The real-time strategy genre is recognized for intense competition. Playedboth offline and online, there is a disparity in skill level between novice and advanced players. Real-time strategy games likeStarCraftandAge of Empiresrequire skills like micromanagement to win games.
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Those willing to rise to the challenge can improve theirAge of Empiresskill level. There are matches where you have to play the objective, but world domination is often a goal. As long as fundamental tips are followed, victory is not far off. With so many hotkeys and ways to build an empire,Age of Empirescan be overwhelming. Here are ten tips to get you on the right track.
Updated Jul 04, 2025 by Mark Hospodar:Finally, longtime fans of the Age of Empires series have a new game to play to test their skills. With the release of Age of Empires 4, players can once again revisit their favorite medieval battlefields for some satisfying RTS action.
When it comes to conquering Age of Empires, a handful of universal tips and strategies prove highly useful. No matter which game in the franchise fans may be playing, these tips still remain effective. Although most things tend to be easier said than done, players will find that applying these simple strategies should make their endeavors more successful in the end.
15Recruit A Diverse Army
Games in theAge of Empiresseries are characterized by a rock-paper-scissors combat formula. For example,spearmen are effective against cavalry, while cavalry is effective against archers, etc. To be prepared for any eventuality, it’s highly recommended to recruit a diverse pool of units.
Investing too heavily in a single unit type can potentially lead to disasteragainst a skilled opponent. Furthermore, never haphazardly throw an entire army into a fight. Dictate the battle tactically, sending units to fight where they will be the most useful.
14Purchase Upgrades
Capitalizing on a robust economy means more than just recruiting troops. Making sure that one’sarmy is in the best shape for combatis imperative for winning tough engagements. Whenever there are resources to spare,it’s good to invest in a few upgrades.
It’s important to purchase upgrades strategically by prioritizing the most useful ones first. For example, purchase cavalry upgrades if the player’s army is composed primarily of mounted soldiers. Anything that improves armor ratings and melee damage is a sound investment.
13Capitalize On A Civilization’s Strengths
In theAge of Empiresseries, no two civilizations are built the same way. Each one possesses strengths and weaknesses that need to be balanced. It’s highly recommended toplay to a civilization’s strengthswherever possible. Otherwise, fans are playing the game with a hand tied behind their backs.
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If a civilization benefits from farms, then build farms. If a faction can field excellent heavy infantry, then recruit a healthy amount of that unit type. Ignoring a civilization’s strengths is like throwing away a perfectly viable resource.
12Hunt For Relics
In particularly competitive matches,don’t underestimate the value of relics. These little treasures provide a passive amount of Gold income when stored inside a monastery. Certain civilizations, especially inAge of Empires 4, make use of further bonuses regarding relics.
It’s a smart tactic to make liberal use ofScout Cavalryin the early stages of a match. These mobile units can scope out the location of relics on the map. When players advance to the Castle Age, they can build Monasteries and recruit Monks to secure the relics and deny them to the enemy.
11Take Advantage Of The Terrain
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of building an economy and training an army, it’s easy to forget about the terrain. Players who can master a map’s topography, however, wield a significant advantage over their opponents. It’s worth scouting the land to take stock of what inhabits the map.
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Players who understand the map can take advantage of favorable defensive positions and chokepoints. In addition,knowing where resource veins are located can be secured faster. Enemies can therefore be starved into submission once their flow of resources dries up.
10Have An Abundance Of Villagers
The most basic economic unit inAge of Empireshappens to be one of the most useful. Depending on which civilization you choose, either six, five, or three villagers are provided at the beginning of each match.
Villagers can gather resources and repair buildings in a state of ruin. As a unit considered to be the backbone of each civilization, it makes sense to spawn as many as possible.Keep in mind that villagers have to be put to work to reap the benefits.
9Use Scouts At The Beginning Of A Match
Especially at the beginning of a match, using a Scout Cavalry unit is advantageous. While villagers are collecting the barebones resources needed to sustain the civilization,players can send scouts into the shadows to uncover the map.
Scouts are swift-moving units that have some attack power, but they are mostly known for their speed. Spying on opponents as players amass an army will help to ensure they aren’t caught off-guard.
8Micromanagement
Managing your troops at a micro-level is fundamental when playingAge of Empires.Rather than have a relaxed approach, or look at the broad picture of things, it’s worthwhile to control individual units to meet the needs of your civilization.
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By carrying out effective micromanaging, units can help to grow your civilization into a thriving empire.How fast the player clicks their mouse and hotkeys can make a difference. This holds doubly true in the heat of combat, where speed is considered a virtue.
7Macromanagement
Not only is the micromanagement of a civilization essential, but so is the macromanagement as well.Macromanagement relates to how players spend resources and is directly related to the economy.
Age of Empiresis a game about strategy in real-time, yet allocating resources to counter enemy attacks is beneficial in the long run. Invest in villagers who are primarily used to obtain resources.
6Prioritization
Chances are, planning an attack before the game starts will land the player in hot water. Real-time strategy games likeAge of Empiresare meant to be played in the heat of a moment.
Although planning could work to someone’s advantage,it’s more effective to change plans through prioritization. Prioritizing walls, guard towers, troops, or buildings when appropriate is the most effective way to playAge of Empires.
