Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is a real-time strategy game where players build and manage civilizations, gather resources, and lead armies to conquer opponents. Set across various historical periods, the game features multiple civilizations, each with unique units and technologies. It is renowned for its deep strategy and multiplayer gameplay.
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Cavalry units are one of the staples of most armies in Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition. These fast-moving units can often dominate the battlefield during the real-time combat in this game. Different types of mounts are available, including horses, camels, and elephants. Most players will learn to play the game by relying heavily on their cavalry units. However, some civilizations suit raising and using a cavalry-based army better than others in this strategy game. This includes some civilizations that don’t actually have a bonus to cavalry units but have other, synergistic bonuses.
7 Malians
For The Farimba
- Strong economy
- Flexible military
The Malians are a civilization renowned for its very good economy and the flexibility of its military in Age Of Empires 2: Definitive Edition. Although now a cavalry civilization per se, they have a nice balance of infantry and cavalry units available.
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However, the Malians made this list for one specific reason; the Farimba research. Once this technology research has been completed, the Malians will then have access to the almost overpowered Heavy Camel Rider, which is easily the most deadly cavalry unit in the entire game. The Malian faction suits most playing styles, from early-game rush to total dominance over time.
6 Huns
Reliant On Cavalry Archers
- Reduced cost for cavalry archers
- Fast early-game growth
The Huns are a civilization that is notable for its very aggressive capabilities, combined with the fast growth of the empire in the early game stage. This reflects the nomadic archetype that this faction is based on in Age Of Empires 2: Definitive Edition.
The Huns don’t have particularly outstanding cavalry units. What they do have, is very cheap cavalry archers, which are more of a skirmisher than a melee unit. Large armies can be produced and mobilized very quickly when playing as the Huns, and this means they can absolutely dominate in the early game if played right.
5 Magyars
Scout Rush Specialists
- Cheap scout cavalry
- Strong cavalry archers
Playing the Magyars civilization in Age Of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is all about cavalry-based warfare. Historically, the Magyars were renowned for their horse breeding and riding skills, which carried them a long way. The Magyar Hussar is a strong cavalry unit, which can be backed up by hordes of cheap cavalry archer units.
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Gameplay-wise, the early access to reduced-cost scout cavalry units means that the Magyars are entirely suited to a scout rush type of strategy. With great mobility and cheaply replenishable cavalry units, the Magyars can keep the pressure on, wearing down enemies during the early game.
4 Burmese
Great Elephant Cavalry
- Has the Arambi support unit
- Strong infantry
The Southeast Asian civilization of Burma is most notable for its reliance on elephant-based cavalry units, and also its excellent infantry units. The Burmese focus on a combination of military might and religious piety, making them a somewhat unique civilization to play in Age Of Empires 2: Definitive Edition.
What makes the Burmese a good cavalry-based civilization is not the cavalry units themselves, but the unique unit, the Arambai. This is a support unit that is considered to be one of the best units in the whole game, and it can help to keep cavalry units alive. The Burmese are nicely balanced, and suit players who prefer to let the tactics for a game evolve, based on the map situation.
3 Franks
Very Strong Mounted Knights
- Arguably test cavalry units in the game
- Castle age dominance
The Franks in Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, have a strong economy that helps to drive the military might of this civilization. Based on the historical Frankish Kingdom, they could field powerful units such as mounted knights. This is the civilization that new players of the game should choose whilst learning how to play.
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Playing the Franks is about as simple as it gets, and this is why it is a great beginner faction. During the Castle Age, the Franks can absolutely dominate, due to the cheaper cost of building castles this civilization has as a bonus.
2 Persians
Gets All Major Cavalry Units
- Very strong economy
- Excellent access to cavalry units
Playing as the Persians in Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition gives players access to 3 of the top cavalry options in the game. These are the Winged Hussars, heavy camels, and mounted Palladins. Yet despite this cavalry dominance, the Persians offer a very balanced style of gameplay, boosted by the naval bonuses that this civilization has.
Being quite strong both militarily and economically, the Persians are a good choice for players who are learning the game. Put simply, it is hard to make a catastrophic mistake when playing as the Persians. They can expand rapidly and produce large armies quicker than most other civilizations.
1 Berbers
Quantity Over Quality
- Excellent Maghrabi Camels
- Genitour unique unit
The Berbers are hands down, the best cavalry-based civilization in Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, they get a unique unit named the Genitour, which is a mounted skirmisher. Secondly, they also get a unique camel archer unit. Lastly, all units trained at the stable are cheaper for the Berbers.
As one might expect for a civilization with such a clear advantage in cavalry, the playing style of the Berbers is all about fast, aggressive gameplay. They can produce huge armies of cavalry cheaply and quickly.
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition
- Released
- November 14, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Developer
- Forgotten Empires, Tantalus, Wicked Witch
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy
