Is Byzantines good against Ayyubids?

Byzantines wins 49% of 2,548 ranked games against Ayyubids (Even matchup).

How do I beat Ayyubids as Byzantines?

Scout the first Wing: Reinforcement means Raiders at 4:15 Mass Archers and Crossbows against Desert Raiders Don't fight Camels with cavalry, use Men-at-Arms

When does Ayyubids attack?

4:30 — Desert Raider harass from the Reinforcement Wing until minute 7 · 10:20 — Castle: Camel Lancers with healing Dervishes

Byzantines vs Ayyubids: how to win the matchup

Playing Byzantines against Ayyubids, you win 49% of ranked 1v1 games (2,548 games). Here is how to beat Ayyubids, what they do and when.

Even matchupByzantines guide Ayyubids guide Ayyubids vs Byzantines

Win rate by rank

silver
41.1%
158
gold
48.9%
853
platinum
48%
746
diamond
50.6%
429
conqueror
54.3%
261

How to beat Ayyubids

Scout the first Wing: Reinforcement means Raiders at 4:15
Mass Archers and Crossbows against Desert Raiders
Don't fight Camels with cavalry, use Men-at-Arms
Hit the Mills on berries early
Kill the Mangonels and Sultan's Tower with cavalry

Units that work against Ayyubids: Archers · Crossbowmen · Spearmen · Men-at-Arms

When Ayyubids hits

4:30Desert Raider harass from the Reinforcement Wing until minute 7
10:20Castle: Camel Lancers with healing Dervishes

Byzantines strengths to lean on

Cisterns speed up gathering, production and upgrades
Varied mercenaries: Longbows, Javelins, Keshik and Ghulams
Golden Horn Tower produces free mercenaries
Strong Cataphracts in Castle and cheap Varangian Men-at-Arms
Strong defense: Mangonels on Outposts, Keeps and walls

Byzantines weaknesses Ayyubids can punish

Stone-heavy opening that is weak against early rushes
Oil and Cataphracts were nerfed in June 2026
Lowest win rate at Conqueror
Hard to sustain mercenary production

Strongest Castle Age armies (simulator)

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

FAQ

Is Byzantines good against Ayyubids?: Byzantines wins 49% of 2,548 ranked games against Ayyubids (Even matchup).
How do I beat Ayyubids as Byzantines?: Scout the first Wing: Reinforcement means Raiders at 4:15 Mass Archers and Crossbows against Desert Raiders Don't fight Camels with cavalry, use Men-at-Arms
When does Ayyubids attack?: 4:30 — Desert Raider harass from the Reinforcement Wing until minute 7 · 10:20 — Castle: Camel Lancers with healing Dervishes

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.