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Steam News29 January 20265mo ago

A Deep Dive into the New Mapuche Civilization

Famed for their resistance against Spanish invasions during the Araucanian Wars, the Mapuche dominate the valleys near the southern Andes with deadly counter units and unique cavalry tactics.

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changedFamed for their resistance against Spanish invasions during the Araucanian Wars, the Mapuche dominate the valleys near the southern Andes with deadly counter units and unique cavalry tactics. Centuries of living in tune with their environment makes them adept foragers, and familiarity with the terrain lends them knowledge of the location of enemy Castles. True to their adaptive reputation, the Mapuche also leveraged horses and gunpowder weapons captured from defeated Spanish armies.
changedPre-Order Now!https://store.steampowered.com/app/3219700/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__The_Last_Chieftains/

Famed for their resistance against Spanish invasions during the Araucanian Wars, the Mapuche dominate the valleys near the southern Andes with deadly counter units and unique cavalry tactics. Centuries of living in tune with their environment makes them adept foragers, and familiarity with the terrain lends them knowledge of the location of enemy Castles. True to their adaptive reputation, the Mapuche also leveraged horses and gunpowder weapons captured from defeated Spanish armies.

Bonuses

  • Foragers drop off extra food.

  • Settlements can train the Spearman-line and Skirmishers.

  • Infantry, Slingers, and Skirmishers get increased HP in Feudal/Castle/Imperial Ages.

  • Cavalry generate extra gold per military unit killed.

  • Enemy Castles are revealed on the map.

  • Team BonusSpearmen and Skirmishers increased LoS.

Unique Units

Kona

The Mapuche still hold tribal tradition and history in high regard. Elite young warriors called konas were educated in physical combat and tribal history by the Weupife (the tribe historian). Though originally infantry, konas also mounted horses after their adoption from the Spanish.

This lance-wielding cavalryman deals bonus damage to wounded foes. Konas improve as a battle rages on, and excel at chasing down fleeing enemies.

Bolas Rider

In addition to typical arms like spears, bows, and clubs, Mapuche warriors used the bolas. Originally a hunting tool composed of two or three stones attached to the ends of a cord, the bolas could also be thrown at enemies to snare them before closing in for the kill.

This ranged cavalryman hurls bolas to slow down opponents. Bolas Riders make excellent raiders and can disrupt enemy forces with hit-and-run tactics.

Unique Technologies

Malon

A punitive raid carried out by Mapuche warriors, the malon hung like a dark cloud over the Mapuche’s Spanish foes. Its objectives could variously entail conquest, plunder, or revenge.

Effect: Bolas Riders, Slingers, and Skirmishers deal pass-through damage.

Butalmapu

When facing a new threat, Mapuche tribes formed the butalmapu. Far more than a mere military alliance, the butalmapu was a sacred pact that united the valiant Mapuche warriors under one banner.

Effect: Team unique units cost decreased.

Mapuche Castle

Mapuche Wonder

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Source

Steam News / 29 January 2026

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