Age of Empires 2 Civilizations Complete Guide

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is a classic real-time strategy game that offers players the chance to control one of 42 civilizations. The game includes all the civilizations from the base game “Age of Kings” and the various expansions like The Conquerors, The Forgotten, The African Kingdoms, Rise of the Rajas, Lords of the West, Dawn of the Dukes, and Dynasties of India.

Each of the Age of Empires 2 civilizations is unique, featuring one or two unique units and two unique technologies, as well as specific military strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, each civilization has a unique Wonder that can be built in-game, giving players even more options for customization and strategy.

In this guide, we will provide in-depth information about all the Age of Empires 2 civilizations, including their strengths and weaknesses, unique units and technologies, and strategies for using them effectively in the game. We will also explore the new features of the Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition and how it affects the gameplay and the civilizations. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, this article will give you all the information you need to excel with all the Age of Empires 2 civilizations.

Civilization Comparison Table (Age of Empires II)

Civilizations	Unique Unit	Unique Bonuses	Team Bonus	Unique Techs
Aztecs	Jaguar Warrior (infantry)	+3 Villager carrying capacity. +11% faster Military units production. +5 Monk HP per Monastery tech. +50 Starting gold.	Relics generate +33% gold
Bengalis	Ratha (cavalry archer/cavalry)	Elephants receive 25% less damage from bonuses and are more resistant to conversion. Town Centers will generate 2 additional villagers when advancing to the next age. Ships will regain 15 health points every minute. Monks will gain +3 armor and +3 in conversion resistance.	Trade units yield 10% food in addition to gold
Berbers	Camel Archer (cavalry archer) Genitour (mounted skirmisher)	10% movement speed for villagers. 15% cost reduction for stable units in Castle, 20% reduction in Imperial Age. 10% increased movement speed for ships.	Genitour available in the Archery Range starting in the Castle Age
Bohemians	Hussite Wagon (siege weapon) Houfnice (bombard cannon)	100 Wood reduction in cost for Blacksmiths and Universities Availability of Chemistry and Hand Cannoneer in Castle Age 25% increased damage dealt by Spearman-line units Villagers benefit from Fervor and Sanctity Technologies from Mining Camp are free.	80% work rate on Markets
Britons	Longbowman (archer)	50% reduction in cost for Town Centers starting in the Castle Age 1 additional range for foot archers (except skirmishers) in Castle and Imperial Age, for a total of 2 extra range 25% increased work speed for Shepherds	Archery Ranges work 20% faster
Bulgarians	Konnik (cavalry)	Free upgrades for Militia-line units 50% reduction in cost for Town Centers in terms of stone 50% food cost reduction for Blacksmith and Siege Workshop technologies Ability to construct Krepost building	Blacksmiths work 80% faster
Burgundians	Coustillier (cavalry) Flemish Militia (infantry)	Economic upgrades available one age earlier with 40% food cost reduction 50% cost reduction for stable technologies Availability of Cavalier upgrade in Castle Age 25% increased attack for Gunpowder units	Relics generate both Gold & Food
Burmese	Arambai (ranged cavalry)	Technologies from Lumber Camps are free Infantry units receive +1 attack per age, starting in the Feudal Age Battle Elephants have +1/+1P armor 50% cost reduction for Monastery technologies	Relics visible on the map at the start of the game
Byzantines	Cataphract (cavalry)	Buildings receive 10% increased HP in the Dark Age, 20% in Feudal, 30% in Castle and 40% in Imperial Age 25% cost reduction for Camel Riders, Skirmishers, Pikemen and Halberdiers 25% faster attack speed for Fire ships 33% cost reduction for advancing to Imperial Age Town Watch and Town Patrol are free.	Monks +100% heal speed
Celts	Woad Raider (infantry)	15% faster movement speed for Infantry units, starting in the Feudal Age 15% increased work speed for Lumberjacks 25% increased firing speed for Siege weapons Ability to steal sheep and prevent sheep stealing within the line of sight of one Celt unit.	Siege Workshops work 20% faster
Chinese	Chu Ko Nu (archer)	Starting with +3 villagers, 50 less wood, 200 less food 10% cost reduction for technologies in Feudal Age, 15% in Castle, 20% in Imperial Age Town Centers can support 10 population and have 5 additional line of sight 50% increased hit points for Demolition ships	Farms +10% food
Cumans	Kipchak (cavalry archer)	Ability to construct an additional Town Center in the Feudal Age Siege Workshop and Battering Ram available in Feudal Age and Capped Ram upgrade available in Castle Age 75 wood cost reduction for Archery Ranges and Stables 5% increased speed for Cavalry units each age, starting in the Feudal Age.	Palisade Walls +33% HP
Dravidians	Urumi Swordsman (infantry) Thirisadai (warship)	200 wood bonus when advancing to the next age Fishermen and Blessing Ships can carry 15 more resources 50% cost reduction for Barracks technologies 25% increased attack speed for Skirmishers and Elephant Archers	Docks provide +5 population room
Ethiopians	Shotel Warrior (infantry)	18% increased firing speed for Archers 100 gold and 100 food bonus when advancing to the next age Free upgrade for Pikemen	Towers and Outposts +3 line of sight
Franks	Throwing Axeman (infantry)	25% reduction in cost for Castles 20% increased hit points for Cavalry units, starting in the Feudal Age Technologies from Mills are free 15% increased work speed for Foragers	Knights +2 line of sight
Goths	Huskarl (infantry)	20% cost reduction for Infantry units in the Dark Age, 25% in Feudal, 30% in Castle, 35% in Imperial Age +1 attack for Infantry units vs. buildings per age, starting from the Feudal Age Villagers receive +5 attack vs. wild boar and Hunters carry 15 more meat Instant research for the Loom technology 10 additional population in Imperial Age	Barracks work 20% faster
Gurjaras	Chakram Thrower (infantry) Shrivamsha Rider (cavalry) Camel Scout (camel rider)	Start with 2 Forage Bushes Can garrison Mills with livestock to produce food Mounted units deal +20% bonus damage Feudal, +30% Castle, +40% Imperial Age Can garrison Docks with Fishing Ships	Camel and elephant units created 25% faster
Hindustanis	Ghulam (infantry) Imperial Camel Rider (camel rider)	10% cost reduction for Villagers in the Dark Age, 15% in Feudal, 20% in Castle, 25% in Imperial Age. 20% increased attack speed for Camel Riders +1/+1P armor for Gunpowder units Ability to construct Caravanserai in Imperial Age.	Camel and light cavalry units +2 attack vs. buildings
Huns	Tarkan (cavalry)	No need for houses but start with 100 less wood 10% cost reduction for Cavalry Archers in the Castle Age, 20% in Imperial Age 30% increased accuracy for Trebuchets.	Stables work 20% faster
Incas	Kamayuk (infantry) Slinger (archer)	No need for houses but start with 100 less wood 10% cost reduction for Cavalry Archers in the Castle Age, 20% in Imperial Age 30% increased accuracy for Trebuchets.	Spearmen and Skirmishers +2 line of sight
Italians	Genoese Crossbowman (archer) Condottiero (infantry)	15% cost reduction for advancing to the next age 33% cost reduction for Dock and University technologies 15% cost reduction for Fishing Ships 20% cost reduction for Gunpowder units.	Condottiero available in the Barracks in Imperial Age
Japanese	Samurai (infantry)	Double hit points and +2P armor for Fishing Ships and 5% increased work rate in Dark Age, 10% in Feudal, 15% in Castle, 20% in Imperial Age 50% cost reduction for Mills and Lumber/Mining Camps 33% increased attack speed for Infantry units starting in Feudal Age	Galleys +50% line of sight
Khmer	Ballista Elephant (mounted scorpion)	No need for buildings to advance to the next age or unlock other buildings Farmers can drop off food without the need of Mills or Town Centers 10% increased movement speed for Battle Elephants Villagers can garrison inside Houses.	Scorpions +1 range
Koreans	War Wagon (cavalry archer) Turtle Ship (war ship)	3 additional line of sight for Villagers 20% increased work speed for Stone Miners Free upgrades for Towers (Chemistry required for Bombard Tower) Free Archer armor upgrades 20% cost reduction for military units (excluding siege weapons) in terms of wood.	Mangonel-line minimum range reduced
Lithuanians	Leitis (cavalry) Winged Hussar (cavalry)	150 food bonus at start 10% increased movement speed for Spearman-line and Skirmishers Each garrisoned relic increases the attack of Knights and Leitis by 1 (maximum of +4).	Monasteries work 20% faster
Magyars	Magyar Huszar (cavalry)	Villagers can kill wolves with one strike Forging, Iron Casting, and Blast Furnace technologies are free 15% cost reduction for Scout Cavalry, Light Cavalry, and Hussar units.	Foot archers +2 line of sight
Malay	Karambit Warrior (infantry)	66% faster advancement to the next age 33% cost reduction and 3 times more food from Fish Traps 30% cost reduction for Battle Elephants in the Castle Age and 40% in the Imperial Age.	Docks +100% line of sight
Malians	Gbeto (infantry)	15% cost reduction for buildings in terms of wood 1 additional P armor for Barracks units per age, starting from the Feudal Age 30% longer lasting Gold Mines.	Universities work 80% faster
Mayans	Plumed Archer (archer) Eagle Warrior (infantry)	Starting with 1 additional villager, but 50 less food 15% longer lasting resources 10% cost reduction for Archers in Feudal Age, 20% in Castle, 30% in Imperial Age.	Walls cost -50%
Mongols	Mangudai (cavalry archer)	25% increased firing speed for Cavalry Archers. 30% increased hit points for Light Cavalry, Hussars, and Steppe Lancers. 40% increased work speed for Hunters.	Scout Cavalry, Light Cavalry, Hussar +2 line of sight
Persians	War Elephant (cavalry)	Starting with 50 bonus wood and food Town Center and Dock have double hit points and 10% increased work rate in Feudal Age, 15% in Castle, 20% in Imperial Age.	Knights +2 attack vs. Archers
Poles	Obuch (infantry) Winged Hussar (cavalry)	Villagers regenerate 5 HP per minute in Dark Age, 10 in Feudal, 15 in Castle and 20 in Imperial Age Folwark building replaces the Mill • Stone Miners also generate gold in addition to stone.	Scout Cavalry, Light Cavalry, Hussar +1 attack vs. Archers
Portuguese	Organ Gun (siege) Caravel (war ship)	20% cost reduction for all units in terms of gold Foragers generate wood in addition to food • 10% increased hit points for ships Ability to build Feitoria in Imperial Age.	Technologies researched 25% faster
Saracens	Mameluke (camel rider)	5% cost for market trades 100 wood cost reduction for Markets Double hit points and carry capacity for Transport Ships 25% faster attack speed for Galleys 10 additional hit points for Camel units.	Foot archers +2 attack vs. buildings
Sicilians	Serjeant (infantry)	Starting with 100 bonus stone Castles and Town Centers built 100% faster 33% less bonus damage for land military units (except siege weapons) Farm upgrades provide 100% additional food Donjon building replaces Watch Tower-line	Transport Ships +5 line of sight and cost -50%
Slavs	Boyar (cavalry)	10% increased work speed for Farmers Supplies are free 15% cost reduction for Siege Workshop units.	Military buildings provide +5 population room
Spanish	Conquistador (mounted hand cannoneer) Missionary (mounted Monk)	30% increased work speed for Builders Blacksmith upgrades are free Cannon Galleons receive the benefits of Ballistics (increased firing speed and accuracy) 18% increased firing speed for Gunpowder units.	Trade units generate +25% gold
Tatars	Keshik (raiding cavalry) Flaming Camel (petard)	50% increased food gathering for villagers from herdable animals New Town Centers spawn 2 Sheep starting in the Castle Age 25% increased damage dealt by units when fighting from higher elevations Thumb Ring and Parthian Tactics technologies are free.	Cavalry Archers +2 line of sight
Teutons	Teutonic Knight (infantry)	Monks have 2x healing range Towers can garrison 2x units Murder Holes and Herbal Medicine technologies are free 40% cost reduction for Farms Town Center can garrison 10 units +1 armor for Barracks and Stable units in Castle and Imperial Age, for a total of 2 extra armor	Units resist conversion
Turks	Janissary (hand cannoneer)	25% increased hit points for Gunpowder units; 50% cost reduction for researching gunpowder technologies and Chemistry technology is free. 20% increased work speed for Gold Miners. 1 additional P armor for Scout Cavalry, Light Cavalry and Hussar units. Free upgrades for Light Cavalry and Hussar units.	Gunpowder units created 25% faster
Vietnamese	Rattan Archer (archer) Imperial Skirmisher (skirmisher)	Enemy positions revealed at the start of the game Economic upgrades require no wood 20% increased hit points for units from Archery Ranges Conscription technology is free	Imperial Skirmisher upgrade available in the Imperial Age
Vikings	Berserk (infantry) Longboat (warship)	15% cost reduction for Warships in Feudal Age, 15% in Castle Age and 20% in Imperial Age 20% increased hit points for Infantry units starting in Feudal Age Wheelbarrow and Hand Cart technologies are free.	Docks cost -15%

Unique Units and Technologies

Each civilization in Age of Empires 2 has its own unique units and technologies that set it apart from the others, and each of these Age of Empires 2 civilizations give their own distinct playstyle and strategy.

For example, the Byzantine civilization has access to the Cataphract, a heavily-armored cavalry unit with high hitpoints and damage, while the Persian civilization has access to the War Elephant, a powerful unit that deals high damage to buildings and infantry.

The Chinese civilization has access to the Chu Ko Nu, a unique archer unit that fires multiple arrows at once, and the Chinese civilization also has access to the Rocketry technology which allows their Scorpions to fire rockets.

Military Strengths and Weaknesses

In addition to unique units and technologies, each civilization also has its own set of military strengths and weaknesses. These strengths and weaknesses should be taken into account when choosing a civilization and planning your strategy.

For example, the Teutons civilization has a strong infantry, but weak archers, while the Britons civilization has strong archers, but weak infantry. The Aztecs civilization has strong infantry and strong archers, but no cavalry access. The Celts civilization has strong infantry and siege weapons but weak archers and cavalry.

Understanding a civilization’s military strengths and weaknesses can help you to effectively use that civilization in battle and to counter the strengths and exploit the weaknesses of your opponents’ civilizations.

Where to find Civilization weaknesses and strengths?

Gameplay Strategies

Tips for Using Each Civilization Effectively

Byzantine: The best defensive civilization and high potential at countering all units. You can easily counter cavalry civilizations by spamming cheap camels; counter archery/cavalry archer civilizations by spamming cheap skirmishers and spearman lines. Counter all infantry units including halberdiers with your unique unit Cataphract. This could be by far the best civilization if you plan your strategy and make unit transitions on time.

Persians: does not only have the best booming potential due to villagers queuing faster from town centers but also the best elephants in the game which you can spam in closed maps like black forest and be unstoppable. Military wise, their knights get +2 free bonus damage against archery units and their unique castle age technology lets them create archers without any gold cost which should buy you time against enemy pikemen or camels.

Chinese: Make use of the Chu Ko Nu’s high rate of fire by using them to take down enemy archers, and use their unique technology, Rocketry, to boost the Scorpions’ attack power. Use their unique unit, the Elite Chu Ko Nu, to take down large groups of enemy units.

These tips will give you a starting point for using each civilization effectively, but remember that each game is different and you should adapt your strategy accordingly.

Strategies for Different Game Modes and Opponents

Deathmatch: In this game mode, the goal is to eliminate all other players. Choosing a civilization that has strong military units and technologies, such as the Aztecs or the Celts, can give you an advantage in this mode.

Wonder Race: In this game mode, the goal is to be the first player to build a Wonder. Choosing a civilization that has strong economic bonuses, such as the Chinese or the Persians, can give you an advantage in this mode.

Defend the Wonder: In this game mode, the goal is to protect your Wonder while trying to destroy the opponent’s Wonder. Choosing a civilization that has strong defensive bonuses, such as the Teutons or the Britons, can give you an advantage in this mode.

Against a civilization with strong archers: against a civilization with strong archers, choosing a civilization that has strong anti-archer units, such as the Aztecs, Goths or Celts. Or a surprise/fast attack with Sieges Rams and Skirmishers is the most devastating.

Against a civilization with strong cavalry: against a civilization with strong cavalry, choosing a civilization that has strong anti-cavalry units, such as any camel civilization: Persians or Berbers. Or infantry civilizations with unique bonuses for instance Japanese high attack speed Halberdiers, or cheap Halberdiers from Goths and Byzantines.

Against a civilization with strong infantry: against a civilization with strong infantry, choosing an archery civilization or a civilization with strong anti-infantry units, such as the Byzantine Cataphract or the Celtic Woad Raiders, or technologies that can boost the attack power of your units like Aztecs +4 attack damage from the unique tech “Garland Wars”.

Roles of Civilizations in Team Games

• The Byzantine civilization can serve as a spearhead for your army, thanks to its trash units and unique technology, Logistica.
• The Persian civilization can serve as a siege breaker, thanks to its strong War Elephant and unique technology, Mahouts.
• The Chinese civilization can serve as a strong archer civilization, thanks to its Chu Ko Nu and unique technology, Rocketry.
• The Teutons civilization can serve as a strong defensive civilization, thanks to its strong infantry and unique technology, Ironclad.
• The Britons civilization can serve as a strong archer civilization, thanks to its Longbowman and unique technology, Yeomen.
• The Aztecs civilization can serve as a strong infantry civilization, thanks to its Jaguar Warrior and unique technology, Garland Wars.
• The Celts civilization can serve as a strong all-around civilization, thanks to its strong infantry, archers, and cavalry.
• The Berbers civilization can serve as a strong cavalry civilization, thanks to its Camel Archer and unique technology, Kasbah.
• The Khmer civilization can serve as a strong siege and defensive civilization, thanks to its Ballista Elephant and unique technology, Imperial Age.
• The Cumans civilization can serve as a strong cavalry civilization, thanks to its Tarkhan and unique technology, Keshik.

These are just general guidelines, and in team games, it is important to coordinate with your allies and to adapt your strategy to the overall strategy of your team.

Definitive Edition Changes

Overview of Changes in the Latest Version

The latest version of Age of Empires 2, Definitive Edition, includes a number of changes and improvements to the game, including 4K graphics, new and remastered sound and music, new civilizations, and new game modes. Some of the key changes include:

• A new civilization, the Lithuanians, was added to the game, featuring unique units such as the Winged Hussar and the Ballista, and unique technologies such as Battle Cry and Winged Hussars.
• The AI was improved, making the computer-controlled opponents more challenging and adaptive.
• A new game mode, Historical Battles, was added to the game, allowing players to replay famous battles from history.
• A new game mode, The Art of War, was added to the game, featuring new challenges and scenarios.
• The game’s graphics and sound were updated, making the game look and sound better than ever before.

Impact on Gameplay and Civilizations

The changes in the Definitive Edition of Age of Empires 2 have a significant impact on the gameplay, particularly when it comes to the Age of Empires 2 civilizations. The addition of new civilizations, such as the Lithuanians, and game modes, such as Historical Battles, adds more variety and replayability to the game.

The new civilizations have unique units, technologies, and strengths and weaknesses that can change the way the game is played. The improvements to the AI make the game more challenging and engaging, and the new graphics and sound make the game more immersive and enjoyable.

Overall, the changes in the Definitive Edition make Age of Empires 2 a more complete and enjoyable game for players of all skill levels, particularly for those who are interested in exploring the different Age of Empires 2 civilizations.

Best Civilizations for different level of players

Beginner-friendly Civilizations

Britons: Their strong archers and unique technology, Yeomen, make them a good choice for beginners who are still learning the game.

Huns: They don’t need houses , have cheap cavalry archers and stables work 20% faster – make them a good choice for beginners who are still learning the game.

Persians: They start with +100 food and +50 wood, and town centers queue villager faster each age – make them a good choice for beginners who are still learning the game.

Intermediate-level Civilizations

Franks: Their strong infantry and unique technology, Chivalry, make them a good choice for intermediate players who want to focus on a strong ground-based army.

Goths: Their strong infantry and unique technology, Perfusion, make them a good choice for intermediate players who want to focus on a strong ground-based army.

Khmer: Their strong siege and defensive capabilities and unique technology, Imperial Age, make them a good choice for intermediate players who want to focus on strong siege and defensive capabilities.

Advanced-level Civilizations

Vikings: Their strong navy and unique technology, Berserking, make them a good choice for advanced players who want to focus on naval warfare.

Tatars: Their strong cavalry and unique technology, Keshik, make them a good choice for advanced players who want to focus on cavalry-based warfare.

Cumans: Their strong cavalry and unique technology, Steppe Husbandry, make them a good choice for advanced players who want to focus on cavalry-based warfare.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed various aspects of Age of Empires 2 civilizations including the number of civilizations in the game, unique units and technologies, military strengths and weaknesses, gameplay strategies, and changes in the Definitive Edition. We also discussed the best civilizations for different level of players, and tips for using each civilization effectively.