PALADIN (Franks) vs EVERY UNIQUE UNIT | AoE II: Definitive Edition

The Paladin is a heavy cavalry unit in Age of Empires II that can be trained at the Stable once the Imperial Age is reached. Like most other cavalry, Paladins are strong and agile. They are considered to be one of the strongest and most cost effective units in the game.
Despite lacking Bloodlines, the Franks have the strongest Paladin in the game due to their civilization bonus which grants them +20% HP. The Lithuanians can potentially have the strongest Paladin thanks to their Relic bonus, which provides +1 attack for each garrisoned one (up to +4 attack). Despite both civilizations lacking Husbandry, the Cumans have the fastest Paladin in the game, due to their civilization bonus that makes them +15% faster, and the Teutons have the best-armored Paladin, thanks to their civilization bonus that provides +2 melee armor.
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Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition celebrates the 20th anniversary of one of the most popular strategy games ever with stunning 4K Ultra HD graphics, a new and fully remastered soundtrack, and brand-new content, “The Last Khans” with 3 new campaigns and 4 new civilizations.
Explore all the original campaigns like never before as well as the best-selling expansions, spanning over 200 hours of gameplay and 1,000 years of human history. Head online to challenge other players with 35 different civilizations in your quest for world domination throughout the ages.
Choose your path to greatness with this definitive remaster to one of the most beloved strategy games of all time.

[@Gabriel-gw6gb]

Teutonic Knights. Killing Paladins reliably since 1999.

[@varunmanjunath9123]

Paladin: I am knight with horse, but you are knight without horse hahaha Teutonic knight: Ok punk

[@SuhasKashyap07]

@@varunmanjunath9123 Eskdee

[@Leonykf]

But mobility makes teutonic knight never usable

[@DUDEbuttersDUDE]

@@Leonykf only against range units. Maybe a shit load of elite skirmishers to deal with range units so the teutonic knights can deal with melee units

[@Leonykf]

@@DUDEbuttersDUDE still very hard, no map control and ur opponents could avoid fighting the knights anytime as they are very slow

[@bsn_cs]

The franks true unique unit

[@TheBikeOnTheMoon]

it's funny tho because they used to have a unique unit called "Frankish paladin" that you could build from castles. these guys have +1 higher melee attack but less hp for some reason.

[@henrycebula4767]

@@TheBikeOnTheMoon the also had bloodlines before bloodlines was a thing

[@dbuyandelger]

them dead samurai disagree with you

[@raymondgoodwill6796]

LOL

[@irulannaba6970]

Right. Don nobody uses those throwing axeman, they weak af.

[@matttypes2695]

Kamayuks: We will win because we have spears. Paladins: Well yes, but actually no.

[@themonarchserupt4051]

this isnt equal ressources tho so yea

[@s.c.l5382]

The incas lost is very cheap. The franks lost is a disaster.

[@orkunyucel3095]

Halb likewise fails against Paladin in equal populations. But it is used because it is very cheap. Cost effectiveness is very important.

[@laatinable]

Bad joke, it's because this was equal NUMBER OF UNITS, not EQUAL RESOURCES (COST)

[@DamonNomad82]

First battle, Paladins to Longbowmen: "No Agincourt for you!"

[@JeanDeGeaune]

😂😂

[@akapbhan]

It's called battle of Patay

[@sirtaelellevalerie1056]

At Agincourt longbowmen had elevation bonus ;)

[@ludonymous526]

Yeah. In fact, in Agincourt, the English had to retreat because they were losing too many men.

[@Jokakutihut1]

Who is Frank and why are his paladins so damn good?

[@thewanderingdoomed4883]

Have 12 more hp

[@abstractfactory8068]

filthy frank

[@JamieTwells]

So basically, if you want to defeat Frankish heavy cavalry bring either a camel or, in a pinch, an elephant.

[@Hamanuna]

It's amazing how the Paladin can deal with most unique units and even the Boyar, which is a huge surprise for me

[@yorib.4014]

Non frank paladins would definitely lose. Also paladins are more costly.

[@Hamanuna]

@@yorib.4014 in terms of gold you're right, because in the late game, gold has more value. Ohhh I really forgot the Frankish Paladin has 12 more HP, and with that it can survive a little more

[@Asterix958]

Boyar kill Frank paladin with 15 hit ( 13 * 15 = 195) when paladin give it 9 * 15 = 135 damage. Boyar should barely beat Frank Paladin. Probably this result arise from luck. Boyar kill Spanish or Persian Paladin with 14 hit. Frank's bonus for paladin is not great actually. Also Franks doesn't have useful advantage other than Paladin. It is pretty weak civilization.

[@godofmonster7405]

So we sparm halberdier

[@Hamanuna]

@@Asterix958 Weak? Lmao no, they're in top 5 in Aoestats, only behind to the Goths.

[@ICHBinCOOLERalsJeman]

You saw it here first, longbows can't pierce steel plates, Agincourt was an inside job.

[@martytu20]

Turns out you need stakes and muddy fields as well.

[@CallofDutyBlackOps28]

Byzantine Cataphract: "I just wanted you to be a better warrior!" Franks Paladin: "and you succeeded" *GoW Kratos vs Aries fight quote*

[@harunakca1553]

6:45 9:45 13:55 these moments are the more exciting than most adventure movie. I watch more and more and I'm ecxited all times :)

[@zerophoenix6612]

Nice video! Paladins are really powerful and useful! Very interesting to see! I know that Eagle Warrior is shared by 3 Civilizations but I think it's still a unique unit

[@IamRayson]

Teutonic Knights after fighting French Paladen. “Just a flesh wound.”

[@devagr]

*Monty python and the holy grail flashbacks start

[@georgeprchal3924]

I YIELD FOR NO MAN!

[@stefanandrejcik571]

I remember how op were Franks with their paladins when other civs didn't have halberdiers and bloodlines

[@VictorHugo-yz2vn]

Great video! I always wonder how standard units fare agains unique units. Biggest surprise for me was the Boyars result. Maybe we could see one with equal resources?

[@michaelmccarty1327]

Boyars cost more gold but less food. It's roughly even, so I think this fight is a tossup.

[@attilathechilla.1383]

It would be interesting to have a resource comparison as far as tech costs and upgrade cost. although many of the uniques require castles.

[@f4k3gamer]

The French got their revenge against the brits finally

[@JeanDeGeaune]

Don't need to go that far, just read the full history of the battle of 100 years to understand that lots of battle have been forgotten, maybe to enhance the ego of the British 🤷‍♂️

[@devagr]

Flaming Camels: "This is what I have been training my whole life for! I am the best counter the cavalry there is!" Paladins: "umm... so who's gonna tell them?"

[@Berlinbower]

I remember when frankish knights were the most strongest knights. To the point that when i'd do single player battles and play the teutons (because they had my favorite unit) and the franks. Since it was a.i i was fighting, we always won

[@frankseward7017]

Nice. Do Skavic Halbeiders next please!

[@MoabMoam]

My Friend: What civilization i choose? Me: The one with Paladins? My Friend: Oh f*ck

[@lisahvankuna3555]

nice video thanks helped a lot

[@njdutoit]

And this is exactly how the fight between French Knights and English Longbowmen would have faired at Agincourt, had it not rained and bogged down their horses.

[@whisperwalkful]

In game it was kind of like the longbowmen were surrounded by palisade walls and protected by halbs.

[@robertstanfield8291]

i love the frankish music

[@augur331]

yeah, lovable units on AoE2 indeed

[@ahmetasmguc3016]

No matter what unit you have...against a paladin they magically become potatoes

[@Naveication]

Laughs in elite war elephant

[@JoschiChr]

Well... most

[@mermaidboy89]

try against halber and mameluke

[@MrDibara]

Heavy Camels say "hi".

[@jonkoxl2069]

laughs in any camel civ

[@dimahidden1166]

Interesting case with standard Paladins, Spanish for example, without Frank's bonus

[@floriankulik7965]

Is there any up to date paladin video out? Maybe with total resources?

[@maginaop2564]

Well equal ressource battle would be different even with archer units

[@sadakatinty8369]

This is a match up I am really curious to see with equal resources.

[@aminghasemi2621]

yeah its just a joke when its not in equal resources

[@devagr]

@@aminghasemi2621 Don't underestimate the resource-efficiency paladins bring to the table. The upgrades are very expensive, but after that paladins provide a lot of value for the res you put into them.

[@devagr]

Some speculations - War elephants, TK, Imp Camels and Leitis still melt them. Magyar Huszar melt them with their OP res efficiency. Genitours and Imp skirms still don't stand a chance, despite being trash units. Kamayuks get their time to shine and melt them with their range and bonus. Berserks are cheap, strong and have a bonus against cav. They might win. Not sure exactly how expensive Boyars are, and they are pretty evenly matched. So a small numbers advantage can swing the fight. On the other hand, I don't remember how cheap Karambits are, so with a critical mass they should be able to kill paladins (unlike elephants who have trample damage working in their favor)

[@aminghasemi2621]

@@devagr when you want to see which one is better in fight it should be in equal resources, other wise nothing can beat 20 war elephants in equal numbers... even 20 halbs

[@sirtaelellevalerie1056]

It should be noted that any chokpoints would give advantage to more expensive units.

[@dehan6172]

Can you put the unique unit of american civs?? (They're all but xolotl warrior not)

[@TMoDDD]

European civ: I have a paladin army!!! Middle east civ: We have a camel!!!

[@tshddx]

It's funny how many infantry units manage to kill exactly 1 paladin.

[@SherazKhan-fn6el]

You'll be surprised by Mamelukes beating Paladins, unless you've played CBA before.

[@Odin3589]

Why? They are not a clear counter?

[@moatezmoussi9751]

yeah , i am surprised . never thought there's a mounted unit that can beat paladins

[@SherazKhan-fn6el]

​@@moatezmoussi9751 If I remember correctly, mamelukes beat all melee mounted units with equal numbers (including war elephants but you need to micro a little), they are also very good against mounted archers if you can close the distance. Boyars and tutonic paladins might be able to beat them though.

[@eesaubaydullah4231]

@@SherazKhan-fn6el nah still can't

[@rofeonazaripasha675]

What is 2+3/3+4 in the box of paladin (franks)??

[@davidbock6276]

Their armor/defense values. Versus Melee/Range Attacks.

[@sam4secretary]

the mamelukes were amazing

[@BeaneChunz]

Please do a Teutonic Paladin version

[@manupainkiller]

Yes please !

[@93Beefcake]

15 armor 7 pierce armor 220 hp moving 1.4 tiles per second cost 200 food 200 gold

[@MegaKossak]

Konniks winning was the real surprise for me

[@MrAllmightyCornholioz]

Try the campaign Frankish Paladins next time!

[@gmenos6252]

I just started the video and I think only teutonic knights and Persians will win Maybe kamyuks and mamelukes might have a chance but others I will vote for paladins

[@ashleythomas1988]

Imperial camels :).

[@frankartanis1290]

Leitis! Also, Kamayuks losing it was a bit surprising.

[@edwardblom2661]

Boyar losing too...

[@bf2229]

Micro, micro is the real counter

[@minami-kun9952]

Cobra cars vs every unique units

[@grieverreaver6951]

7:45 They actually did it.

[@user-mw2vn7pv8n]

Wow didn't know Mamelukes were this good against cavalry

[@eliasaguirre6047]

They have attack bonus against cavalry... And with micro... Ufff

[@jonkoxl2069]

mameluke best unit imho, followed by cataphract

[@LionPcService]

please! With a smarter micromanage, the kamayuks would have won. This versus in a rush, with equal resources would be more interesting.

[@michamalinowski8015]

The one with the Boyars...

[@adoniah81]

I have just witnessed the true power of capes😅

[@rssiddharth]

Every paladin gangsta until the pointy bois appear

[@rexana]

Konnik: Oh no! Call an ambulance, call an ambulance! /gets up from horse/ BUT NOT FOR ME

[@Gunlord]

Teutons and ellyphants too stronk

[@crystalyzzed]

Elephant Archer is nonsense. The elephant will remain calm while somebody attacks it?

[@sebacs5554]

imagine a teutonic cab on a horse

[@edgarmaestre6622]

The elite elephant have 620 hp? I was think have 600. This only happens in definitive edition?

[@jonkoxl2069]

+20 bloodlines, since AoC

[@theevilmugen]

Still insinting Hrolf the Ganger vs unique units.

[@princessbinas]

Teutons Paladin vs Every Unique Unit

[@rodrigoe.martinmusri8775]

Frank paladin vs Teutonic paladin?

[@jeffery_tang]

9:50 damn, the boyars lost

[@theobald_indoaoe]

Boyars always win against Frank Paladins. Paladin needs 17 hits to take down Boyar, while boyar only needs 15 hits to take down Frank Paladin which has 192 hp (14 hits for regular Paladin). They won in the match because of the pathfinding. The AI's pathfinding is slightly worse than the player does. If both are AI's, Boyars definitely won. I have tried 17 Boyars against 17 Frank Paladins which both were AI. The result was 4 Boyars was still alive. Moreover, Boyars win against Konniks. However, they are worse than Frank Paladins while against Leitis.

[@NinjaSushi2]

Mameluke are badass.

[@gabrielmelnik6796]

Now equal resources

[@alperenbaser7952]

Everyone gangster until mighty persia arrived

[@BlueShellshock]

Sometimes, I think Paladins are what Champions should have been. No special tricks, tends to win against anything that doesn't do bonus damage to them, useful at all stages of them game. It's what you're looking for in a staple, gold-costing unit. I mean really, the only thing that kills Paladins without a bonus to cavalry are War Elephants and Teutonics... and the Konik, surprisingly.

[@VickyCruz]

Camels too

[@Immortal_Hunter]

Oh my god they defeated the elephant archers.!

[@FalenGood]

Could have been won with some micro

[@miguelangel.2669]

Pon en números iguales si no no tiene caso la comparación.

[@eliteteutonicknight1]

Wow, Boyars did not do as good as I thought they would... TKs did far better. That extra melee armor and attack makes a huge difference, even with a lot less HP.

[@elrey7608]

what about steppe lancers!

[@TheBackwasher]

Losing to konniks doesn't really make sense to me... They have higher hp (if you combine mounted and dismounted konnik) and higher rate of fire, does anyone have an explanation here ?

[@TheBackwasher]

Edit: prolly because 10 konniks is equivalent to more units as if they die they still have damage output when if the paladin dies, it dies.

[@theowlogram888]

In 1v1 palas narrowly win but the difference is so tiny that in mass battles it comes down to luck.

[@pragadeeshwar923]

Also konniks attack faster with that UT

[@Raiom.]

They don't have more attack than mounted and dismounted konnik combined

[@darkdill]

I know this is supposed to show off the power of Paladins and other stuff, but why use equal numbers instead of equal resources?

[@Chokoboh]

Because the dude obviously just loves his Paladins and gives them every advantage that he can get.

[@MSinan-cx2ng]

this kind of video may be more accurate if you use same source with both side.

[@fabiobortolussi6886]

Why frankish? The best paladins are now the teutons one

[@TheBikeOnTheMoon]

do teutons paladins :3

[@TheBikeOnTheMoon]

@Siva sankar they're only stronger in melee, otherwise they are slightly worse at tanking arrows and bad at chasing units

[@themonarchserupt4051]

@@TheBikeOnTheMoon and franks perform worse to halbs kamayuks and camels than teuts lol

[@user-ov3nt4ll4d]

Nice unite but very expensive upgrades and it has too much counters so much civilizations with camel, so much civilizations with halberdiers.

[@zharkabat]

In fact, they are the 3rd best Paladins in the game

[@K41S3R193]

Kamayuks did really well even whiout equal resources.

[@qasimahmad6748]

33 paladin vs 6 unique. paladin's are supreme

[@electrospriggan]

Teutonic paladins are the best, so far

[@ShMoZeH2]

Description is so wrong... Frank paladin isn't the strongest... Teuton one's win... However they are the best overall, but not the strongest

[@LVMR14]

Moral: Paladins solve 90% of problems, but Horses < Camels (no archers) < Elephants (no archers). Exception: Teutonic Knights and Leitis

[@parthn-musicforwork4789]

Paladins OP

[@BA0777]

The Frankish Paladin should be another Unique Unit of the Franks as the Imperial Camel is for the Indians. Frankish Paladin. Upgrade cost: 1500F/800G. Cost: 60F/75G. Base stats: HP: 180. Attack: 16. Armor: 3. Pierce Armor: 3. Speed: Fast. Since they lack the Bloodlines upgrade, give them something like this. Then they will be the #1 Paladin civ as in Age of Kings.

[@romero9274]

Oh yeah they were unstoppable in age of kings. No bloodlines or halberdiers. Even pikes and camels couldn't beat them.

[@devagr]

Technically Lithuanian paladins with 2+ relics are the strongest Paladin in the game, not Franks.

[@muker83]

Lithuania +4Attack Teutons +2Armour Frank +12HP I wonder which one is better in which scenario. If any of the results will differ with Teutons or Lithuania

[@Asterix958]

Lithuania >= Frank > Teutons > other paladins. Teutons miss husbandry , therefore they are slower %9 than other paladins and their armor bonus valid just for melee units. Frank Paladin still stronger against Archers. Lithuanian Paladin gain 2 relics most cases. If they can collect more than 2, they should be best. In my opinion, with 2 relics they are equal to Frank. Resistance is better than attack in AOE 2.

[@whitehavencpu6813]

@@Asterix958 sadly Liths lose Blast Furnace with the latest update.They really need those 4 relics to fight archers.

[@CodigoGama]

Cataphracts are left handed. 🤔

[@Littlechandler82]

ok but missionaries would have mangled them

[@davidpieper95]

Khmer battle elifants vs. every unique unit.

[@evancarlson5805]

They beat Kamayuks 0_0

[@eesaubaydullah4231]

1:34 you defeated Charlemagne with Frankish knights how Ironic LOL

[@michaelmccarty1327]

If I'm not mistaken, the term Paladin was originated from Charlemagne's knights.

[@eesaubaydullah4231]

@@michaelmccarty1327 exactly that's the point

[@eesaubaydullah4231]

@@michaelmccarty1327 it's ironic

[@karolcarolos]

It is no Palladin it is super Palladin

[@user-jp8cq4de5e]

ボヤール負けるのか（困惑）

[@jonkoxl2069]

equal resources

[@nguoitronggiangho65]

What? Why's Frank Paladin win against Boyar?????It can't be......

[@flandy6166]

Kamayuks woud have won with a good micro.

[@Bzhydack]

Even without, with closer formation.

[@s.c.l5382]

and in = resources... Kamayuks are more cheap

[@martytu20]

@@s.c.l5382 halbs are even cheaper (since it doesn't cost gold).

[@TheMonda07]

Teutons have the best paladins now

[@adityachaki2799]

Depends what you're fighting. Against archers and raiding, the French still have the best ones.

[@seleukosnikator7347]

1) Lithuanians 2) Teutons 3) Franks 4) Persians 5) Cumans

[@TheBikeOnTheMoon]

@@seleukosnikator7347 lithuanians' paladins have potential to be number 1 otherwise they are generic...

[@Jokakutihut1]

@@TheBikeOnTheMoon yeah depends if you can get relics or not

[@torreschan913]

Seleukos Nikator Why is that the Teutons have stronger paladins than the franks ?

[@Pandadude-eg9li]

3:36 You have an attack bonus against them, why do they live?

[@JoschiChr]

What bonus are you speaking of?

[@heresiarch.]

Cavalry have no attack bonus against infantry.

[@LionPcService]

In equal recurses, please !

[@luisferrusco5539]

I hate the new songs of the definitive

[@snorristurluson5977]

Leitis win without relics, nice :)

[@ArsenalFootbal]

Franks Paladins created the chat "Invade India" Franks Paladins entered the chat Imperial Camel Riders entered the chat Franks Paladins left the chat Britain Longbows entered the chat

[@varunmanjunath9123]

Indian elephant archers entered the chat. British longbows left the chat kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH-wlZp3gKh4r8k

[@tomaszsmol3920]

I like how those thicc boys crushed the paladins

[@tshddx]

Definitely the most repetitive soundtrack so far! :)

[@nitr0_091]

Why Franks tho they arent even best in the game rn

[@s.c.l5382]

The anti-cav units are cheaps.

[@takethebluepill16]

Boyars lost... what

[@takethebluepill16]

Also interesting that the konniks won and that the Leitis completely shredded

[@TheBikeOnTheMoon]

@@takethebluepill16 Letis is OP, same armor as paladins, ignore armor, high hp..they need nerfs imo

[@jonkoxl2069]

@@TheBikeOnTheMoon leitis discount was uncalled for

[@TheBikeOnTheMoon]

@@jonkoxl2069 that one too, they are so dirt cheap to produce

[@Gloriath1]

​@@TheBikeOnTheMoon Leitis IS op, but the above example is misleading nevertheless because... 1) many of the paladins in the vid derped around for seconds instead of attacking, while the leitis all attacked. That can snowball quickly. And it's also random, paladins don't have inherently worse pathing than leitis, they were just unlucky in the above case. That gave the impression that leitis were much stronger than they actually are. 2) cavalry is mostly shock troop against archers, the paladin's 3 pierce armor and 192hp outshines the leitis' insane attack in most cases....just not in a head-to-head.^^

[@GruulFleury]

Suck it Samurai... no unique unit here.