When starting a new campaign, one of the most important decisions players can make is which civilization they will rule as. There are eight total civilization options available for players to choose from. These include the Abbasid Dynasty, Chinese, Delhi Sultanate, French, English, Holy Roman Empire, Mongols, and the Rus. We'll go over each of our top picks and what gives them an advantage.
The Abbasid Dynasty
The Abbasid Dynasty can be incredibly useful in certain situations due to their advantages on water. They can get docks within their cities for half of the price that is standard for the other civilizations, making travel and attack by boat well worth investing in. In particular, this group is especially powerful in more ocean-heavy maps. Outside of this, their special unit provides extra defense against cavalry troops.
Advantages of the Abbasid Dynasty
- Seaworthy - 50% off cost of Docks
- Camel Archers - take reduced damage from cavalry units.
The Holy Roman Empire
Players looking for an economic or religious civilization should consider the Holy Roman Empire. While not overpowering by any means, they make a decent choice for those focused on Wonder or Artifact wins. They are given a unit that makes their settlers more efficient and decent AOE warriors. Overall, they are a nice medium choice for someone looking for something that isn't over or underpowered.
Advantages of the Holy Roman Empire
- Cathedral Landmark
- Prelate - Inspires villagers to work 40% faster for 30 seconds.
- Landsknecht - Light infantry with two-handed sword.
The Mongols
Mongols can make a strong choice for players interested in a bit more strategy that pays off. They have advantages and disadvantages as a group such as not being able to build walls, but having cheaper traders. As a group, they have to be played more actively. Whether it's focusing on militarizing or trading, either way, these could be great routes to victory as the Mongols.
Advantages of the Mongols
- Charismatic - Two cheap trader options.
- Khan - Unit that fires signal arrows to nearby troops.
- Mangudal - Cavalry unit that can shoot arrows while moving.
The Rus
The Rus are one of the most popular choices in-game for a reason. They gain three special units that are all extremely useful in warfare. This includes one of the best gunpowder units, which are available in mid-game. Outside of general warfare, they still make a great choice, as they can beat back other groups to any type of win.
Advantages of the Rus
- Warrior Monk - Inspire nearby troops to boost their armor and damage.
- Lodya Ships - Can be converted into any other type of ship.
- Streltsy - Powerful gunpowder unit with heavy melee damage that is stronger when sitting still.
The French
Finally, the French make a great choice, especially with their military. Much like the Rus, they mainly have troop advantages. However, the French are more versatile with their powerful landmark and economic bonuses that increase as they survive to later ages. All in all, they are not only one of the easiest groups to play, but also somewhat overpowered.
Advantages of the French
- The School of Cavalry Landmark - Grants one stable in early game, then another in late game.
- Economic - Boosts their economy by 10% increasing by 5% for each following age.
- Royal Knights - Gains bonus damage for three seconds after a charge.
- Arbaletrier - Crossbow unit with a shield.
- Galleass - Large war galley
For more Age of Empires content, be sure to check out All Civilizations Mastery Achievements and Rewards in Age of Empires IV on Pro Game Guides.
India (Clay) MacGregor is a writer and artist, creating their own comic book series Harkøth's Blood. They are a lover of high fantasy in all mediums. India originally fell in love with games like Dungeons & Dragons, Morrowind, and Dragon Age in childhood. In 2018 they graduated from Full Sail University with their BFA in Creative Writing for Entertainment and have been writing ever since.