Spanish
The Spanish have a strong military, with both hand infantry and cavalry. Flexibility
in early shipments from the Home City give the Spanish the option to attack early or set up for a strong, late economy. Spanish
Home City improvements benefit soldiers, buildings and naval units.
French
Although the French economy starts slowly, the Coureur unit, a Villager with strong fighting
skills, makes the French difficult to attack early. The French also have the strongest cavalry unit in the game – the
Cuirassier. Plus, the French are experts at allying with the Native Americans.
Dutch
Although Dutch Settlers are limited and costly, their civilization makes up for this economic
disadvantage by building Banks and generating coin automatically. The Dutch Home City emphasizes upgrades to defense and economy.
Russian
Starting the game with extra resources but fewer Settlers gives the Russians the flexibility
of focusing on economy or an early raid. Russian infantry, individually weak, are trained in blocks at a faster rate, providing
the Russians with the opportunity to overwhelm their enemy with greater numbers.
British
Quick access to Settlers gives the British one of the strongest economies in the game. The ability to upgrade
two key units – the Musketeer and Hussar – make the British military formidable in the late game. The British
Home City emphasizes improvements to technology and naval warfare.
Portuguese
Starting the game with two Town Centers, the Portuguese can quickly produce Settlers,
control territory or support their allies. The Spyglass ability allows the Portuguese to easily spy on the enemy. The Portuguese
also have a strong navy, strong light infantry and the best Dragoons in the game.
German
The Germans have fewer Settlers and therefore a slower economy. Fortunately, both the Settler
Wagon and Uhlan cavalry spawn for free from the German Town Center. Plus, the Germans start with the ability to send Mercenaries
from their Home City (long before other civilizations can).
Ottomans
For the Ottomans, Settlers spawn automatically from the Town Center. Building a Mosque
and conducting research help keep that Settler production steady. Befitting their position straddling Europe and Asia, the
Ottomans have more unique units than any other civilization.
Native american
European civilizations can learn new technologies and gain troops by forging alliances
with the Native Americans. A British player who allies with the Iroquois is essentially playing as two civilizations: the
British and the Iroquois.
