Is Ayyubids good against Byzantines?

Ayyubids wins 51% of 2,548 ranked games against Byzantines (Even matchup).

How do I beat Byzantines as Ayyubids?

Early rush: kill the stone and berry villagers and deny the second berries Pressure before their 12-13 minute Castle Against Cataphracts: upgraded Spearmen, Crossbows and Camels

When does Byzantines attack?

4:38 — Feudal: non-stop Limitanei and mercenary Longbows or Javelins · 9:00 — Ram timing between 8 and 10 minutes in the Winery build · 13:05 — Castle: Cataphracts and Longbows, that's his main hit

Ayyubids vs Byzantines: how to win the matchup

Playing Ayyubids against Byzantines, you win 51% of ranked 1v1 games (2,548 games). Here is how to beat Byzantines, what they do and when.

Even matchupAyyubids guide Byzantines guide Byzantines vs Ayyubids

Win rate by rank

silver
58.9%
158
gold
51.1%
853
platinum
52%
746
diamond
49.4%
429
conqueror
45.7%
261

How to beat Byzantines

Early rush: kill the stone and berry villagers and deny the second berries
Pressure before their 12-13 minute Castle
Against Cataphracts: upgraded Spearmen, Crossbows and Camels
Against Limitanei: Men-at-Arms or Horsemen; Archers are weak vs Shield Wall
Scout: stone villager count and Cisterns, Winery or Hippodrome, Golden Horn at 10:30

Units that work against Byzantines: Spearmen · Crossbowmen · Men-at-Arms · Horsemen · Mangonels

When Byzantines hits

4:38Feudal: non-stop Limitanei and mercenary Longbows or Javelins
9:00Ram timing between 8 and 10 minutes in the Winery build
13:05Castle: Cataphracts and Longbows, that's his main hit

Ayyubids strengths to lean on

Desert Raiders switch between ranged and melee, strong in Feudal
Camels reduce damage of nearby enemy cavalry by 20%
Flexible Wings: villagers, resources, free units or upgrades
Golden Age gives +10% gather rate and faster research
Strong siege: Mangonels and the Sultan's Tower

Ayyubids weaknesses Byzantines can punish

No boar hunting, all food is berries and sheep
The army needs a lot of gold
Wing choice is final; the Economic Wing dies to a rush
Infantry is weak in Imperial

Strongest Castle Age armies (simulator)

Ayyubids: Bedouin Swordsman (0.45)
Byzantines: Veteran Musofadi Warrior (0.67)

FAQ

Is Ayyubids good against Byzantines?: Ayyubids wins 51% of 2,548 ranked games against Byzantines (Even matchup).
How do I beat Byzantines as Ayyubids?: Early rush: kill the stone and berry villagers and deny the second berries Pressure before their 12-13 minute Castle Against Cataphracts: upgraded Spearmen, Crossbows and Camels
When does Byzantines attack?: 4:38 — Feudal: non-stop Limitanei and mercenary Longbows or Javelins · 9:00 — Ram timing between 8 and 10 minutes in the Winery build · 13:05 — Castle: Cataphracts and Longbows, that's his main hit

Data from the open game data (aoe4world/data), patch 16.2.10884, public ranked statistics, and Layla Coach's battle simulator. Layla Coach is an independent tool, not affiliated with Microsoft, Relic Entertainment or World's Edge.