In Age of Empires IV, a rework of Joan of Arc has been promised for a long time. It seems they aren’t planning to make it anytime soon, so I decided to help with this. I hope this concept will truly be useful to them.

Rework of the French variant‑Civilization: “Joan of Arc” Concept

Joan of Arc automatically upgrades when advancing to the next Age.

Age I — Rest Joan is located in the Town Center, resting after being wounded.

Reason: After a battle, her legs are damaged — or perhaps they were always like that. Consumes: 10 food/min.

Meaning: From the very beginning, the player feels that Joan is the core and the main focus of the civilization.

Age II — “Crawling Threat” Joan’s condition stabilizes, and she emerges from the Town Center, but moves by crawling.

Speed: 0.98 Nearly immune to ranged units while crawling Unique Ability — “Ambush” Can burrow underground When an enemy appears nearby, she “emerges” Deals area‑of‑effect damage Meaning: Joan becomes a trap, a zone‑control tool, and a source of psychological pressure.

Age III — “Wheelchair and Joan’s Knights” Advancing through the Master Smiths’ Forge Unlocks Joan’s unique upgrades.

Automatically researched on Age III advance — “Wheelchair” Joan gains mobility — but cannot move on her own. She is assisted by Joan’s Champion:

Heavy infantry High defense Speed: 1.12 While transporting Joan: 1.44 Joan’s Weapon Choice Sword and Shield — attack speed 1.38 Bow — attack speed 1.12 Additional mechanic If Joan’s health drops below 40%, the wheelchair breaks. Joan moves by crawling again and can attack normally or burrow.

Age IV — “Engine of Victory”

Automatically researched on Age IV advance — “Engine of Victory” Joan moves independently.

Speed: 1.73 Weapon Evolution If Sword and Shield was chosen: Transforms into a two‑handed sword Attack speed remains unchanged Gains a cavalry lance when accelerating Charge damage: 72 Can activate the “Ram” ability She crashes into buildings, dealing ram‑type damage If Bow was chosen: Joan receives a handheld bombard Attack speed matches a regular bombard Each shot knocks her back 10 tiles A Champion can be ordered to fire it: Damage is higher, but the Champion dies immediately after the shot The bombard automatically returns to Joan

Landmarks

Age II Transition

1. “Infantry Academy” A barracks‑type building that allows training Joan’s Champions in the Feudal Age. They increase Joan’s crawling speed when nearby.

2. “Trade Chamber” Same as the French version.

Age III Transition “Royal Institute” Contains unique upgrades for Joan and Joan’s Knights. If Joan is not in combat, her wheelchair automatically repairs itself. Advancing to Age IV unlocks the final upgrade in the Royal Institute, which increases Joan’s speed to 2.0.

Guild Hall Same as the French version.

Age IV Transition

1. “Red Palace” A donjon‑type building that acts as a default red palace and can train Joan’s Royal Lancers. Stats: same as royal knight After defeat, the rider crawls like Joan Speed: 0.97

2. “Royal Laboratory” Allowing joan to use Acceleration charges — “Boosts”.

Allow even stronger lance charges Stabilize the bombard Joan is not knocked back 10 tiles while under the effect of the boosts

Strengths Powerful Joan Pressure through traps (yes, she can still use them even after getting the wheelchair) High mobility

Weaknesses They simply do not exist. Joan of Arc also retains all her pre‑rework abilities (except the legs).