Franks
Civilization in Age of Empires 2
Ranked 1v1 on Arabia, current patch (since 23 September 2026), mirrors excluded. Source: aoe2companion. Updated weekly.
Overview
Cavalry civ: mounted units +20% HP from Feudal Age – a Paladin has 192 HP. Mill technologies free, Foragers work 15% faster. Castles cost 15/25% less in Castle/Imperial Age. Throwing Axemen (unique unit) throw at range 5, Elite at 6. Chivalry: Stables work 40% faster. Ordonnance Companies: Mounted Crossbowmen cost 40% less gold. Team: Knight-line +2 line of sight.
Typical army
Scout Cavalry
Skirmisher
Spearman
Knight
Throwing Axeman
Elite Skirmisher
Mounted Crossbowman
Paladin
Elite Throwing AxemanElite Skirmisher
Bombard CannonWhat to expect from the Franks
Almost always Knights: Franks usually go Fast Castle and make Knights from two Stables. On open maps they often open with a Scout rush and switch to Skirmishers against Archers. On closed maps they like to drop a cheap Castle in front of your base (Castle drop). Throwing Axemen stand behind the Knights and hit your Halberdiers from range with melee damage.
How to beat the Franks
Plan Halberdiers or Camel Riders before you see the first Knight; they stay cost-effective even against Paladins with 192 HP. Spears alone lose to the Throwing Axemen behind them – so add Scorpions, Onagers or Hand Cannoneers. Monks pay off even against Heresy, because the Knight dies instead of switching sides. Drag the game out: their eco bonuses fade in Imperial Age, and they lack Hussar, Arbalester, Bracer and Siege Onager.
Counter army
Spearman
Archer
Man-at-Arms
Pikeman
Camel Rider
Monk
Scorpion
Halberdier
Heavy Camel Rider
Hand Cannoneer
OnagerBuild orders for the Franks
- 13 Minute Castle DropFast Castle · Feudal 9:40 · Castle 13:10 · Advanced · by Druzhina
- Double Castle AxemanFast Castle · Feudal 11:45 · Castle 15:15 · Advanced · by aaa
- Fast ScoutsScout Rush · Feudal 8:50 · Castle 17:45 · Intermediate · by HumzaCrumza
- Fast Scouts → KnightsScout Rush · Feudal 8:50 · Castle 17:45 · Intermediate · by Imperius
- Morley Fast KnightsFast Castle · Feudal 9:15 · Castle 12:20 · Intermediate · by Skalshorn
- Scout Rush -> Knight RushFeudal Rush · Feudal 10:05 · Castle 14:50 · Intermediate · by Nal
- Scouts OpeningScout Rush · Feudal 8:50 · Beginner
- WesternAOE Rush UpdatedKnight Rush · Feudal 9:40 · Castle 20:40 · Intermediate · by WesternAOE
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