Introduction

Greetings, readers! Are you ready to embark on an epic adventure through the annals of history? Age of Empires IV, the latest installment in the beloved real-time strategy franchise, invites you to conquer new lands, forge alliances, and rewrite the course of civilization. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh-faced novice, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to dominate the battlefield.

In this comprehensive walkthrough, we’ll explore everything from the basics of resource management to the intricacies of military tactics. So, gather your forces, sharpen your swords, and let’s delve into the captivating world of Age of Empires IV.

Section 1: The Foundations

Gathering Resources

The lifeblood of any civilization is its resources. In Age of Empires IV, there are four primary resources: wood, food, gold, and stone. Wood and food are essential for sustaining your population and constructing buildings. Gold is used to fund upgrades, while stone is required for fortifications and defensive structures.

To gather resources, you must assign villagers to work various resource nodes. Each villager can collect a specific resource type, and you can choose to specialize them in one area or diversify their tasks. It’s crucial to balance resource gathering with other priorities to ensure a thriving economy.

Building Your Town

With ample resources at your disposal, it’s time to establish your town. The Town Center is the cornerstone of your civilization, providing housing for your citizens and producing new units. From barracks to markets, each building serves a unique purpose in the development and prosperity of your empire.

Plan your town carefully, ensuring efficient access to resources and vital structures. Upgrade your buildings to enhance their capabilities and unlock new technologies. As your town expands, remember to build walls and fortifications to protect it from invading forces.

Section 2: Military Dominance

Unit Types and Tactics

Age of Empires IV offers a wide array of military units, each with its strengths and weaknesses. From infantry to cavalry to siege weapons, you must master the art of unit composition to achieve victory on the battlefield.

Infantry forms the backbone of your armies, providing a versatile balance of attack and defense. Cavalry is swift and maneuverable, ideal for flanking and ambushing enemy forces. Siege weapons excel at destroying enemy structures and fortifications, making them crucial for breaching heavily defended positions.

Experiment with different unit combinations to discover the most effective tactics for your playstyle. Utilize terrain advantages, outmaneuver your opponents, and unleash devastating attacks to crush your enemies.

Sieges and Conquests

Conquering enemy territory requires a combination of military might and strategic planning. Sieges involve laying siege to enemy settlements and fortifications until they capitulate or are destroyed.

Siege weapons are your primary tools for breaching enemy defenses. Position them carefully and protect them from enemy fire. Once a breach is made, send in your infantry to secure the settlement and capture its resources.

Remember, sieges are often costly affairs. Weigh the potential rewards against the risks before committing to a large-scale attack.

Section 3: Diplomacy and Alliances

Diplomacy and Trade

Diplomacy plays a crucial role in Age of Empires IV. Establishing positive relations with other civilizations can lead to lucrative trade deals, military alliances, and even cultural exchanges.

Send diplomats to foreign courts to propose treaties and establish trade routes. Trade allows you to exchange resources, technologies, and even units with your allies. By forming alliances, you can coordinate attacks, share military support, and achieve common goals.

Cultural Victories

Conquerors aren’t the only path to victory in Age of Empires IV. Cultural victories are achieved by amassing a large number of Relics and constructing Landmarks. Relics provide ongoing bonuses to your civilization, while Landmarks are prestigious structures that symbolize your cultural achievements.

Focus on preserving Relics, building Landmarks, and promoting knowledge to secure a cultural victory. This path requires careful resource management, diplomatic maneuvering, and a keen understanding of the game’s history and culture.

Comparison Table: Age of Empires IV Civilization Bonuses

Conclusion

Congratulations, readers! You are now equipped with the knowledge and strategies to embark on your Age of Empires IV adventure. Remember, practice, experimentation, and a dash of diplomatic savvy will all contribute to your success.

Before you depart, be sure to check out our other comprehensive guides on various aspects of the game. May your reign be long and glorious!

FAQ about Age of Empires IV

How do I install the game?

• Download the game from the official website or Steam.
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

How do I start a new game?

• Click on "New Game" from the main menu.
• Choose a civilization, map, and difficulty.

How do I control my units?

• Use the mouse to select and move units.
• Use hotkeys to control specific units or groups.

How do I build buildings?

• Select a villager and click on the "Build" tab.
• Choose the building you want to build and place it on the map.

How do I research upgrades?

• Select a Town Center or University and click on the "Research" tab.
• Choose the upgrade you want to research and pay the required resources.

How do I attack enemy units?

• Select your units and click on the enemy unit you want to attack.
• Your units will automatically engage in battle.

How do I defend against enemy attacks?

• Build defensive structures such as walls and towers.
• Train military units to defend your base.

How do I win the game?

• Destroy all enemy landmarks or Town Centers.
• Conquer a certain number of sacred sites.
• Last longer than the other players.

What are some tips for beginners?

• Start with an easy difficulty level.
• Focus on building a strong economy and military.
• Explore the map to find resources and landmarks.

How do I find out more about the game?

• Visit the official website for news, updates, and guides.
• Join the Age of Empires IV community on Discord or Reddit.