There isn’t a definitive “best” civilization in Age of Empires II, as the effectiveness of a civilization depends on the player’s playstyle, strategy, and the specific map being played. However, there are some civilizations that are considered strong and versatile across various game modes and maps:
- Britons: They have strong archers with extra range, which makes them a popular choice for players who prefer ranged combat. Their unique unit, the Longbowman, is particularly effective at long-range engagements.
- Mayans: This civilization is known for its strong economy and powerful archers. The Mayans have a resource advantage, as their resources last longer, and their unique unit, the Plumed Archer, is fast and has high pierce armor.
- Aztecs: The Aztecs are a strong infantry civilization with a powerful economy. Their unique unit, the Jaguar Warrior, is effective against other infantry units. They also have access to strong Monks, making them a formidable force in the late game.
- Franks: They are a cavalry-focused civilization with a strong economy. The Franks’ unique unit, the Throwing Axeman, can be a versatile addition to their forces. Their knights are also more powerful, making them a popular choice for players who prefer heavy cavalry.
- Chinese: A versatile civilization with strong economy and access to a diverse tech tree. Their unique unit, the Chu Ko Nu, is a crossbowman that can shoot multiple arrows at once, making them effective against both infantry and other ranged units.
- Vikings: Known for their strong infantry and powerful navy, the Vikings are a popular choice for water maps. Their unique unit, the Berserker, is a fast and powerful infantry unit. Additionally, their Longboats are excellent at dominating waterways, making them a strong choice for maps with a significant naval component.
- Huns: A cavalry-focused civilization that can field large armies quickly. They don’t need houses, allowing them to save resources and build their economy faster. Their unique unit, the Tarkan, is effective at raiding and taking down enemy buildings.
- Ethiopians: This civilization has strong archers and a powerful siege line. Their unique unit, the Shotel Warrior, is a fast and high-damage infantry unit. They also gain free Pikemen and Halberdier upgrades, giving them an edge in early game engagements.
- Slavs: They are known for their strong infantry and siege units. Their unique unit, the Boyar, is a heavily armored cavalry unit that excels at taking down other cavalry and infantry units. Additionally, their siege weapons are more cost-effective, making them a formidable force in the late game.
Ultimately, the “best” civilization will depend on your playstyle, strategy, and the specific map you’re playing. It’s important to try different civilizations to find the one that best suits your preferences and to adapt your strategy according to the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen civilization.