Age Of Empires 2: Definitive Edition: 14 Best Civilizations, Ranked

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.

Age Of Empires Mobile: Best Civilizations

Here's a tier list for the best civilizations in Age Of Empires Mobile, including the best picks for the early game!

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.

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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.