The Knights Templar
The Knights Templar are a variant of Age of Empires IV’s French civilization and are available with the Knights of Cross and Rose expansion. Historically, this order was founded in 1119 to protect Pilgrims in their travels to Jerusalem. In the following centuries, the Knights Templar were recognized for their military might and vast wealth until King Philip IV of France began dismantling the order in 1307.
In Age of Empires IV, the Knights Templar establishes commanderies throughout Europe, allowing their allies to fight alongside them. Capable of constructing fearsome fortifications and fielding a diverse selection of units, the Knights Templar fight to defend sacred lands.
Playing the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar begins the Dark Age with one goal: prepare to defend Pilgrims journeying to nearby Sacred Sites. They do this by foraging for additional food provisions in nearby forests and establishing commanderies as they advance through the ages using the Templar Headquarters—the Templar Town Center.
Each Commanderie grants the Knights Templar access to a unique bonus and unit, tailoring both economy and military to the situation.
Constructing powerful Fortresses cements their control over the map, while providing inspiration to military troops and acting as Landmarks to guide Pilgrims in their travels.
The Knights Templar Units at a Glance
Templar Brother
The Templar Brother is an expensive, elite heavy cavalry unit with enhanced durability and damage.
Pilgrim
The Pilgrim generates gold by travelling from the Templar Headquarters to nearby Sacred Sites.
Hospitaller Knights
After establishing a commanderie, the Hospitaller Knights fight alongside the Knights Templar as men-at-arms both strong in combat and capable of healing injured units.
Templar Brother
The Templar Brother is an expensive, elite heavy cavalry unit with enhanced durability and damage.
Pilgrim
The Pilgrim generates gold by travelling from the Templar Headquarters to nearby Sacred Sites.
Hospitaller Knights
After establishing a commanderie, the Hospitaller Knights fight alongside the Knights Templar as men-at-arms both strong in combat and capable of healing injured units.
The Knights Templar through the Ages
Age I
The Dark Age begins by revealing the locations of all Sacred Sites and Relics. Utilize this information and the Templar’s ability to forage for food from forests to prepare the way for the Pilgrims.
Age II
Research the Safe Passage technology at the Templar Headquarters to begin escorting Pilgrims. Construct mighty Fortresses to secure the way and encourage more to take up the pilgrimage.
Age III
In the Castle Age, establish a commanderie in the Kingdom of Castile to inspire military units near Sacred Sites and call upon the Genitour—a ranged cavalry unit which excels against other ranged units.
Age IV
The Knights Templar do not have access to gunpowder units. Instead, they field formidable Trebuchets that can be deployed atop Fortresses through unique emplacements.