French

An aggressive cavalry-focused civilization with powerful Knights and economic advantages.

Difficulty: Easy Cavalry Aggression

Civilization Bonuses

Royal Knights

Cavalry charge deals bonus damage

Economic Technology

Resource dropoff buildings cost -25 wood

Trade Influence

Traders generate +20% gold

Melee Damage Bonus

Each age increases melee damage by +3/+5/+8/+10

Unique Units

Unit Age Cost HP Attack Special
Royal Knight Feudal Age (II) 140 Food, 100 Gold 190 24 Charge ability deals 2x damage
Arbaletrier Castle Age (III) 60 Food, 80 Gold 95 12 Pavise ability - deploys shield for +5 ranged armor

Landmarks

Feudal Age (II)

School of Cavalry

Produces Knights faster and cheaper

Chamber of Commerce

Reduces trader cost by 30%

Castle Age (III)

Royal Institute

Unlocks unique technologies

Guild Hall

Provides gold generation from nearby resources

Imperial Age (IV)

College of Artillery

Produces siege weapons faster

Red Palace

Provides strong defensive capabilities

Build Orders

Feudal Knight Rush

  1. 6 Villagers → Sheep
  2. 4 Villagers → Gold
  3. Build Mill, continue food production
  4. School of Cavalry landmark
  5. Produce Royal Knights immediately
  6. Pressure enemy with charge attacks

Fast Castle Trade Boom

  1. Standard opening
  2. Chamber of Commerce landmark
  3. Establish trade route early
  4. Castle Age for Arbaletrieri
  5. Mix trade income with military production

Strategy Tips

Strengths

  • Early Knight access in Feudal Age
  • Powerful charge ability for burst damage
  • Strong trade economy potential
  • Arbaletrieri provide excellent ranged support

Weaknesses

  • Knights vulnerable to Spearmen
  • Trade routes can be raided
  • Less defensive options than English

Matchup Tips

vs English Avoid Longbowmen, raid exposed areas
vs Mongols Match their aggression, control resources
vs Chinese Pressure before Zhuge Nu mass
vs Delhi Exploit slow early game with raids