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The French are one of the eight primary civilizations players can lead to glory inAge of Empires 4. Boasting a strong military as well as an efficient economy, the French can easily come to dominate all aspects of a match. They’re also rather uncomplicated, which makes them a suitable faction for beginners.
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Knowing what makes the French civilization tick is essential before diving into a match, especially with human opponents. Fortunately, this guide will give players an idea of how to effectively take the reins of the French faction inAge of Empires 4.
Updated June 11, 2025 by Mark Hospodar:Age of Empires 4 has gone through a few changes since its release. Civilizations and their corresponding units, technologies, and bonuses have undergone various tweaks in an effort to rebalance them.
The French, of course, are no exception. This guide has been updated to include the changes that have been made to the French civilization. In addition, a table has been added that includes the French Masteries and their rewards.
An Overview Of The French Civilization
The French can rely on a robust economy whilebacked up by a formidable military. Specifically, French cavalry in the form ofRoyal Knightsis a fearsome force to behold on the battlefield. Considering they pack a greater punch compared to their generic brethren, Royal Knights are devastating when at full charge.
The French also possess an edge ingunpowdertechnology. In the Imperial Age, French siege equipment is quite powerful. The French are also shrewd traders, able to utilize the Market more effectively compared to other factions. Their economic technologies are also cheaper, bestowing yet another advantage over their rivals.
French Civilization Bonuses
Similar to the other factions in the game, the French possess a core set of bonuses unique to their culture. Playing to these strengths is crucial when sparring against a skilled opponent. The Civilization Bonuses of the French include:
The ability to produce Villagers at a faster clip isworth its weight in goldin the early game. Outproducing one’s enemy is often crucial, and for that, a great abundance of Villagers is required. The bonuses the French possess regarding trade can prove very lucrative if players are smart about controlling the key points of the map.
Unique French Units
The Royal Knight represents the bread-and-butter of the French military. They’re exceedinglywell-armoredandpack a significant punch. As long as they don’t charge headlong into a wall of Spearmen, these Royal Knights can decimate scores of light infantry. Once their initial charge is spent, they canreform and repeat the tactic. They can be recruited starting in the Feudal Age.
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TheArbalétrieris another highly useful unit. As crossbowmen, they can shred throughheavily armored infantry and cavalry. Their special ability, the use of aPavise, grants them additional protection in the form ofRanged Armor.Cannon, unsurprisingly, represent a calamitous threat to buildings. Lastly, theRoyal Ribauldequinis a morepowerful version of the English Ribauldequin. It fires a murderous blast of artillery that pounds anyone unfortunate enough to be in front of it.
Unique French Technologies & Abilities
Royal Bloodlinesincrease thehealth of all cavalry by +35%.Chivalryallows Royal Knights toregenerate +1 health every 1-second when out of combat.Cantled Saddlesincreases Royal Knights’bonus damage after a charge by +10.
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Gambesonsincrease Arbalétriermelee armor by +5.Crossbow Stirrupsreduce thereload time of Arbalétriers by -25%. Finally,Enlistment Incentivesimproves the French Influence byreducing unit costs by a further -5%.
French Naval Advantages
The French alsomake use of a few naval advantagesthat set them apart from other civilizations. Once again, the superiority of their artillery is clearly on display. The powerfulGalleassincorporates aforward-mounted bombard cannon on its bow. Furthermore, theLong Gunsupgrade increases thedamage of naval cannons by +10%. As such, French ships aren’t to be taken lightly.
French Landmarks
French Masteries
Like the other civilizations in the game, players can complete a variety of special challenges geared specifically for the French. Completing these challenges rewards fans with 1,000 Experience Points and unlocks unique portraits/monuments/coats of arms as well as interesting tidbits regarding medieval history.
Construct 4 Resource drop-off buildings in the Dark Age
Portrait: French Coin Fun Fact: Cost of the Chevauchées
Wheels of Burden
Research Horticulture, Double Broadax, and Specialized Pick before reaching the Castle Age
Coat of Arms-Sigil: Sheaf of Wheat Fun Fact: The Jacquerie Revolt
Test Of Strength I
Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Easy A.I.
Fun Fact: The Black Death Portrait: Wolf
Horsing Around
Construct the School of Cavalry Landmark and then produce 20 cavalry units
Portrait: French Rider Fun Fact: Protection Money
Clever Commerce
Accrue 2000 Food, Wood, or Stone from Traders in the Feudal Age
Coat of Arms-Pattern: Fleur de Lis Banner Pattern Fun Fact: Black Monday
In Shining Armor
Produce 40 Royal Knights from a Stable under the influence of a nearby Keep
Portrait: French Crossbow Fun Fact: A War of Treaties
Test Of Strength II
Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Intermediate A.I.
Research Crossbow Stirrups and defeat 20 enemy units with Arbalétriers
Portrait: French Armored Cavalry Fun Fact: A Battle of Bows
Paint It Red
Construct the Red Palace Landmark and use it to kill 30 enemies
Coat of Arms-Sigil: Fleur de Lis Fun Fact: The Champagne Fairs
Master Craftsmen
Accrue 2000 Food, Wood, Gold, or Stone from the Guild Hall Landmark in the Castle Age
Portrait: French Lancer Fun Fact: Staying in the Saddle
Test Of Strength III
Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hard A.I.
Win the match with a surviving army of 25 cavalry
Portrait: Blanche de Castile Fun Fact: The Pavise
Military Wharf
Kill 10 enemy units with Galleasses affected by the Armored Hull technology
Achieve a Wonder Victory while 20 Traders are active
Portrait: Jeanne D’Arc Fun Fact: The Bureau Brothers
Test Of Strength IV
Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hardest A.I.
Coat of Arms-Frame: Pointed Dag Banner Shape Fun Fact: The Retrial of Jeanne D’Arc
Tips For Playing As The French
SeveralFrench technologies and Landmarksfocus on reducing the time it takes to produce units. Coupled with their potential economic power, the French can field large armies and replace losses relatively quickly. With a few upgrades thrown in for good measure, a French army’s staying power is thus quite formidable.
By the late game, the French are masters of artillery. Their gunpowder siege equipment can render enemy fortifications obsolete. The French navy, in the form of the Galleass, possesses similar advantages. Thus, by the Imperial Age, the French are difficult opponents to dislodge. With Royal Knights, Arbaletrier, and artillery support,the French can dominate a battlefieldin short order.
