The French in Age of Empires 4

The French are one of the best warrior civilizations in Age of Empires 4 thanks to their cavalry and naval units. We tell you everything you need to know about them in our guide to the French in Age of Empires 4

Difficulty estimated by the developers : ★ ☆ ☆

Oye Oye! In Age of Empires 4, the civilisation of the French extends from 840 to 1559 AD, a period during which medieval France experienced dark times linked to invasions or epidemics. It is also the time of Joan of Arc and the era of noble chivalry.

The bonuses of French civilisation

• The production of villagers and scouts is faster at each age (10, 15, 20, 20%),
• Resource depot buildings cost 25 wood less,
• The counters are indicated on the mini-map at the beginning of the game,
• Merchants can bring all types of resources to the markets,
• Close combat damage technologies are free,
• Trade ships return with an additional 20% of gold,
• The saving technologies are 30% cheaper.

Specific units and their characteristics

The French have 4 unique units, which are unlocked in order:

From age II - The Royal Knight (Category: Heavy cavalry in close combat). It is the unit of excellence of this civ, capable of inflicting heavy damage (+3 bonus after a charge) and with heavy armour. It is effective against most other units but can be countered by spearmen or crossbowmen.

From age III - The crossbowman (Category: Light Infantry Ranged). This unit is very effective at distance, especially against units with reinforced armour. If its health is low, it can protect itself with a deployable defensive shield.

From age III - The galley (Category: Ship). This is the best ship available in the game. The bombardment on the bow can attack and inflict damage on any target.

From age III - The Royal Canon (Category: Siege machinery). This siege engine is the best cannon available in Age of Empires 4 and is effective against resistant targets and buildings, and has a damage bonus against the latter.

The strategic bases of the French

With the French, you will have the opportunity to play an offensive nation. You will quickly gain the advantage over your opponent, but you will face a return to balance at the end of the game.

In age I, you will have to build up your economy as much as possible to move on to the next age as quickly as possible.

As soon as you are in age II, your gameplay will be focused on the Royal Cavalry, so you should focus on the "Cavalry School". In parallel, your objective will be to produce professional scouts (improvement obtained via the mill). You will then be able to launch your first rushes on your opponent and obtain an important food advantage, if you attack the stags. To complete your army, you can rely on crossbowmen and archers depending on your opponent's game.

At the next age change, you can turn to the 'Guild Hall'; this will allow you to automatically produce one of the 4 resources, depending on the number of resources stored.

At the end of the game, your rushes will be more consistent, but also more difficult. Focus on the "Artillery School" in the transition from age III to IV. This will give you access to royal cannons and other very effective royal siege equipment.

If you play on a water map, you will have to take control of the seas. For sea battles, you will have to equip yourself with galleys; for trade, think of sending merchant ships, the gold bonus will be beneficial to you. In this case, go to the "Chamber of Commerce" at the first age change.

The French are very powerful, but...

At present, this involves the most powerful and interesting civilisation for beginners since it is relatively easy to handle.