Franks

The Franks are one of the most dominant cavalry civilizations in Age of Empires II, consistently boasting one of the highest win rates across all ELO brackets. Their defining strength is the Paladin — the strongest heavy cavalry unit in the game — combined with free Farm upgrades that eliminate a major economic investment. Castle Age Throwing Axemen provide a powerful raiding option, while the unique Chivalry technology makes their stables 40% faster. Franks are the go-to choice for players who prefer aggressive cavalry rushes transitioning into an overwhelming late-game army. Their simple tech tree and forgiving economy make them excellent for newer players, yet they remain a top pick at the highest competitive levels.