Summary
Age of Empires 4continued the franchise’s historical RTS format, allowing players to create and develop their own armies based on what civilization they chose. There were eight playable civilizations to choose from on the game’s release, but some additional civilizations were included as part of the game’s campaign mode.
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Each of these civilizations comes with its own upgrades and infantry options to help playerstake on the enemy in unique ways. This means that for every English or Viking army that is familiar, there are a few harder options to master or face-down as part of the huge repertoire available to play as inAge of Empires 4.
6Mongols
The Mongolian Empire is one of the most famous armies in history, mostly due to its vicious tactics and participants' ability to utilize archery on horseback under the leadership of Attila the Hun. Rumor has it that these speedy archers were the inspiration behind thecentaurs from popular fantasy. As such, players will be pleased that this army is available to use inAge of Empires 4.
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One of the things that make this army so formidable to play as or against is that this cavalry is available to players as early as the Dark Age. This means that the Mongols can scout and skirmish the enemy before they have a chance to get enough resources to advance to the feudal age and respond.
5Chinese
Since theAge of Empiresseries focuses on historical accuracy, it makes sense that the Chinese faction would be one of the hardest to play. They are mainly a defensive option, which is unlike a lot of other civilizations in the series. However, what they lack in firepower is more than made up in their defensive capabilities.
Villagers of this civilization can build defenses 50% faster. This means that players can build themselves a nice shell to live in and advance quickly. On the flip side, it also means that playing against the Chinese and winning requires a lot of resources and patience. The Chinese are a civilization that needs to be dealt with quickly or the game can become extremely difficult.
4Delhi Sultanate
One of the best parts ofAge of Empires 4is the unique troop types that every civilization has access to. One of the most popular troop types among players by far is the elephants ofthe Delhi Sultanate. These tanky beasts are perfect for taking out structures and wiping out several enemy infantry formations at once. Most players have to consider how to deal with this singular unit type before dissecting a strategy for taking down the rest of the civilization.
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On top of this bonus siege troop, this civilization also has access to the Honed Blades perk. This allows regular infantry and knights to cut down their opponents much faster, something else for the player to think about as a heard of war elephants head for their town. Also, the amount a Scholar can do for this army is incredible.
3Rus
Rus may not seem like much on the surface, but many players will find that this civilization is one of the hardest to deal with on more than one occasion. The most advantageous perk ofplaying this civilizationis that Knights are available in the Feudal Age. This means that players have access to some heavy hitters to start or repel attacks early in the game.
What’s more, Rus has access to an influx of additional resources due to their bounty system. Hunting animals as this faction yields more rewards than normal, which means that players can have their Kremlin fortress set up much sooner in the feudal age. A Kremlin fortress is unique to Rus and comes kitted with turrets, arrow slits, and more watch technology.
2Holy Roman Empire
As players would expect, the Holy Roman Empire draws a lot of power fromits religious units. One of these benefits is that a Prelate is available as soon as the Dark Age. This means that the initial villagers will be working 40% faster when they receive inspiration.
Later on, players can also use a Regnitz Cathedral in the Imperial Age to receive over two hundred gold a minute. This tactic is crucial for building up an army of Landsknect troops that carry two-handed swords. This means that they can take out regular troops or do area damage, which can be useful when players are taking out structures.
1Late Game English
The English Civilization may seem like the perfect one for new players; however, this army gets harder during the late game. What sets this civilization apart in the late game isthe access it grants players to longbowmen. These archers can sit still and volley for hours, and the player’s resources will allow for more campfires nearby to slowly heal the large number of ranged menaces.
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Having researched the Network of Citadels is essential for giving this army access to 15% attack speed. As such, the English remain an army that is best taken out early inAge of Empires 4.
Age of Empires 4is currently available for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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