Age of Empires 2 found new life when the Definitive Edition launched in 2019. The previous HD Edition was a more modern version of the original game, graphical warts and all, but the Definitive Edition arrived with new graphics, an updated soundtrack, new architecture, and best of all, new civilizations.
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But with so many civilizations to choose from, some are bound to be better than others, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out. This isn’t a ranking of the civilizations exclusive to the Definitive Edition, but you can think about it as a ranking of all the civilizations from the Age of Kings to the Definitive Edition.
Updated March 22, 2025, by Emily McElroy: Sometimes the course of true love doesn’t run true. For those who are uninterested in romance, we have something that’s just as fun: crushing your enemies and salting their fields in the wake of your war machine. Age of Empires 2 is legendary in the real-time strategy genre, and it is still just as fun today as it was when it was first released.
19
Romans
SPQR, Baby
Rome is a infantry focused civilization, so invest in the raw power of the empire to seal your success. Their unique unit, the Centurion, are sturdy little soldiers that can smash through the best of lines, while the Ballistas can finish off anything else from far away.
In terms of civilization, Romans gather and build five percent faster than the average citizen. Add that to the military might of Rome and you’re sure to conquer the world. Hail Caesar!
18
Japanese
Samurai And Ships
The Japanese civilization is an adept infantry-focused civilization that can be devastating in the right hands. The unique unit for this civilization is the Samurai, which is a speedy unity that is fantastic against most melee units. You can use them to quickly crush any threats in your way.
Japanese units become even faster once you hit the Feudal era, as the culture has a boost to infantry attacks starting from that phase on. Interestingly enough, many of the features from this version of the Japanese civilization returned in later Age of Empires games. If it works, it works.
17
Spanish
For Glory And Gold
If there’s one thing the Spanish civilization can do, it’s bring the boom. This civilization is focused on gunpowder and monks (you know, because the two go together). Their gunpowder units fire faster than most, and their blacksmith upgrades don’t cost gold. Their Cannon Galleons can even track moving projectiles.
For those who can’t be shot down, the special unit Conquistadors will be happy to handle. If you want to play more diplomatic, send in the Monks. Spanish Monks are some of the best in the game, and allow for a different playstyle.
16
Poles
Farms And Churches
If you want to ride with the Poles, you have to truly ride since this civilization is based around cavalry. They have access to massive discounts for certain cavalry units through their special Szlachta Privileges. Add in food-related discounts for other cavalry units, and you’re on your way to a powerful army.
Their special unit is the Folwark, which is an upgrade to the Mill building. While this might not sound glamorous, every empire is built on the stomachs of its citizens. Make sure you feed your people well, and they will reward you with a winning game – that is the true strategy of the Poles civilization.
15
Berbers
The Sailors Of The Desert
The Berber civilization is the perfect civilization for those who like to move fast and hit hard. This civilization focuses on speed with their mounted soldiers – with their special unit, the Camel Archer, being notorious for trampling their foes underfoot in their haste.
Berber villagers move faster than other villagers, allowing them to quickly do their work or to quickly flee from any oncoming danger. Berber ships also move faster, allowing this civilization to get the drop on any who oppose them.
14
Franks
Let Us Be Frank
The Franks are a powerful cavalry civilization whose horse units get an added 20 percent HP once the Feudal Age begins. The Franks are also able to collect food at a faster pace, thanks to free Mill technologies and 15 percent faster foraging. One of the best things about them, though, is their Castle. Frankish Castles can be built for just 488 stone instead of the usual 650 price.
The Castle is where you can create the Franks’ unique unit — the Throwing Axeman — which hits enemies hard. Use the Bearded Axe unique tech for additional throwing range and the Franks’ Chivalry upgrade for speedier Stable activities. Their team bonus is the only thing keeping the Franks from being higher on this list. A +2 line of sight to Knights for you and your allies is fine, but it won’t set the world on fire.
The Franks are a good starting civilization due to their diverse options and defensive capabilities.
13
Koreans
The Fort In The Mountains
The Koreans are a defensive nation with the added bonus of the tremendous Turtle Ship. And while those silly War Wagons have no historical basis, they’re still quite challenging for enemies to handle.
Defensively, the Koreans can upgrade their towers for free (considering that the Bombard Tower requires the Chemistry upgrade), and their Watch Towers, Guard Towers, and Keeps all have a +2 range. Overall, the Koreans are a good choice if you’re a beginner who wants to play a somewhat slower game.
You can feed your defensive capabilities with stone – Koreans get a 20 percent boost to harvesting stone.
12
Tatars
Creme Of Tartars
The Tatars are one of the unique civilizations in the Age of Empires 2. They aren’t too adept at infantry and conversion resistance, as they don’t have any Faith in-game, but they do have some of the best cavalry units the game offers.
Just think about the Keshik, the only cavalry unit that generates gold with each attack it performs — great for those late-game moments when you can’t find any gold mines. Also, with their Timurid Siegecraft technology, you’ll receive a +2 on all your Trebuchet range and unlock the Flaming Camel unit.
Keep moving with the Tartars – it’ll keep you making plenty of money.
11
Byzantines
The Vengance Of Constantinople
The Byzantines are another largely defensive civilization. Their buildings start with ten percent additional HP, which increases by ten with every additional age you advance. While their cavalry lacks upgrades, you might not need many anyway since their unique unit, the Cataphract, is one of the most powerful units in the game, especially once you research Blast Furnace at the Blacksmith. The Cataphract is also more effective and less vulnerable to anti-cavalry units like Spears and Pikemen. With the unique Logistica technology, Cataphracts can also cause trample damage to your opponents.
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Their technology tree is among the largest in the game, with everything but a few economy upgrades and Herbal Medicine available to research. While that might be overwhelming for a new player, if you’re an experienced one, you can use that to your advantage. Nonetheless, the defensive boons and Cataphract should encourage anyone to go to the Byzantines.
The Byzantines can be game changed in multiplayer games. Use your sheer number of options to confuse the enemy.
10
Malians
Dripping In Gold
The Malians benefit from a wide variety of bonuses. Economically, buildings cost 15 percent less wood, and gold mines last 30 percent longer. This is particularly beneficial if you’re failing to collect Relics since you can have gold longer than your rivals, and you can sell wood you might have spent on buildings for gold once you finally run out.
Defensively, Malian Town Centers fire arrows even when ungarrisoned. Militarily, infantry units you create at the Barracks gain an additional point of armor starting from the Feudal Age. You’ll also enjoy a +5 attack reward for researching Farimba, Mali’s unique technology. And speaking of technology, the Malians will give your entire team a whopping 80 percent speed bonus on University upgrades. Their architecture is gorgeous, too.
The Malian military is forceful and strong – but it somewhat weakens as time goes on. Use the strength of your economy to overwhelm your forces with numbers.
9
Aztecs
Built In Blood
One of the unique rosters in Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition, the Aztecs can recruit some of the fiercest rushing infantry the game offers. Ideally, your Aztec gameplay will be very offensive, using your Jaguar and Eagle Warriors to raid your enemy and stall his economy as often as possible.
Also, their two unique technologies are great for boosting your troop’s potential. Garland Wars exponentially increases your infantry’s attack, and Atlatl increases the range and attack of your skirmisher units. Plus, they have a 33 percent bonus on generated gold from Relics.
When it comes to the Aztec playstyle, there’s strength in numbers. This civilization is adept at building units very fast thanks to their strong economy and special features.
8
Huns
Destroyer Of Empires
The Huns start hamstrung with 100 less wood than other civilizations, but it’s quickly made up since the Huns don’t need Houses. The Huns are also adequate at sieging since their Trebuchets fire with 30 percent more accuracy than most other civilizations.
But the Huns are primarily a cavalry civilization. As a result, Cavalry Archers cost ten percent less in the Castle Age and 20 percent less in the Imperial Age. The Tarkan, the Huns’ unique unit, can be created at the Stable. The Huns also harass their rivals passively. Enemies with Relics will only generate half of the resources Relics would normally give them.
Huns in campaigns generally don’t have cities, but you as the player can build as much as you’d like. You aren’t limited by the more mobile nature of this playstyle.
7
Cumans
For The Horde
The Cumans were absurdly powerful when the Definitive Edition launched and have been nerfed multiple times since, but they’re still good enough to be considered one of the best. The Cumans benefited from increased privileges in the Feudal Age, where they could build Siege Workshops, Battering Rams, and additional Town Centers. They can also build Archery Ranges and Stables for 75 less wood, and their cavalry gets five percent faster with each new age.
The unique Kipchak unit remains very popular among Age of Empires players, even though they’ve been drastically nerfed since 2019. That being said, the Cumans also had powerful Light Cavalry, Steppe Lancers, and Cavalry Archers. Through their unique Steppe Husbandry tech, they can all be trained 100 percent faster. Cuman allies can also create ten Elite Kipchaks in their Castles for free via the Cuman Mercenaries technology once the Cuman player researches it.
6
Chinese
The Art Of War
The Chinese benefited from six starting villagers, reduced wood, and reduced food. While the hits to starting resources may sting initially, having extra villagers from the get-go can be highly useful. A high population is the name of the game for China since Town Centers can support ten population instead of the regular five.
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The Chinese also grants increasing discounts in technology throughout the ages, increased HP for Walls and Towers from their Great Wall technology, and additional attack to Scorpions and their unique Chu Ko Nu unit via Rocketry.
5
Persians
Citadels And Caravanserai
How would you like to take down your foes with the help of some War Elephants? Then look no further than the Persians. With some of the best-mounted units in all of the games, this civilization can be the scourge of any archery-focused army that is put against you —thanks to their Knights +2 attack versus Archer units and the massive amount of HP War Elephants have.
But that’s not all. For example, when using the Persians, you start your campaign with 50 extra wood and food while having a Town Center with double the HP compared to other factions.
Caravanserai are masters of trade. Invest in them to keep your trade routes bustling and your pockets lines.
4
Britons
Land Of Warwolves
The Britons, or the English, are the leading archery civilization you can hope for in all of Age of Empires 2. They have the world-famous Longbowman unit with the longest range out of all the other archer units in the game. Also, when you complete the Yeomen technology, you’ll have increased range and accuracy for all your archer units.
But it continues because the Britons also have access to Warwolf, a unique offensive technology that gives your Trebuchets 100 percent accuracy against any unit and blast damage.
The Britons are one of the best civilizations for flanking. With them on your side, you’re sure to win.
3
Mayans
The Road To El Dorado
The Mayans are a popular choice in tournament play due to their versatility and ability to flourish on virtually any map type. All resources lasted 15 percent longer for the Mayans. They’re an Archer civilization, so Archers cost ten percent less in the Feudal Age, 20 percent less in the Castle Age, and 30 percent less in the Imperial Age.
Their unique unit is the Plumed Archer, which is fast. In fact, the Plumed Archer more than makes up for the Mayans’ relatively poor cavalry capabilities. They’re also good at countering Archers, since their Skirmishers throw a second projectile via their unique Hul’che Javelineers technology.
2
Vikings
By Odin’s Wrath
Warships are what matter to the Vikings, who reap the rewards of 15 percent discounts on warships in the Feudal and Castle Age and up to 20 percent in the Imperial Age. Obviously, the Longboat is the main attraction when playing as the Vikings. So, would you even bother to play as them on a land map like Arabia?
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The answer is a resounding “yes.” The Vikings are also equipped with the Berserk unit, which regenerates health at 20 HP per minute without needing Monks. Once you research the Berserkergang technology at your Castle, your Berserks will regenerate health at 40 HP per minute.
1
Lithuanians
By The Winged Hussars
The Lithuanians began their Age of Empires 2 lives with the Definitive Edition, and they’re popular with both professional and beginner players alike. It’s easy to see why: an additional 150 food to start and increased attack to Knights and unique Leiti units with each garrisoned Relic can be huge benefits.
If you’re using the Lithuanians, you should focus primarily on cavalry and Monks. Lithuanian monasteries work 20 percent faster, and Lithuania has two unique units in the Leiti and Winged Hussar. With the added Relic bonus, you’ll win frequently with the Lithuanians.
Age of Empires 2
- Released
-
November 14, 2019
- Developer(s)
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Ensemble Studios
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer
- How Long To Beat
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80 Hours
- File Size Xbox Series
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28 GB (November 2023)
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty