broadside attack during which all of their warriors launch projectiles in a deadly barrage. This attack must recharge after each use.

Unique Buildings

Nobles Hut The Nobles Hut is a more powerful version of the War Hut, with extra hitpoints and a higher attack. It’s also where the military units of the Aztec ruling classes are trained: the Aztec Knights. You can access these warriors in the third Age.

Unique ceremonies

Healing Ceremony Perform a Healing Ceremony to make idle units regenerate hitpoints.

Garland War Ceremony Perform a Garland War Ceremony to spawn Skull Knights.

Tenochtitlan, the Aztec Home City in Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition