The Ottomans
The Ottoman civilization benefits strongly from their military prowess, their Imperial Council system, as well as their unique Military School system.
In Age of Empires IV, the civilization of the Ottomans spans the years from the pre-imperial Ottoman Empire period in the 11th century CE to the mid-16th century CE. Originating in Anatolia, the Ottomans rose to become one of the longest lasting empires in history with its effective and stable government, supported by a famously well-trained and regimented military.
Playing the Ottomans in Age IV
The Ottoman civilization is heavily dependent on their military expertise, gaining the upper hand in battle with production bonuses, and the largest gunpowder siege weapons available.
The Ottomans can appoint powerful Viziers to their Imperial Council which give them access to 9 unique technologies. Each Vizier is earned over time by increasing production, and strategic decisions must be made when choosing which technologies to unlock.
Their unique Military School system changes how military units are produced and even allows certain military units to be produced without cost. This unique system allows the Ottomans to have a larger army than is typical amongst other civilizations.
The Ottoman Units at a Glance
Great Bombard
The Great Bombard is the most dominant siege weapon available across the many civilizations, making easy work of enemy walls and keeps with its nearly 1,000-pound splash-damage-causing projectile.
While powerful, it is more likely than other siege units to be destroyed if not properly defended, inflicting a heavy economic loss.
Mehter
The Mehter is a unique horseback war drummer unit that provides an aura buff to units around it.
This buff can be Attack Speed, Melee Armor, or Ranged Armor. While only one buff may be applied at a time, it’s possible to switch between them after a short cooldown.
Sipahi
The Sipahi is a fearless light raider horseman unit who charges into battle with vigor. Their Fortitude ability when activated causes increased attack strength for a short period of time, at the cost of receiving increased damage from melee attacks.
Great Bombard
The Great Bombard is the most dominant siege weapon available across the many civilizations, making easy work of enemy walls and keeps with its nearly 1,000-pound splash-damage-causing projectile.
While powerful, it is more likely than other siege units to be destroyed if not properly defended, inflicting a heavy economic loss.
Mehter
The Mehter is a unique horseback war drummer unit that provides an aura buff to units around it.
This buff can be Attack Speed, Melee Armor, or Ranged Armor. While only one buff may be applied at a time, it’s possible to switch between them after a short cooldown.
Sipahi
The Sipahi is a fearless light raider horseman unit who charges into battle with vigor. Their Fortitude ability when activated causes increased attack strength for a short period of time, at the cost of receiving increased damage from melee attacks.
The Ottomans through the Ages
Age 1
From Age 1, the Ottomans are able to construct the Military School, a civilization unique structure. Military Schools produce units for free, but at a much slower rate than normal. You can select which type of Barracks, Stables, or Archery Range unit to produce and the Military School will continually produce them over time.
Age 2
In Age 2, the Ottomans accelerate their economy by choosing a landmark which either helps to increase food or gold production. The Ottomans can start producing the Sipahi unit and the Mehter unit, providing early military prowess to help the Ottomans power through to later Ages.
Age 3
In Age 3, the Ottomans can start producing siege weapons through the Tophane Armory landmark, or help expand their empire with strategic options from the Imperial Council system. The unique Janissary unit (the Ottoman civilization specific Handcannoneer) also becomes available.
Age 4
In Age 4, the Ottomans are in full production to fuel their military force; and with their landmark choices the player has either increased unit production speed or faster traders. With even more resources at their disposal, the Ottoman army can dominate the field and flatten enemy towns with the greatest siege engine of its time – the Great Bombard.