InAge of Empires 4, the Normans Campaign gives players a taste of what they can expect from the rest of the game. It offers an ideal collection of scenarios forbeginners learning the ropes. By and large, there isn’t anything too difficult in the Normans Campaign.
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Nevertheless, there are certain moments throughout the campaign that can be a bit challenging. Players still need to be proactive when it comes to managing their economies and military forces. A few tips and strategies for the campaign’s more hectic moments will definitely come in handy for those still getting their feet wet inAge of Empires 4.
Always Have Troops Queued To Replace Losses
This tip can apply to pretty much any scenario in the Normans Campaign. Players should certainly keep this in mind during the second mission, “North to York.” At the beginning of this scenario, players will start with a significant force already under their command. Rebel towns can be swept aside with little fuss.
However, the final objective of reclaiming York itself is a tougher nut to crack. No matter how formidable one’s military forces may seem, it’s good to get into the habit ofalways having troops in the queue. Assaulting a fortified position is costly. It’s better to havetroops continuously fed into a fightrather than risking it all and having to start from scratch if things go south.
Take Your Time & Purchase Upgrades
Since the action in campaign scenarios can often be dramatic, it may feel tempting to rush into the thick of a fight. Taking the time tobuild up one’s forcesandpurchase all available upgradesis a perfectly viable strategy. This advice can be applied from the third scenario, “The Fall of Bayeux,” and onward.
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Upgrades that increasemelee/ranged damageandarmor ratingsshould be purchased whenever possible. Making sure that one’stroops are equipped in the best mannerpossible can actually save time in the long run. Build defenses, such asKeeps, to keep enemy raiding parties at bay. Then, feel free to take it slow,maxing out the population capwhile applying upgrades.
Recruit A Diverse Force In “The Battle Of Tinchebray”
The fourth scenario, “The Battle of Tinchebray,” operates a bit differently than the rest of the campaign missions. With no villagers or economy, players need tocollect piles of Goldscattered across enemy encampments. That Gold can be used to purchase regiments of soldiers in the form ofSpearmen,Archers,Men-at-Arms, orKnights.
The final battle between Duke Robert and the player serves as the climax of the scenario. Duke Robert possesses a diverse force composed ofall four unit types. If the player recruits too many regiments of the same type, they mayfind themselves at a disadvantage. It’s far better torecruit a mix of troopsanddeploy them strategicallyin the final battle.
Prioritize Longbowmen & Cavalry In “The Siege Of Wallingford”
“The Siege of Wallingford” can be quite challenging since it requires a fair bit of speed and multitasking on the player’s part. From the very start of the mission, fans will beunder constant assaultfrom the enemy.Battering RamsandSiege Towerspose a regular annoyance. What’s worse, theplayer’s starting forces are meager.
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RecruitingLongbowmenand placing them atop the stone walls is a great first step. Let them take care of theenemy infantry. Meanwhile, recruit plenty ofLight Cavalryto dispose of thesiege equipment. When friendly reinforcements arrive,eliminate at least one enemy outpostto take some of the pressure off. Assaulting more than one outpost when the reinforcements first arrive is risky. It’s safer to garrison them inside the base as a reserve army while more significant forces are being recruited.
Build Defenses Quickly In “The Siege Of Rochester”
In the ninth mission, “The Siege of Rochester,” players have two tasks:destroying Rochester Keepanddefending their base. The latter task is a bit tricky since the enemy will start sending raiding parties almost immediately. With limited space for a base,construction needs to start prontoon Barracks, Archery Ranges, and Stables.
The enemy can attack from thenorthor, more sneakily, from theeast. Building a fewstone walls that seal off the player’s basein the east andstationing some Longbowmenthere is recommended. In thenorth, constructingat least two Keeps, along withinfantry/cavalry support, should keep that sector quiet.
Rochester is extremely tough to conquer in a single assault. Make liberal use ofTrebuchetsto knock downgates,towers,walls, andmilitary productionbuildings.Mangonelscan decimate clumps of infantry and cavalry. Set therally pointsof one’s production buildings to thefrontlinesto ensure a steady stream of reinforcements.Destroy Rochester Keepas soon as possible to end the mission.
Age of Empires 4was released on August 03, 2025 and is currently available on PC.
