Beginner’s Guide to Age of Empires IV: Tips to Conquer the Battlefield

Age of Empires IV, one of 2021’s most celebrated strategy games, is a must-play for fans of real-time strategy (RTS). Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the genre, this guide will equip you with essential tips to establish dominance, manage your empire effectively, and secure victory.

1. Master Hotkeys: Speed Equals Power

Hotkeys are a game-changer in Age of Empires IV. Rather than relying on time-consuming mouse clicks, learn keyboard shortcuts to improve your speed and efficiency.

Ctrl + (1–9): Assign control groups for fast unit selection.
Ctrl + Period (.): Locate idle villagers quickly.
Ctrl + S/K: Manage stone or wood gatherers faster.
F Keys: Select all buildings of a specific type (e.g., F1 for Town Center).

Customize your hotkey setup for comfort—every second counts during intense moments.

2. Choose Your Civilization Strategically

Each of the eight civilizations has unique traits. Understanding these can shape your overall game plan:

Mongols: Mobile and aggressive, perfect for early cavalry raids.
Chinese: Economic powerhouses with powerful late-game scaling.
English: Masters of defense with superior longbowmen.
French: Knight-focused with early economic advantages.
Holy Roman Empire: Religious economy with enhanced worker efficiency.
Abbasid Dynasty: Flexible with tech-focused bonuses and camel units.
Delhi Sultanate: Researches tech for free—ideal for long-term play.
Rus: Early-game dominance through hunting and fortification.

Pick one that matches your playstyle and learn its tech tree inside out.

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3. Scout the Map Early

Exploration is vital. Send scouts to:

Discover key resources: food, wood, gold, and stone.
Identify terrain features like choke points and water bodies.
Uncover enemy positions and assess their opening strategies.

Watch out for ambush zones in forests—both a danger and an opportunity.

4. Balance Micro and Macro Management

To succeed, you need both:

Micromanagement: Controlling units precisely, using abilities, and avoiding idle villagers.
Macromanagement: Managing your economy, tech progression, and overall strategy.

Always keep villagers working, and ensure military production remains consistent.

5. Early Game Efficiency Sets the Pace

Your opening moves shape the entire match:

Expand fast: Build houses and gather food and wood immediately.
Choose a plan: Whether it’s rushing, booming, or balanced, stick to your path.
Protect your economy: Watchtowers and garrisonable buildings can save your villagers.

6. Understand Unit Counters

The game uses a rock-paper-scissors model:

Spearmen > Cavalry
Cavalry > Archers
Archers > Infantry

Maintain a balanced army and adapt quickly to your opponent’s composition.

7. Optimize Building Placement

Smart placement saves time and resources:

Place resource-gathering buildings close to their sources.
Use houses and buildings to form choke points around your base.
When pressuring opponents, construct forward barracks or stables near enemy territory.

8. Master the Art of Early Rushes

An early attack can disrupt enemy momentum:

Target villagers and vital structures like mills or gold mines.
Be ready for a counterattack—don’t overcommit.
Even a failed rush can cripple the enemy’s economy if executed well.

9. Advance Through the Ages Wisely

Each age offers new strategies:

Dark Age: Scout and expand.
Feudal Age: Begin military development or economic upgrades.
Castle Age: Focus on unit upgrades and siege options.
Imperial Age: Finalize your strategy with power units and superior tech.

Balance economy and military to avoid overextension.

10. Stay Flexible and Adaptive

Adaptability wins games:

Shift strategies based on what you discover.
Respond to threats rather than sticking rigidly to a plan.
Expect the unexpected—pivoting mid-game is often the key to victory.

11. Use Age-Specific Hotkeys

Take advantage of age-specific efficiencies:

R Key: Quickly access Age IV buildings.
Cycle through key military or economic buildings using custom shortcuts.

Efficiency can determine the outcome in a high-stakes match.

12. Tips for Advanced Play

Use walls and terrain: Archers on walls have improved range and defense.
Siege wisely: Trebuchets, battering rams, and mangonels are crucial in late-game sieges.
Keep your army active: Idle troops waste potential. Patrol, pressure, or prepare.

Conclusion: Build Your Legacy

Age of Empires IV is a rich, tactical RTS experience. Whether you favor rushing, booming, or building wonders, mastering the fundamentals will help you rise through the ranks. Keep learning, keep adapting, and most importantly—enjoy every battle.

If you’ve got a favorite tip or tactic, share it in the comments. And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more strategy content.

Happy conquering!