Most civilizations begin a match with three villagers and a scout, which I will focus on here. Since I've already written an Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition Fast Castle strategy guide, I will focus on a Drush into archers with the following build order. Two common exit strategies will take your Drush into archers or into a standard Fast Castle. The Drush is best paired with mid- and late-game strategies it alone will not win a game unless your opponent is seriously underprepared. I will focus here on a Drush that will have militia harassing your enemy at around the 10-minute mark of the match. Like any good Age of Empires 2 strategy, there are multiple ways to pull it off depending on the game's current meta-state. How to Drush in Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition
However, all civilizations can pull off the Drush to some extent. Some civilizations are better geared for a Drush, including those with extra food and gold bonuses (Lithuanians, Aztecs) or those with cheaper infantry (Goths).
