The Byzantines are a fairly conventional choice for new players, and it's easy to see why. Some players on Reddit and Steam argue that this builds 'bad habits' for new players, and they're not wrong - but there are plenty of other skills to learn without focusing on population growth. You start with your population cap at maximum. Although the Huns start with a deficit of wood, the trade-off is more than worthwhile: You'll never need to build houses. This civilization can create awesome cavalry archers, and their unique Tarkan cavalry are great for hit-and-run attacks against enemy outposts, as Tarkans can demolish buildings with ease.

Here's a somewhat controversial take: I like the Huns for new players. There's something to be said for familiarity. The Celts are straightforward to play, but more important than that, they're probably the first civilization that first-timers will encounter in the game, through the comprehensive William Wallace Learn to Play campaign. Their siege weapons fire a little faster it's easier for them to find and keep sheep, which are an important early-game food source. The Celts are an infantry civilization whose soldiers have a bonus to movement speed. Bear in mind that any strategies I give a) are not guaranteed to work in every situation and b) will almost definitely not work at higher levels of play.įirst off, there's the Celts. I'm going to focus on a handful of races that can set up good early defenses, or can lean on a handful of unit types, or don't need to expend too many resources to get off the ground. Still, some civilizations are more straightforward than others. Some are going to seek naval supremacy some are going to want a balanced army some are going to want to turtle up and seek economic victory. Each player is going to approach Age of Empires II a different way. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) The best Age of Empires II civilization for new playersĪt the risk of giving a non-answer, there is no 'best' civilization for new players, just as there is no 'best' civilization overall.

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