Steam app 221380 is the 2013 HD Edition of Age of Empires II, renamed Age of Empires II (2013) in August 2019 and Age of Empires II (Retired) in January 2024. It has received no updates since Definitive Edition shipped on 14 November 2019, and the store page states plainly that it will not be updated further. If you are buying Age of Empires II today, buy the Definitive Edition: this page is for people who already own HD and want to know whether it still runs.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Britons | A | Balanced | Longbowman | Yes |
| Franks | A | Balanced | Throwing Axeman | Yes |
| Mongols | A | Balanced | Mangudai | Yes |
| Aztecs | A | Balanced | Jaguar Warrior | Yes |
| Vietnamese | A | Balanced | Rattan Archer | Yes |
New player? Start with Franks. See our beginner's guide for why.
Britons
Britons is a strong option in Age of Empires II (Retired).
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Longbowman |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | A build frozen since 2019 |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Longbowman
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Arabia to learn Britons-specific mechanics
- Focus on A build frozen since 2019. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Longbowman as your first major upgrade
- See our full Britons build guide for the optimal gear progression
Franks
Franks is a strong option in Age of Empires II (Retired).
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Throwing Axeman |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | 31 civilizations across three expansions |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Throwing Axeman
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Arabia to learn Franks-specific mechanics
- Focus on 31 civilizations across three expansions. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Throwing Axeman as your first major upgrade
- See our full Franks build guide for the optimal gear progression
Mongols
Mongols is a strong option in Age of Empires II (Retired).
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Mangudai |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Steam multiplayer lobbies and Workshop |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Mangudai
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Arabia to learn Mongols-specific mechanics
- Focus on Steam multiplayer lobbies and Workshop. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Mangudai as your first major upgrade
- See our full Mongols build guide for the optimal gear progression
Aztecs
Aztecs is a strong option in Age of Empires II (Retired).
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Jaguar Warrior |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Original Age of Kings and Conquerors campaigns |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Jaguar Warrior
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Arabia to learn Aztecs-specific mechanics
- Focus on Original Age of Kings and Conquerors campaigns. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Jaguar Warrior as your first major upgrade
- See our full Aztecs build guide for the optimal gear progression
Vietnamese
Vietnamese is a strong option in Age of Empires II (Retired).
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Rattan Archer |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Pre Definitive Edition unit pathing |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Rattan Archer
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Arabia to learn Vietnamese-specific mechanics
- Focus on Pre Definitive Edition unit pathing. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Rattan Archer as your first major upgrade
- See our full Vietnamese build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Franks is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Britons is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Longbowman for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Vietnamese offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Aztecs shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Age of Empires II (Retired) Guides
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Age of Empires II (Retired) Overview
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Best Builds
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Tier List
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Walkthrough
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Beginner's Guide
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Tips & Tricks
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Weapons Guide
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Combat Guide
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Boss Guide
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Maps & Locations
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Age of Empires II (Retired), check out these related guides:
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- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
