Malay

The Malay are a powerful naval and economic civilization with unmatched harbor control and low-cost upgrades. The Age advancement cost is 80% cheaper — the largest Age discount in the game. Unique tech Thalassocracy upgrades Docks into Harbors that train Battle Elephant cavalry. Karambit Warriors are the cheapest unit in the game at just 25 food and 15 gold, enabling mass production of infantry. Fish Traps provide infinite food and don't need to be rebuilt. Battle Elephants cost 30% less food. Malay dominate water maps with superior Harbors, while their cheap Karambit Warriors enable devastating infantry floods on land. Their extremely cheap Age advancement lets them stay economically competitive even while spending resources on military.