The Colombian Andes await your command. The Muisca civilization in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition's The Last Chieftains expansion brings a fascinating blend of economic strength, religious fervor, and devastating ranged combat to your arsenal. Whether you're defending sacred temples or crushing invaders with javelin volleys, the Muisca reward players who balance piety with aggression.
What Makes the Muisca Unique?
The Muisca stand apart from other civilizations through their exceptional economic capabilities combined with deadly ranged soldiers. Historically, they were renowned traders and farmers who built sophisticated societies in the Colombian highlands. In game, this translates to a civilization that can outproduce opponents while fielding some of the most resilient skirmisher units available.
You'll also gain access to Settlements, a new building type shared among The Last Chieftains civilizations. These structures support population and serve as drop sites for all resources, giving you incredible flexibility in base expansion and resource management.
AoE2 The Last Chieftains: Muisca Civilization Guide
How Do Guecha Warriors Work?
The Guecha Warrior is your primary unique unit, trained at the Castle. These elite skirmishers were the premier fighting force of Muisca society, equipped with thick cotton armor, long shields, and javelins that pack serious punch.
Key Characteristics
The regeneration mechanic is what truly sets Guecha Warriors apart. Whenever a nearby Guecha Warrior falls in battle, surviving warriors heal themselves. This creates a fascinating dynamic where your army actually becomes harder to kill as the fight drags on.
AoE2 The Last Chieftains: Muisca Civilization Guide
Why Are Temple Guards So Versatile?
Your second unique unit, the Temple Guard, offers something no other civilization possesses: a heavy infantry unit trainable at both the Barracks and the Monastery. These humble guardians wield pole weapons resembling long war picks made of tumbaga, an alloy of gold and copper.
Temple Guard Combat Mechanics
Temple Guards channel their religious fervor into combat through an attack speed mechanic. The longer they remain fighting, the faster they attack. This makes them exceptional defenders who become increasingly dangerous the more enemies throw at them.
This dual production capability gives you tremendous flexibility when defending against rushes or holding key positions on the map.
AoE2 The Last Chieftains: Muisca Civilization Guide
What Regional Units Do Muisca Share?
The Last Chieftains introduces several regional units available to all three new civilizations plus the reworked Inca. Understanding these shared tools helps you adapt strategies across different matchups.
Champi Warrior
The Champi Warrior replaces your starting Scout and serves as the backbone of South American armies. Armed with a mace featuring a round or star shaped head, these warriors excel against ranged soldiers thanks to their high pierce armor and solid attack.
Press H to select your Town Center and queue Champi Warriors at the Barracks once you've established your initial economy. Their fantastic mobility and ability to construct Outposts makes them perfect for early map control.
Slinger
Slingers provide affordable ranged support, giving you options before reaching Castle Age for Guecha Warriors. Use them to harass enemy villagers or support your Champi Warriors during early skirmishes.
How Should You Build Your Economy?
The Muisca's economic bonuses reward careful resource management. Here's a recommended build order for standard games:
- Queue villagers immediately at your Town Center using H then Q
- Send your Champi Warrior to scout while first villagers gather sheep
- Build a Settlement near secondary resources once you have 6 to 8 villagers on food
- Research Loom before advancing if you expect early aggression
- Advance to Feudal Age with approximately 22 villagers
What's the Best Army Composition?
Your ideal army varies based on what your opponent fields, but the Muisca excel with ranged heavy compositions supported by Temple Guards.
Against Archer Civilizations
Guecha Warriors absolutely demolish archer masses. Their high pierce armor lets them close distance while taking minimal damage, and their javelins shred lightly armored ranged units. Mix in a few Temple Guards to handle any melee units your opponent sends to protect their archers.
Against Cavalry Civilizations
This matchup requires more finesse. Guecha Warriors struggle against heavy cavalry, so you'll need to rely more heavily on Temple Guards and standard counter units like Pikemen. Use your Champi Warriors for scouting and picking off isolated cavalry rather than direct engagement.
Against Infantry Civilizations
Your Guecha Warriors can kite infantry effectively while Temple Guards hold the line. The regeneration mechanic shines here since infantry battles tend to be prolonged affairs where your Guecha Warriors continuously heal.
How Do Muisca Campaigns Play?
The Muisca campaign follows Commander Pacanchique through the turbulent civil wars between northern and southern Muisca territories during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. What makes this campaign unique is the branching narrative.
You'll choose whether to side with the noble Nemequene or the greedy Quemuenchatocha, experiencing different missions and outcomes based on your decision. This replayability factor makes the Muisca campaign worth completing multiple times.
AoE2 The Last Chieftains: Muisca Civilization Guide
Key Takeaways for Muisca Success
Mastering the Muisca requires understanding their unique strengths:
- Guecha Warriors regenerate health when nearby Guecha die, rewarding tight formations
- Temple Guards attack faster the longer they fight, making them exceptional defenders
- Settlements provide flexible resource drop sites for all resources
- Champi Warriors offer early game map control and can build Outposts
The Muisca reward patient players who build strong economies and leverage their unique regeneration and attack speed mechanics. Focus on sustaining engagements rather than quick strikes, and you'll find yourself dominating the Colombian Andes in no time.