How This Tier List Works
This tier list evaluates Age of Empires IV civilizations based on their performance across a range of skill levels, covering both 1v1 ranked play and team games. Civs are ranked on economic efficiency, military versatility, unique mechanics, and ease of use. Note that balance patches regularly shift the meta — this list reflects the game's overall design intent as well as general performance trends.
Tiers range from S (top-tier, highly effective and versatile) down to B (solid but situational).
S-Tier: Top Pick Civilizations
Holy Roman Empire
The HRE's ability to produce Prelates that inspire villagers for faster gathering makes their economic engine one of the strongest in the game. Combined with powerful Landmark choices and strong defensive architecture, HRE rewards players who understand timing and economy. Their Relics mechanic provides a meaningful gold income that scales into the late game.
Mongols
Mobility defines the Mongols. The ability to pack up and move their entire base, combined with devastating cavalry and powerful Khan abilities, makes them one of the most aggressive civilizations available. In skilled hands, the Mongols apply relentless pressure and win through attrition and disruption. Their learning curve is steep — but their ceiling is very high.
A-Tier: Strong, Reliable Choices
Chinese
The Chinese civilization boasts an incredible tech tree and dynasty system that evolves their gameplay through each age. Nest of Bees (unique multi-rocket siege weapons) are devastating. Chinese players who understand their Dynasties gain distinct advantages in each era of the game, making them flexible and powerful across all game lengths.
English
The English are deliberately beginner-friendly but scale effectively into high-level play. Their farms produce bonus food, their Longbowmen have exceptional range, and their Council Hall Landmark accelerates archer-focused armies. A strong choice for players who want a reliable, well-rounded civilization with clear strengths.
French
The French economy benefits from a Royal Institute that provides free upgrades, and their cavalry — particularly the Knight — is among the best in the game. Their economic bonuses make feudal-age aggression very viable, and they have strong flexibility in unit composition choices.
B-Tier: Viable but Situational
Abbasid Dynasty
The Abbasid trade economy is powerful in long games and team settings, and their Golden Age system rewards consistent building. However, they lack early aggressive options, making them vulnerable to fast-pressure civs. Best in team games or against players who allow them time to develop.
Delhi Sultanate
Free technologies through Scholars sound powerful — and they can be — but the extended research times require careful planning. The Delhi Sultanate rewards patient, technically sound players who understand how to leverage their unique mechanics. Against aggressive opponents, their slow tempo can be exploited.
Rus
The Rus offer a unique hunting-based economy and strong cavalry-focused military. Their reliance on early hunting income can make them map-dependent, and their late-game power can feel limited compared to more versatile civs. Still a solid choice in the right hands and on forested maps.
Quick Reference Summary
| Tier | Civilizations | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| S | Holy Roman Empire, Mongols | Ranked play, high-skill expression |
| A | Chinese, English, French | All skill levels, flexible strategies |
| B | Abbasid Dynasty, Delhi Sultanate, Rus | Team games, niche matchups |
Final Notes
No civilization in Age of Empires IV is unplayable — Relic Entertainment has maintained a relatively balanced roster. The difference between tiers is often about ceiling and flexibility rather than raw win rates. A player who deeply understands the Delhi Sultanate will outperform a player who casually picks the Mongols.
Choose the civilization that matches your preferred playstyle first, then optimize. The best civ is the one you enjoy playing.