When starting a new campaign, one of the most important decisions players can make is which civilization they will rule over. There are eight civilization options in total for players to choose from. These include the Abbasid dynasty, the Chinese, the Delhi Sultanate, the French, the English, the Holy Roman Empire, the Mongols and the Rus. We'll go over each of our top picks and what gives them an edge.
The lower dynasty
The Abbasid Dynasty can be incredibly useful in certain situations due to its advantages over water. They can get docks in their cities for half the standard price for other civs, which makes ship travel and raids worthwhile. In particular, this group is especially powerful in more oceanic maps. Apart from that, their special unit provides extra defense against cavalry troops.
Advantages of the Abbasid dynasty
- Seaworthy – 50% off dock cost
- Camels 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 overwhelming by any means, they make a decent choice for those focused on Wonder or Artifact wins. They receive a unit that makes their colonists more efficient and decent AOE warriors. All in all, they're a good middling choice for someone looking for something that isn't overpowering or overpowering.
Advantages of the Holy Roman Empire
- Cathedral landmark
- Prelate – Stimulates villagers to work 40% faster for 30 seconds.
- Landsknecht – Light infantry with two-handed sword.
Related: How to Heal Units in Age of Empires IV
The Mongols
The Mongols can make a solid choice for players interested in a bit more paying strategy. They have pros and cons as a group, like not being able to build walls, but having cheaper traders. As a group, they need to be played more actively. Whether it's focusing on militarization or trade, either way could be a great path to victory as Mongols.
Advantages of the Mongols
- Charismatic – Two cheap trader options.
- Khan – Unit that fires signal arrows at nearby troops.
- Mangudal - A cavalry unit that can shoot arrows while moving.
Russia
Rus are one of the most popular choices in the game for a reason. They gain three special units which are all extremely useful in war. This includes one of the best gunpowder units, which are available mid-game. Outside of general warfare, they still make a great choice, as they can push other groups back to any type of victory.
Advantages of Rus
- Warrior Monk – Stimulate nearby troops to increase their armor and damage.
- Lodya Ships – Can be converted to any other type of ship.
- Streltsy – Powerful gunpowder unit with heavy melee damage that is strongest when sitting still.
Related: All Military Units in Age of Empires IV
French
Finally, the French are making an excellent choice, especially with their soldiers. Just like the Rus, they mainly have troop advantages. However, the French are more versatile with their powerful landmarks and economic bonuses that increase as they survive older ages. Overall, they are not only one of the easiest bands to play, but also somewhat overpowering.
Benefits of French
- The School of Cavalry Landmark – Grants a stable in the early game, then another in the late game.
- Economical – Increases their economy by 10% increasing by 5% for each subsequent age.
- Royal Knights – Gain bonus damage for three seconds after a charge.
- Crossbowman – Crossbow unit with a shield.
- Galeasse – Great War Galley
For more Age of Empires content, be sure to check out all Civilization Mastery Achievements and Rewards in Age of Empires IV on Pro Game Guides.
