The variety of Civilizations in Age of Empires 4 allows players to play with the nation that suits them best. Some Civilizations have a great army, while some others count more on their economy.
There are also nations that are reliant on religion. In Age of Empires 4, Religious units play a major role for some Civilizations. In fact, the gameplay of some factions heavily revolves around them. Whether playing for Relics or simply to heal troops, players shouldn't underestimate the power of these nations.
Delhi Sultanate
While all Civilizations build their Monasteries at the Castle Age, Delhi Sultanate can construct their Mosques at the start of the game (Dark Age).
Recruiting a Scholar this early can prove essential in the early fights if players choose to play aggressively. At this point, Delhi can form an army of Spearmen. Add healers to these light infantry, and they can win the early battles.
Scholars can also garrison Mosques and accelerate the research processes of nearby buildings. The technologies are free, so it’s a fair trade; spend Gold to buy Scholars in exchange for faster research. At the Feudal Age, the Delhi Sultanate get their hands on a unique Religious technology, Sanctity. It allows Scholars to capture Sacred Sites before any other Civilization, giving Delhi a huge advantage to win the game early on. It can even double the passive Gold income coming from the captured Sacred Sites.
Finally, by the time players reach the Imperial Age, they will have access to the mighty War Elephants. These animals are so bulky yet so strong. Having a Scholar to heal them in battles can make killing these War Elephants a tedious chore for the opponents.
Holy Roman Empire
At the start of the Dark Age, without even a Monastery, the Holy Roman Empire can recruit a Prelate. A Religious unit that has an important role to play in that Age. Prelates can encourage Villagers to gather resources 40% faster. Just like Delhi Sultanate, the early Religious healer allows the Romans to play aggressively, healing their primitive army while other Civilizations can’t.
The Holy Roman Empire also has access to two Religious Landmarks: Aachen Chapel and Regnitz Cathedral. Aachen Chapel can be garrisoned by one Prelate. It will inspire all nearby Villagers and troops to perform better. As for Regnitz Cathedral, players can put up to three Relics inside this Landmark. The Relics will generate 200% more Gold than usual, boosting the Roman's Gold production to a new level.
Rus
Rus has access to a very unique unit, Warrior Monk. It's a Religious Cavalry that can do many tasks, such as fighting, healing, taking relics, and capturing Sacred Sites. Even without all those features, having a mobile Monk is perfect for the Rus.
By the time Rus wants to move on to the Castle Age, they can build a Religious Landmark called Abbey of Trinity; it has some very important buffs for the Warrior Monk. The battles for the Relics and Sacred Sites begin at this age, and Rus can easily steal these Relics without any risk of their Monks getting chased.
Age of Empires 4 was released on October 28, 2021, and is currently available on PC.