Best Civ for Beginners? [AoE2]

This is a really common question, and one that's hard to answer. I think the best approach is to present the various arguments and give the case for each one.

0:45 Most popular civilizations for beginners
3:00 "Best" civs statistically
4:15 Most techs and variety
5:20 Easiest early game
7:30 "Random" civ

Stats from: https://aoestats.io/ and https://www.ageofempires.com/stats/ageiide/

Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/SpiritoftheLaw

Background music from Epidemic Sound: http://www.epidemicsound.com

Game: Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition, with Forgotten Empires, African Kingdoms, Rise the Rajas, and Last Khans expansions