Malay
Civilization in Age of Empires 2
Ranked 1v1 on Arabia, current patch (since 23 September 2026), mirrors excluded. Source: aoe2companion. Updated weekly.
Overview
Naval and infantry civ: advancing to the next Age is 66% faster. Infantry armor upgrades are free. Battle Elephants cost 25/35% less in Castle/Imperial Age. Fish Traps cost 33% less and provide 200% more food. Karambit Warriors (unique unit from the Castle) take only half a population slot and train in seconds. Thalassocracy: Docks become Harbors. Forced Levy: the Militia line costs extra food instead of gold. Team: Docks +6 line of sight.
Typical army
Man-at-Arms
Archer
Spearman
Skirmisher
Karambit Warrior
Crossbowman
Pikeman
Battle Elephant
Elite Karambit Warrior
Two-Handed Swordsman
Elite Battle Elephant
ArbalesterWhat to expect from the Malay
On open maps usually Barracks first with a Drush, often also Archers; on closed maps Fast Castle. Hera plays them safely with the Malay Flexible Opening: same Age-up time with 2 extra Villagers, then Archers, Spearmen with Skirmishers or Scouts – the goal is an early Castle Age. Thanks to the fast Age-ups their attacks come earlier than expected. In Castle Age masses of Karambit Warriors, Crossbowmen and cheap Battle Elephants. Late game Karambits and, with Forced Levy, gold-free Two-Handed Swordsmen; on water maps Fish Traps replace many Farms.
How to beat the Malay
Against Karambit masses use Archers, Scorpions, Onagers or cavalry – they have very little HP. Counter Battle Elephants with Halberdiers, Monks or Camel Riders; without Bloodlines, Chain and Plate Barding Armor they are less durable. Against gold-free Two-Handed Swordsmen use Hand Cannoneers or your own Champions. Pressure early so their lead from fast Age-ups doesn't grow; according to Hera their late game is awkward. They lack Champion, Hussar, Paladin, Bloodlines and Architecture.
Counter army
Archer
Scout CavalryCrossbowman
Mangonel
Scorpion
MonkArbalester
Onager
Hand Cannoneer
HalberdierBuild orders for the Malay
- Malay Flexible OpeningFlex Build · Feudal 9:13 · Intermediate · by Hera
- 20 Elephants In 20 MinutesFast Castle · Feudal 13:23 · Castle 15:49 · Intermediate · by Morley Games
- ArchersArcher Rush · Feudal 10:28 · Castle 17:54 · Intermediate · by Cicero
- Fast ArchersArcher Rush · Feudal 10:03 · Intermediate · by Lohabquas
- Fast CastleFast Castle · Feudal 12:33 · Castle 14:59 · Beginner · by Cicero
- Fast ElephantsFast Castle · Feudal 12:08 · Castle 14:34 · Intermediate · by HumzaCrumza
- FC → 2TC + Crossbows → ImpFast Castle · Feudal 12:33 · Castle 14:59 · Intermediate · by dave_hun
- FC → Elephant + ScorpFast Castle · Feudal 13:23 · Castle 15:49 · Intermediate · by rumdiidumdii
- FC + EcoFast Castle · Feudal 8:48 · Castle 14:34 · Beginner · by Cicero
- Malay FlexMan-at-Arms Rush · Feudal 7:08 · Intermediate · by 1
- ScoutsScout Rush · Feudal 9:38 · Intermediate · by Cicero
- Two Militia RushMilitia Rush · Feudal 7:58 · Beginner · by oSetinhas
- Wonder Race MalayFast Imperial · Feudal 15:03 · Castle 17:29 · Advanced · by Fozid
Plus 149 build orders for every civ – step by step with voice guidance in the player.
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