Age of Empires III original eight civilizations compared
Compare base European civilizations by their distinctive economy and military options.
Edition covered
The original 2005 PC game with eight base European civilizations and its Blood, Ice and Steel campaign. Publisher pictures are from the Complete Collection and show Asian Dynasties settings. Definitive Edition balancing, names and added civilizations are separate.
Learn the civilization's economy
British Manors, Dutch Banks and Ottoman worker production change opening choices. Do not apply one civilization's housing and queue assumptions to every other faction.
| Civilization | Feature | Planning implication |
|---|---|---|
| British | Manors create Settlers | Housing can grow the economy |
| Dutch | Banks generate coin | Budget for the buildings |
| French | Coureurs des Bois | Distinctive, efficient workers |
| Germans | Settler Wagons and Uhlans | Account for special workers and shipment support |
| Ottomans | Automatic Settler production | Check limits and relevant upgrades |
| Portuguese | Town Center wagon on advancement | Choose expansion sites carefully |
| Russians | Selected units train in batches | Reserve batch costs |
| Spanish | Fast shipment progression | Select timely support |
Identify the distinctive troops
Longbowmen and Janissaries offer different roles, but unique units still have counters. Protect specialist forces with complementary units instead of expecting a single troop to answer everything.
| Civilization | Unit | Role |
|---|---|---|
| British | Longbowman | Long-range infantry |
| French | Cuirassier | Heavy melee cavalry |
| Germans | Uhlan | Melee cavalry |
| Ottomans | Janissary | Heavy ranged infantry |
| Russians | Strelet | Inexpensive ranged infantry |
Inspect the Home City deck
The deck should support the intended ages and army. Original card access and progression differ from later Definitive Edition conveniences. Check the actual cards available before planning.
Keep the base roster separate
The WarChiefs and Asian Dynasties add civilizations beyond these eight. Definitive Edition adds further changes. This directory covers the original European choices.
The WarChiefs and Asian Dynasties add civilizations beyond these eight. Definitive Edition adds further changes. This directory covers the original European choices.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Age of Empires III publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Microsoft original game manual, archived copy | microsoft.manymanuals.com |