Age of Empires II original civilizations and campaigns
A directory of the thirteen Age of Kings civilizations, unique units and original campaigns.
Edition covered
The 1999 Age of Kings core game and its thirteen original civilizations. Pictures are publisher media from the later HD Edition and can include The Conquerors content. Definitive Edition balancing, civilizations and DLC campaigns are outside this guide.
Choose from the original thirteen
Age of Kings starts with thirteen civilizations. Their technology trees differ. A unique unit is one option, not a claim that it is the best opening.
| Civilization | Unique unit | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Britons | Longbowman | Age of Kings |
| Byzantines | Cataphract | Age of Kings |
| Celts | Woad Raider | Age of Kings |
| Chinese | Chu Ko Nu | Age of Kings |
| Franks | Throwing Axeman | Age of Kings |
| Goths | Huskarl | Age of Kings |
| Japanese | Samurai | Age of Kings |
| Mongols | Mangudai | Age of Kings |
| Persians | War Elephant | Age of Kings |
| Saracens | Mameluke | Age of Kings |
| Teutons | Teutonic Knight | Age of Kings |
| Turks | Janissary | Age of Kings |
| Vikings | Berserk and Longboat | Age of Kings |
Learn through the campaigns
William Wallace teaches basics; the historical campaigns set specific objectives. Scenarios may supply troops or restrict buildings that a standard random-map game normally allows.
| Campaign | Civilization | Setting or use |
|---|---|---|
| William Wallace | Celts | Learning campaign |
| Joan of Arc | Franks | Historical France scenarios |
| Saladin | Saracens | Crusades-era campaign |
| Genghis Khan | Mongols | Conquest campaign |
| Barbarossa | Teutons | Frederick Barbarossa campaign |
Read the whole technology tree
Check military and economic technologies before investing in a long-term army. Missing upgrades can matter more than a broad description such as cavalry or archer civilization.
Separate later additions
The Conquerors introduces Huns, Mayans, Aztecs, Spanish and Koreans. Later HD and Definitive expansions add more. They are outside this original-roster directory.
The Conquerors introduces Huns, Mayans, Aztecs, Spanish and Koreans. Later HD and Definitive expansions add more. They are outside this original-roster directory.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Age of Empires II publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Microsoft Age of Kings manual, archived copy | manuals.plus |