Age of Empires III — Civilizations
The Definitive Edition has more than twenty civilizations in three groups. They differ more than in other Age games: some have unique economies, unique ways of aging up, and Home City card lists all their own.
The groups
- European — the original civilizations such as the British, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Germans, Russians and Ottomans, joined in the Definitive Edition by the Swedes, Italians, Maltese and others. They age up by choosing a politician.
- Native American — the Aztecs, Haudenosaunee and Lakota from WarChiefs, and the Inca added in the Definitive Edition. They age up by choosing members of a tribal council, and their Community Plaza hosts dances that grant bonuses.
- Asian — the Chinese, Japanese and Indians from The Asian Dynasties. They age up by building a Wonder, which keeps a lasting effect.
- American and African civilizations arrived in Definitive Edition DLCs, each with its own economy.
Good civilizations to learn on
- British — Manors build settlers for you; a straightforward economy.
- French — strong Coureur des bois gatherers and cavalry.
- Spanish and Ottomans — clear early military plans.
Balance changes with patches. See the Age of Empires tab of our Useful Links page for community stats and the Liquipedia pages.