In Age of Empires 4, players can age to the next civilization stage in the French empire by creating landmarks. Landmarks have replaced the mechanic in past Age of Empire games in which players needed to build a certain number of buildings to reach a new era. Most civilizations like the French have two Landmarks to choose from in each age, and only one can be constructed per game. By gathering the needed materials, players can advance their French empire as soon as possible with the best Landmark of that age.
There are three ages that every civilization needs to reach in Age of Empires 4. After gathering enough materials for the Landmark of their choice, French civilization players will reach the Feudal Age, then the Castle Age, and finally the Imperial Age. Each Landmark displays how many resources are required to advance to the next age, as well as the benefits that come along with building the Landmark. Players who excel at other real-time strategy games may be able to challenge themselves with various Landmarks, but, ultimately, each civilization has a clear path for which Landmarks are easiest to use.
The French civilization is one the more offensively powerful civilizations to play as in Age of Empires 4, and there are a few different ways that anyone can make use of their talents. The French excel in military cavalry and resource-gathering, and their later Landmarks are great for strong defense. For many instances, the best French civilization landmarks in Age of Empires 4 are the School of Cavalry, Royal Institute, and Red Palace.
Best French Civilization Landmarks to Build in Age of Empires 4
The School of Cavalry is a French military Landmark in Age of Empires IV. Unless the map is a water map, players should always choose this Landmark as their Feudal Age upgrade. The School of Cavalry acts as a stable, and all stables produce units faster by +20%. Additionally, this is useful for French archers because they also benefit from the production speed bonus.
The Royal Institute is another French military Landmark, and it's the best option to choose when players are ready to reach the Castle Age. While the French typically rivals the Holy Roman Empire in Age of Empires 4 in strength, this Landmark puts stronger offensive power in favor of the French military. The Royal Institute houses all technology unique to the French. Additionally, research is 20% cheaper and ignores the Age requirements on researchable items. The Royal Institute also provides craftable bonuses like Royal Bloodlines, which increases the health of all cavalry by 35%.
The Red Palace is a French defensive Landmark that ages the civilization to the Imperial Age. It's arguably the best defensive Landmark in all of Age of Empires 4, as it acts as a keep that features high-damage arbalest emplacements. Additionally, each garrisoned unit adds an additional arbalest, causing the Red Palace to act like a Gatling gun.
Age of Empires 4 is available on PC.