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Nations

The base game includes a number of non-playable civilizations, including twelve different tribes of Native Americans, while the Age of Empires III: The War Chiefs expansion pack makes three tribes playable - the Iroquois, Sioux, and Aztecs.

Age of Empires III allows the player to play as eight different civilizations:

British (United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth I): The British can build Manors in place of Houses. Manors are 50% more expensive than houses, but have the bonus of spawning one free Settler Unit for each Manor built.

The unique units for the British are: Longbowman and Rocket. The strongest units are Redcoat Musketeer and King's Life Guard Hussar.

The British receive a bonus to economy in the game.

Dutch (Dutch Republic, Maurice of Nassau): The Dutch Settlers Unit costs coin to generate in place of the normal food cost, but produce better revenue via their Bank structure, as well as their coin-generating buildings which are unique to the Dutch.

Their unique units are the Envoy, Fluyt, Ruyter. Their strongest units are the Carabineer Ruyter and Nassau Halberdier.

French (France, Napoleon): The French are able to train Coureurs des Bois, stronger villagers which, while more expensive are also more effective. The French get a bonus at forging native alliances.

Their unique units are the Cuirassier and the Coureur des Bois. Their best units are the Gendarme Cuirassier and Voltigeur Skirmisher.

Germans (Prussia, Frederick the Great): The Germans represent pretty much all of the Central European Kingdoms - which were really City-States at the time - and begin the game with Settler Wagons in place of the regular Settler Units.

Their unique units are the Doppelsoldner, Uhlan, War Wagon, and Settler Wagon. Their best units are the Prussian Needle Gunner and the Czapka Uhlan.

Ottomans (Ottoman Empire, Suleiman the Magnificent): The Ottoman continuously produce Settler Units at no cost in game, but have limited Settler production.

Their unique units are the Janissary, Abus Gun, Imam, Galley, Spahi, and Great Bombard, and their best units are the Gardener Hussar and Baratcu Grenadier.

Portuguese (Portugal, Henry the Navigator): The Portuguese receive a free Covered Wagon Unit upon each Age Advancement, which can be used to build a Town Center for expansion. They also have extra exploring capabilities, such as their Explorer Unit which is equipped with the "Spyglass" ability and reveals unexplored territory.

Their unique units are the Cassador and the Organ Gun. Their best units are the Jinete Dragoon and Guerreiro Musketeer.

Russians (Russia, Ivan the Terrible): The Russians train units in groups, which rapidly speeds up production early in the game. They also have the fastest Settler/Villager production in the game.

Their unique units are the Strelet, Cossack, and Oprichnik. Their best units are the Tartar Cavalry Archer and the Pavlov Grenadier.

Spanish (Spain or Castille, Queen Isabella I): The Spanish have infantry and cavalry available straight away, and swift Home City shipments.

Their unique units are the Rodelero, Lancer, and Missionary. Their best units are the Espada Rodelero, Garrochista Lancer, and Tercio Pikeman.

Spain is the only Civilization that can upgrade the Pikeman beyond Veteran status.