It takes a while to get used to any game, especially if it is a hugely popular historically accurate real-time strategy like Age of Empires 4. The game comes with a tutorial in both the PC and console versions, but getting good at the game takes a lot of practice rounds. Nobody wants to try a new game online only to be stomped by their opponents' expert use of war elephants.
Players can practice Age of Empires 4 in the campaign mode or in several online skirmishes. However, it helps to know which civilization is best to start out with. There is no one answer to picking a civilization to start out with; however, there are some solid choices out there. Beginner civilizations offer new players the chance to make a few mistakes on their road to victory, all while learning the vital mechanics necessary for wiping out the enemy in Age of Empires 4.
6 English
Of course, it should come as no surprise that the best civilization that new players should start out with in Age of Empires 4 is the English. This is the civilization that the developers want newbies to use to explore the game as a beginner. Players can start out with a few humble villagers to learn about resource management and then rapidly advance through the ages to learn about what each one entails.
The main goal of any player of the English civilization should be to make it to the castle age. This age comes with an upgrade to bows and the castle attack speed. As such, this civilization can quickly help beginners learn about the specific bonuses of the faction, making it more enticing to try out or experiment with something else.
5 Normans
The skirmish mode isn’t the only way to play Age of Empires 4. There is also the campaign mode, and most players start out with the Norman campaign.
This story arc sees players take control of the English once more, but they can also control a campaign-exclusive faction in the Normans. Since the campaign is split into several missions with their own unique winning conditions, playing as the Normans in the campaign is a great way to learn about micromanagement in the game. Therefore, beginners may want to start out by playing the Norman campaign before trying their skills in an online skirmish.
4 French
The French civilization depicted in Age of Empires 4 is significantly younger than the Norman faction that is playable in the campaign. This civilization is based on Medieval France and is a great place to start the game if players do not fancy playing as the English.
The French civilization is another easy one to pick up and allows new players to easily navigate through the ages with little effort. However, the French civilization is more focused on trade mechanics and resource management than all-out warfare with the 30% cheaper technology perk. This means that beginners can use this civilization to learn about this side of the game by playing as the French.
3 Holy Roman Empire
Beginners will learn very quickly that not all wars in Age of Empires 4 are fought over open ground. Players will also need to learn about water maps. For this, the best civilization to choose is the Holy Roman Empire.
Firstly, building a dock as this faction gives all ships a 5% increase in speed. Secondly, the faction's Fire Station technology can gradually heal the player's military ships. As such, new players can quickly learn about naval combat with little consequence when playing as the Holy Roman Empire. What’s more, this civilization's reliance on religious units provides newbies with an entirely new lesson about Age of Empires 4.
2 Mongols
While many expert players agree that the Mongolian civilization can be one of the most difficult to use in Age of Empires 4, there are some advantages to using this faction as a beginner.
One of these advantages includes just how quickly the Mongols can accrue gold. Mongols gain 50% more food and gold when setting enemy buildings alight. All the more reason for newbies to set out and try this strategy. What the player chooses to do with these additional resources is another lesson worth learning. Also, all players will be aware of the Mongolian Empire. As such, this knowledge is crucial for knowing what the chosen civilization will excel at. In this case, it is cavalry.
1 Chinese
The Chinese civilization may be one to avoid after just booting up Age of Empires 4. However, the Chinese faction plays in a rather unique way that new players may appreciate.
The Chinese civilization is one of the most defensive options in the game. Therefore, beginners can choose this civilization to batten down the hatches and learn the controls while the enemy can’t reach them. This is possible because the civilization has a perk that allows villagers to construct defensive buildings 50% faster than normal. Also, all other buildings are constructed 100% faster. In that case, any player who wants to sit back and build troops should definitely choose the Chinese civilization in Age of Empires 4.
Age Of Empires 4 is currently available on PC and Xbox Series X.