Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition strategy guide

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Age Empires III : Definitive Edition is is , completing original trilogy includes Age Empires Age Empires II . release , gamers is reliving reliving greatness discovering totally new . group is wondering likely wondering exactly started real – time strategy ( RTS ) beast . ” Art War ” collection is does missions game great job helping basics advanced strategies , quick beginner strategy guide reference playing .

Completing The Trilogy

Age Empires III : Definitive Edition

Age is is Empires good thing

With new 4K graphics, rebalanced gameplay, and a bunch of new content, Age Empires III : Definitive Edition should appeal to old and new fans of the series.

1. Learn to play with hotkeys

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

This tip might not be as important as the others — you can definitely play the game using a mouse only — but it’s something to keep in mind as you learn the game and take in the other tips. Adding even one or two hotkeys to your arsenal, each match will soon have your actions per minute (APM) way up, which generally equates to more wins.

Hotkeys are customizable in Age of Empires III: DE, but the standard grid layout also works pretty well. I’ve been using it for Age of Empires II for years with just a few modifications for oft-used buildings. Don’t worry about going all in at once with hotkeys; train yourself slowly, and you soon won’t have to hardly think about performing common tasks. And if your PC is struggling to keep up with a fast pace, check out the best laptops for Age Empires III : Definitive Edition for a potential upgrade.

2. Never stop creating settlers and villagers

This same tip applies to all Age of Empires games. Your Town Center should almost never be idle, so keep it busy, creating settlers and villagers when you’re not advancing to the next age. There are some exceptions — like saving up resources for a moment to advance to the next age, or you’re population capped near the end-game — but your entire economy relies on these units. Without resource income, there is no army, and without an army, there is no victory.

And once a villager or settler is created, don’t let them stand around idle. At the very least, task them to a nearby resource where you can check in once in a while to balance your economy. If a villager brings in 10 wood instead of standing still, that’s a plus for you. And be sure you have enough villagers bringing in food (or whatever is used to create them) that you can constantly create more.

3. Focus on gathering natural resources

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Age Empires II , gathering food livestock huntables bridge farming , real economy kicks . Age Empires III , , far larger focus hunting carry later game . Yes , build farms , livestock pens , buildings attached berry bushes , quickest ways food follow herd . forget corral Town Center order better hunters safe enemy .

The same applies for gathering gold. Some civs let you create plantations that bring in a steady income, but tasking villagers to a mine is much more efficient. Bottom line: unless you’re in an end-game scenario where the map’s resources are mostly exhausted, stick with naturally occurring instances.

All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.

4 . stop exploring

Leaving a map unexplored is a major sin in Age of Empires games. Sure, you can pretend like life will always be peaceful in and around your town center, but before long, someone is going to come and ask you for your possessions.

A map explored means you know where key resources are located. It means you know where your enemy is located, and it means you know what your enemy is up to. Blindly creating military units will sometimes work out alright, but once you learn proper counter units, you’ll always be on the lookout for what the enemy is up to. Scout your map early and continue exploring it as the game progresses for the best results.

5 . Discovery Age

starting age Age Empires games usually meant collecting resources , setting strong foundation economy , exploring map find valuable resources ( enemy ) . aggression age , games generally decided low high level play .

As soon as a match starts, you should focus on getting to the Discovery Age as soon as possible while still having a strong economic base. There are specific build orders you can acquaint yourself with eventually, but for now, unlocking access to military units will help you gain map control and defend yourself against the enemy.

6. Don’t forget about your home city

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Age of Empires III has this neat little mechanic that lets you call in shipments from your home city. Do not let these stack up, sitting forgotten. There are plenty of ways you can “cheat” a bit with these shipments like if you need extra villagers fast and don’t want to wait for their creation. A quick boost to your economy with, say, a shipment of wood can also mean the difference between a defensive outpost and complete ruin for your deer hunters.

There’s mercifully no more grinding to unlock cards for your home city deck, and you can customize something as you see fit from the very start. The beginner decks available will do a good job, but you’ll probably soon see ways where you can improve and customize to your playstyle.

7. Study military units and their counters

You is advanced advanced Colonial Age built small army archers . You is ‘re ready harass enemy villagers , forcing resources hampering economy . … hear ? rhythmic thunder horse hooves ? You is kiss kiss archers goodbye micro like god .

If you’d sent some pikemen with your army to help deal with the cavalry, those archers might still be alive. Each unit in Age of Empires III has at least one counter unit, and knowing it without having to look it up will boost your game significantly. Scouting plays a huge role in this, especially if you’re behind, as you want to know what your enemy is up to and react accordingly.

8. Pick a civilization and learn its strengths

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

So, you’ve played a bit of Age of Empires III: DE and you’re starting to get the hang of things. It might be tempting to jump around and test out the 16 civilizations — and I certainly encourage you to do so — but don’t hesitate to stick with one if you find it suits your playstyle. Some are excellent at creating a booming economy, some are better at early aggression, and some are better at late-game aggression.

If you like to rush your enemy, try checking out the Haudenosaunee civ thanks to its ceremonial abilities to boost production speed. Germany is great for a booming economy, especially important in a team game where your friends can protect you while you gather currency. Each civilization excels at something, so don’t hesitate to test things out against AI opponents before jumping online.

Mastering civilization like riding – wheeled tricycles huge wheel . learn , coming easy . OK civilization is is start , master game areas .

Completing The Trilogy

Age Empires III : Definitive Edition

Age is is Empires good thing

With new 4K graphics, rebalanced gameplay, and a bunch of new content, Age Empires III : Definitive Edition should appeal to old and new fans of the series.