The Age of Empires 2 has a plethora of civilizations to choose from, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. However, when it comes to determining the best civilization, weighing factors like economy, military prowess, and technological advancements can be a daunting task.
This article delves into the world of Age of Empires 2, a highly regarded strategy game, to uncover the ultimate civilization. By examining the distinctive strengths and weaknesses of each civilization, players can gain valuable insights on how to dominate the game.
The importance of civilization choice in Age of Empires 2
When embarking on a quest to conquer Age of Empires 2, one crucial decision stands paramount: selecting the perfect civilization. Opting for the right civilization can have a tremendous impact on gameplay and ultimately determine a player’s fate in this cherished game of strategy and warfare.
The Byzantines
The Byzantines are renowned for their defensive strategies, making them one of the most formidable civilizations in Age of Empires 2. With their strong fortifications and powerful defensive structures, they are incredibly challenging to penetrate.
One of the key reasons for the Byzantines’ defensive prowess is their unique units and technologies. They possess the Cataphract, a heavily-armored cavalry unit armed with a lance and sword. This unit is particularly effective against infantry and can wreak havoc on enemy lines, providing a strong offensive and defensive force.
Furthermore, the Byzantines have access to the technology known as Logistica. This technology enhances their combat abilities, making their units more resilient and deadly in battle. It allows their infantry units to deal additional damage, making them even more formidable on the battlefield.
Aside from their unique units and technologies, the Byzantines also benefit from strong fortifications and defensive structures. Their buildings have increased hit points, making them harder to destroy, and their walls are stronger, providing excellent protection against enemy attacks. This makes the Byzantines a challenging civilization to conquer, as their defenses are incredibly hard to breach.
In addition to their defensive strengths, the Byzantines also excel in other areas. They have a versatile tech tree that allows them to adapt to various gameplay styles, whether it be through their naval units, archers, or infantry. They also have a strong economy, with access to technologies that increase resource production.
In conclusion, the Byzantines are a top-tier civilization in Age of Empires 2, particularly known for their defensive strategies. With their unique units like the Cataphract and technologies such as Logistica, they possess a formidable combat force. Combined with their strong fortifications and defensive structures, the Byzantines are a challenging civilization to defeat in the game.
The Mongols
The Mongols, one of the civilizations in Age of Empires 2, are renowned for their military prowess, particularly in cavalry-focused gameplay. Their unique abilities and units make them a formidable force on the battlefield.
Unique units and technologies
The Mongols boast a diverse array of unique units and technologies that enable them to dominate opponents, especially on open maps. One of their most notable units is the Mangudai. These skilled horse archers possess exceptional mobility and accuracy, making them a formidable threat to enemy forces. They can effortlessly harass and disrupt enemy formations, swiftly picking off units from a distance while remaining out of harm’s way.
Furthermore, the Mongols’ technologies, such as the Drill, further enhance their military might. With Drill, the Mongol cavalry gains increased movement speed, allowing them to quickly traverse the battlefield and catch opponents off-guard. This technology is particularly effective in open areas, where Mongol forces can exploit their superior mobility to raid and conquer territories at an unparalleled pace.
The Mongols’ emphasis on cavalry also grants them a significant advantage in siege warfare. Their unique unit, the Mangonel, is a powerful siege weapon that excels in demolishing enemy fortifications and buildings. With a combination of cavalry and siege units, the Mongols can swiftly break through enemy defenses and assert their dominance over the battlefield.
Furthermore, the Mongols possess unique technologies that bolster their cavalry forces. Take the Bloodlines technology, for instance, which significantly increases the hitpoints of Mongol cavalry units. By strengthening their already formidable mounted units, the Mongols can sustain more damage in battles, ensuring their units stay in the fight longer and deal devastating blows to their enemies.
In summary, the Mongols in Age of Empires 2 harness the power of their cavalry-focused gameplay to raid and conquer territories with unparalleled speed. Their unique units like the Mangudai, along with technologies like Drill and Bloodlines, provide them with superior mobility, accuracy, and durability on the battlefield. With these advantages, the Mongols stand as one of the best civilizations to play in Age of Empires 2.
The Britons
Known for their exceptional long-range archers and economic advantages, the Britons stand as a formidable civilization tailored for players who favor an archer-centered strategy and efficient resource management.
Unique units and technologies
Among the array of unique units available to the Britons, the Longbowman reigns supreme. These skilled archers possess the ability to rain arrows upon unsuspecting enemies from a remarkable distance, rendering them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. With Yeomen, a special technology exclusive to the Britons, their range and accuracy are further increased, solidifying their status as the ultimate marksmen.
The Longbowman, armed with their trusty longbows, have the extraordinary ability to pierce through enemy armor, pummeling adversaries from a safe distance. This characteristic alone makes them particularly formidable in battles, where they can decimate enemy foot soldiers and siege weapons with unparalleled efficiency and precision. Their extended range allows the Britons to dictate the terms of engagement, peppering their foes with arrows before the enemy can even come close.
Steeped in the rich history of skilled archery, the Britons’ unique units showcase their mastery of the bow and their dedication to long-range combat. As a civilization that thrives on the archer-centered approach, they possess a distinct advantage in the early stages of the game. Striking from a distance, they can disrupt their opponents’ economy, leaving them in disarray and struggling to mount a defense.
In addition to their exceptional archers, the Britons also enjoy economic bonuses that further enhance their prowess. With a cheaper TC, or town center, cost, the Britons can establish a firm foothold on the map faster than their counterparts. This advantage enables them to rapidly expand their borders while other civilizations are still working to establish a stable economy.
Furthermore, the Britons’ Shepherds are more efficient in gathering food, ensuring a steady supply of resources to fuel their archer-centered strategy. This economic advantage allows the Britons to maintain a formidable archer army while simultaneously advancing their technology tree and constructing robust defenses.
In summary, the Britons’ unparalleled long-range archers, bolstered by the deadly Longbowman unit and the technology of Yeomen, make them a dominant force on the battlefield. With their economic bonuses, they can establish a strong foothold early on and sustain their archer-centered approach throughout the game. For players seeking a civilization that excels in efficient resource management and devastating long-range attacks, the Britons are an exceptional choice.
The Teutons
The Teutons are a civilization known for their heavy infantry and strong defensive capabilities, making them a suitable choice for players who prefer a slower-paced playstyle.
Unique units and technologies
With their unique units and technologies, the Teutons possess a formidable arsenal that allows them to create an impenetrable defense and overpower opponents in close-quarters combat. One of their standout units is the Teutonic Knight, a heavily armored and heavily armed infantry unit that strikes fear into the hearts of their enemies. These knights are equipped with a powerful melee attack and have excellent resistance to enemy attacks.
Furthermore, the Teutons have access to technologies like Ironclad, which enhances the armor of their siege weapons. This technology significantly improves their defensive capabilities, making it even more challenging for enemies to breach their fortifications. The combination of the Teutonic Knight and Ironclad technologies creates a deadly defensive force that can withstand even the most determined opponent.
In addition to their defensive strengths, the Teutons also excel in infantry warfare. Their unique unit, the Teutonic Knight, is not only a fearsome defensive force but also a formidable offensive weapon. Armed with a powerful melee attack, they can easily mow down enemy units in close-quarters combat. This makes the Teutons a force to be reckoned with when it comes to land-based battles.
While the Teutons may lack in certain areas, such as cavalry and archery, their heavy infantry and defensive capabilities more than compensate for these shortcomings. Players who prefer a slower-paced playstyle will find great enjoyment in building a solid defensive empire with the Teutons, warding off enemy attacks with ease and launching devastating counterattacks.
In conclusion, the Teutons are a civilization that excels in heavy infantry and defensive capabilities. With their unique unit, the Teutonic Knight, and technologies like Ironclad, they can create an impenetrable defense and overpower opponents in close-quarters combat. Their slower-paced playstyle and focus on defensive strategies make them an ideal choice for players who prefer a more methodical approach to gameplay.
The Aztecs
The Aztecs are a powerful civilization in Age of Empires 2, renowned for their prowess in infantry warfare and their ability to quickly amass resources. Their unique bonus for collecting gold sets them apart from other civilizations, allowing them to rapidly accumulate wealth.
Unique units and technologies
The Aztecs have access to a variety of unique units and technologies that make them a formidable force on the battlefield. One of their standout units is the Jaguar Warrior, a fearsome warrior skilled in close combat. The Jaguar Warrior’s high attack and bonus damage against infantry units make them particularly deadly in battle.
In addition to their powerful units, the Aztecs also possess unique technologies such as Garland Wars. This technology increases the attack strength of all their infantry units, further enhancing their ability to dominate in close-quarters combat. With Garland Wars, the Aztecs can unleash devastating attacks and quickly overwhelm their opponents.
The combination of the Jaguar Warrior and Garland Wars highlights the Aztecs’ aggressive playstyle. They excel in engaging their enemies up close, relying on their infantry to strike fear into their opponents’ hearts. This aggressive approach can catch opponents off guard and give the Aztecs a significant advantage on the battlefield.
Furthermore, the Aztecs’ ability to amass resources quickly through their unique bonus for collecting gold allows them to sustain their aggressive military efforts. This resource advantage enables them to constantly train and upgrade their infantry units, ensuring they maintain a powerful and imposing army throughout the game.
The Aztecs’ infantry-focused civilization offers a unique and challenging playstyle for Age of Empires 2 players. Their strong emphasis on close combat and resource gathering sets them apart from other civilizations, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy aggressive strategies and fast-paced gameplay.
Overall, the Aztecs’ combination of powerful unique units, technologies, and resource-gathering capabilities make them one of the best civilizations in Age of Empires 2 for players who prefer an infantry-centric playstyle.
Conclusion
After careful consideration of the various civilizations in Age of Empires 2, it is clear that each one presents its own set of strengths and playstyles. This diversity allows players to select the civilization that aligns with their preferred strategies and tactics, making for a more personalized gaming experience.
However, it is important to note that determining the best civilization is a subjective matter. What may work well for one player may not necessarily be effective for another. The outcome depends on individual preferences and playstyle, as no single civilization can be crowned as the ultimate victor.
Throughout the game, players must adapt to different scenarios and make strategic decisions based on their chosen civilization’s unique attributes. Some civilizations excel in economic development, while others focus on military strength or defensive capabilities.
The Byzantines, for example, boast a strong defensive game, with powerful fortifications and well-rounded units. Their unique technology, the Cataphract, is a formidable cavalry unit that can devastate enemies on the battlefield. Furthermore, their cost-effective trash units make them a formidable opponent in prolonged games.
The Mongols, on the other hand, thrive on their swift cavalry and unrivaled mobility. With their unique unit, the Mangudai, they can rain arrows on their foes from a distance while swiftly retreating. Their ability to quickly traverse the map and their strong siege units make them a force to be reckoned with in skilled hands.
The Britons excel in archery, with their long-range units gaining increased range as they advance through the ages. This, combined with their cheaper archer units and faster-firing towers, make them a formidable force against any opponent who fails to challenge their dominance in long-range warfare.
Other civilizations, such as the Teutons with their powerful infantry units and the Spanish with their unique Monk and Conquistador units, also offer distinctive playstyles that cater to different tastes and strategies. Each civilization presents a unique set of bonuses and technologies that can be exploited to gain an advantage, adding depth and complexity to the gameplay.
In the end, the decision for the best civilization boils down to the player’s personal style and preferences. Whether you enjoy turtling behind impenetrable defenses, launching massive cavalry assaults, or rain arrows upon your foes from a safe distance, there is a civilization in Age of Empires 2 that is tailored to your needs.
Discovering which civilization suits you best requires experimentation, practice, and a deep understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses as a player. So, embrace the challenge, explore the many civilizations available, and embark on a thrilling journey through time and strategy in Age of Empires 2.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of exploring the top 5 civilizations in AoE 2! We hope that this article has shed light on the best strategies for players to conquer the world. Whether you prefer a defensive approach with the Byzantines or an aggressive one with the Mongols, remember to enjoy the game and have fun building your empire!
