Civilization Match Up Discussion Week 9: Berbers vs Franks

Charles Martell vs Tariq Ibn Ziyad go~

Hello and welcome back for another Age of Empires 2 civilization match up discussion! This is a series where we discuss the various advantages, disadvantages, and quirks found within the numerous match ups of the game. The goal is to collectively gain a deeper understanding of how two civilizations interact with each other in a variety of different settings. Feel free to ask questions, pose strategies, or provide insight on how the two civilizations in question interact with each other on any map type and game mode. This is not limited to 1v1 either. Feel free to discuss how the civilizations compare in team games as well! So long as you are talking about how the two civilizations interact, anything is fair game! Last week we discussed the Byzantines vs Ethiopians, and next up is the Berbers vs Franks!

Berbers: Cavalry and Naval Civilization

• Villagers move 10% faster
• Cavalry costs -15% in Castle Age; -20% in Imperial Age
• Ships move 10% faster

• TEAM BONUS: Genitour available at the Archery Range

• Unique Unit: Camel Archer (Anti-cav archer...cav archer)

• Unique Unit: Genitour (Mounted skirmisher)

• Castle Age Unique Tech: Kasbah (Team Castles work +25% faster)

• Imperial Age Unique Tech: Maghrebi Camels (Camel troops regenerate @ 1hp/4s)

Franks: Cavalry Civilization

• Foragers work +25% faster
• Castles cost -25%
• Cavalry units +20% hp
• Farm upgrades free (requires Mill)

• TEAM BONUS: Knights +2 LoS

• Unique Unit: Throwing Axeman (Ranged Infantry)

• Castle Age Unique Tech: Chivalry (Stables work +40% faster)

• Imperial Age Unique Tech: Bearded Axe (Throwing Axemen have +1 range)

Below are some matchup-specific talking points to get you all started. These are just to give people ideas, you do not need to address them specifically if you do not want to!

• Oof this looks like a rough one for Franks. Can the stronger Frankish early game be enough to forestall the onslaught of cheap Berber camels?
• Is it still worth it to produce lots of knights as Franks if you see your Berber opponent teching into fast Camel Archers?
• Do Throwing Axemen have a viable role in this match up? How about Genitours?

Thank you for participating! Come back next week for the Huns vs Japanese! :)