Mongols
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 with Cavalry Archers: Hunters work 40% faster, which gives one of the fastest Feudal Ages. Cavalry Archers fire 25% faster. Scout Cavalry line and Steppe Lancers +20/30% HP in Castle/Imperial Age. Mangudai (unique unit from the Castle) are Cavalry Archers with a bonus against siege. Nomads: destroyed Houses don't reduce population space. Drill: siege weapons move 50% faster. Team: Scout Cavalry line +2 line of sight.
Typical army
Scout Cavalry
Archer
Skirmisher
Cavalry Archer
Mangudai
Steppe Lancer
Light Cavalry
Elite Mangudai
Heavy Cavalry Archer
Hussar
Siege OnagerWhat to expect from the Mongols
On open maps usually a Scout rush, very early thanks to fast hunting; less often Barracks first with a Drush. On closed maps almost always Fast Castle. Hera recommends them for Scouts into Cavalry Archers (Scouts, then Cavalry Archers behind walls) and Fast Castle into Unique Unit with Mangudai. In Castle Age Cavalry Archers, Mangudai and Steppe Lancers. Late game Mangudai masses, Hussars as a cheap front line and, with Drill, fast Rams and Siege Onagers. Mangudai shoot down your siege.
How to beat the Mongols
Stop the Scout rush with Spearmen and walls. They are most vulnerable in early Castle Age, so attack before the Mangudai mass is built. Against Cavalry Archers and Mangudai use Elite Skirmishers and Camel Riders; without Ring Archer Armor they take more arrow damage. Onagers only against clumped Cavalry Archers and never unescorted, since Mangudai deal bonus damage to siege. They lack Halberdier, Paladin, Plate Barding Armor, Hand Cannoneers, Bombard Cannons, Redemption and Architecture – so Paladins are strong in the late game.
Counter army
SpearmanArcherSkirmisher
Elite Skirmisher
Camel Rider
PikemanElite Skirmisher
Cavalier
Heavy Camel Rider
HalberdierBuild orders for the Mongols
- 22+2 Mongols → Fast Castle → UniqueFast Castle · Feudal 10:05 · Castle 13:35 · Intermediate · by X
- Drush → Steppe LancersDrush → Fast Castle · Feudal 11:20 · Castle 14:50 · Intermediate · by Morley Games
- Fast ScoutsScout Rush · Feudal 7:35 · Advanced · by HumzaCrumza
- Fast ScoutsScout Rush · Feudal 8:25 · Advanced · by Cicero
- Mongols 4 lakes MorleyFast Castle · Feudal 10:05 · Castle 13:35 · Intermediate · by Morley Games
- Morley 21+1+Loom→ Mongol→FC→ Steppe LancerFast Castle · Feudal 9:40 · Castle 12:45 · Beginner · by Morley Games
- Morley RushFast Castle · Feudal 9:40 · Castle 12:45 · Beginner · by Morley Games
- Scouts -> UU + BoomFeudal Rush · Feudal 8:25 · Castle 19:50 · Intermediate · by Jamie
- Scouts → UniqueFeudal Rush · Feudal 8:25 · Castle 19:50 · Intermediate · by Jamie
- Steppe Lancer RushDrush · Feudal 10:30 · Castle 14:00 · Intermediate · by Morley Games
- Steppe Lancer RushDrush · Feudal 9:40 · Castle 12:45 · Intermediate · by rumdiidumdii
- The FASTEST AOE2 Steppe Lancer Rush Build OrderFast Castle · Feudal 9:40 · Castle 12:45 · Intermediate · by Morley Games
Plus 149 build orders for every civ – step by step with voice guidance in the player.
Play the Mongols with a plan
Build order player with voice, and as soon as your match starts: your opponent's Elo, strategy and counters. Free.
Get started for free