Is Macedonian Dynasty good against Byzantines?

Macedonian Dynasty wins 60.1% of 5,111 ranked games against Byzantines (Macedonian Dynasty is favored).

How do I beat Byzantines as Macedonian Dynasty?

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

Macedonian Dynasty vs Byzantines: how to win the matchup

Playing Macedonian Dynasty against Byzantines, you win 60.1% of ranked 1v1 games (5,111 games). Here is how to beat Byzantines, what they do and when.

Macedonian Dynasty is favoredMacedonian Dynasty guide Byzantines guide Byzantines vs Macedonian Dynasty

Win rate by rank

silver
64.7%
354
gold
59.6%
1,781
platinum
59.1%
1,499
diamond
62.3%
845
conqueror
57.4%
435

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

Macedonian Dynasty strengths to lean on

Highest win rate on the ladder, and his units are easy to play
The Hippodrome produces free self-healing Champion cavalry
Golden Horn Tower is the strongest Castle Landmark and produces free Crossbows
Arsenal upgrades skip 3 tiers for the unit line he plays
Long fights favor him: the War Camp gives back free units

Macedonian Dynasty weaknesses Byzantines can punish

Weak, predictable economy, and very bad against 2 TC
Each upgrade only serves one unit line
Food runs out around minute 24 without map food
Nerfed a lot in 2026 (Ridarii, Varangians, Champions)

Strongest Castle Age armies (simulator)

Macedonian Dynasty: Varangian Guard + Crossbowman (1.11)
Byzantines: Veteran Musofadi Warrior (0.67)

FAQ

Is Macedonian Dynasty good against Byzantines?: Macedonian Dynasty wins 60.1% of 5,111 ranked games against Byzantines (Macedonian Dynasty is favored).
How do I beat Byzantines as Macedonian Dynasty?: 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.