b. Saracen Campaign: Saladin [AOK7B]

Walkthrough for the Saracen Campaign's Saladin missions in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, covering objectives, strategies, and outcomes for both 'An Arabian Knight' and 'Lord of Arabia'.

This guide covers the Saladin campaign missions in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, focusing on the historical figure Saladin's efforts to reclaim Jerusalem and secure Egypt.

MISSION 1: AN ARABIAN KNIGHT

The mission begins with a European narrator, captured by Saracens and saved by Saladin, recounting his experiences. Players start with Light Cavalry, Camels, and Mamelukes. The objective is to defeat the Franks west of Cairo.

1. Defeat an initial Frankish group of Knights and Men at Arms.
2. Eliminate a small group of Crossbowmen encountered while heading south.
3. Locate and destroy the main West Frank Camp south by the river, which is heavily defended by Knights and Crossbowmen.
4. After the Egyptian ruler initially distrusts Saladin and allies with the Franks, ignore the ruler and raze the Frankish camp.
5. Proceed to the Mosque on the double, crossing a bridge and dealing with a West Frank Blacksmith guarded by a Knight and Crossbowmen. Capture a Frankish Cannon Galleon.
6. Use the Cannon Galleon on the Gate of Cairo. Defend against Egyptian forces with Heavy Scorpions.
7. Upon destroying the Blacksmith, Frankish Armor (Chain Barding Armor) is found, enhancing Cavalry armor.
8. Once the Gate is breached, send Light Cavalry to the Mosque. The Egyptian leader will then ally with Saladin, providing additional Camels and Cavalry Archers.
9. Exit Cairo through the East Gate and destroy the East Frank Guard Tower, facing Knights, Crossbowmen, and Pikemen. Use Heavy Scorpions and Cavalry Archers for hit-and-run tactics.
10. Destroy the Frankish Town Center using a Siege Ram to win the mission.

Outcome: Saladin secures Cairo, demonstrating a chivalrous approach by allowing opposition to leave unharmed and focusing on rebuilding the city.

MISSION 2: LORD OF ARABIA

Fifteen years later, the European narrator has followed Saladin to Medina. The Holy Land is divided into four kingdoms. A French knight, Reynold de Chatillon, is raiding Arab territory and threatening cities, defying a treaty. Saladin is determined to eliminate Reynold.