Build Orders for Each Civilization

Build Orders for Each Civilization

Mastering a civilization in Age of Empires III often begins with a solid build order. These sequences of actions, from initial villager assignments to early military production, are crucial for gaining an economic or military advantage. Below, we detail effective build orders for several key civilizations, focusing on early game efficiency and strategic objectives.

British: Fast Colonial Boom

The British excel at economic growth due to their Manor House system, which grants a free Settler upon completion. This build order leverages that strength for a rapid population and resource advantage.

• Starting Villagers:
  • 3 Villagers to Food (Hunting/Berries): Immediately task three of your starting Settlers to gather food. This ensures continuous Settler production from your Town Center.
  • 2 Villagers to Wood: Send the remaining two Settlers to chop wood. You'll need wood for your first Manor House and eventually for a Barracks.
• Town Center: Set your Town Center's gather point to food and begin training Settlers immediately. Do not stop Settler production unless absolutely necessary.
• Explorer: Your Explorer should scout for treasures, hunt animals for food, and locate your opponent's Town Center if playing aggressively.
• First Shipment (Home City):
  • 700 Food: This is your priority. It allows you to age up quickly to the Colonial Age.
• Aging Up to Colonial Age:
  • Once you have 800 food, click to age up. Choose the Governor politician for the additional 100 food and faster aging time.
• Colonial Age Actions:
  • Build a Manor House: As soon as you hit Colonial, build a Manor House. This will give you a free Settler and contribute to your population cap.
  • Build a Barracks: After the Manor House, construct a Barracks. This is essential for producing military units.
  • Second Shipment (Home City):
    • 3 Settlers: This shipment further boosts your economy.
  • Military Production: Start training Musketeers from your Barracks. They are versatile and cost-effective early game units.
• Strategy: Aim for a strong economic base with continuous Settler production. Use your early Musketeers to defend against rushes or to apply early pressure.

French: Coureur des Bois Rush

The French are known for their powerful Coureur des Bois, who are excellent gatherers and capable fighters. This build order focuses on an early military push.

• Starting Villagers:
  • 4 Coureur des Bois to Food (Hunting/Berries): Prioritize food to sustain continuous Coureur des Bois production.
  • 1 Coureur des Bois to Wood: This Coureur will gather wood for your initial buildings.
• Town Center: Set your Town Center's gather point to food and continuously train Coureur des Bois.
• Explorer: Scout for treasures and hunt animals. Your Explorer can also be used to harass enemy villagers if you find them early.
• First Shipment (Home City):
  • 700 Food: Crucial for a fast Colonial Age.
• Aging Up to Colonial Age:
  • Once you have 800 food, click to age up. Choose the Governor politician for the additional 100 food and faster aging.
• Colonial Age Actions:
  • Build a Barracks: As soon as you hit Colonial, immediately construct a Barracks.
  • Second Shipment (Home City):
    • 6 Crossbowmen: This shipment provides a strong early military force to complement your Coureur des Bois.
  • Military Production: Begin training Cuirassiers or Skirmishers from your Barracks, depending on your opponent's units.
• Strategy: Use your Coureur des Bois as both economic powerhouses and early combat units. Combine them with the shipped Crossbowmen for a powerful early rush. Focus on disrupting your opponent's economy and gaining map control.

Spanish: Fast Imperial Age (Boom)

The Spanish Home City shipments arrive faster than other civilizations, making them excellent for a "Fast Imperial" strategy, though this build order focuses on a strong Colonial Age with a quick transition to Fortress.

• Starting Villagers:
  • 3 Villagers to Food (Hunting/Berries): Ensure constant Settler production.
  • 2 Villagers to Wood: Gather wood for your first buildings.
• Town Center: Continuously train Settlers, gathering food.
• Explorer: Scout for treasures and hunt.
• First Shipment (Home City):
  • 3 Settlers: This immediate economic boost is vital for the Spanish.
• Aging Up to Colonial Age:
  • Gather 800 food and age up. Choose the Governor politician for the extra food and faster aging.
• Colonial Age Actions:
  • Build a Barracks: Immediately construct a Barracks to start military production.
  • Second Shipment (Home City):
    • 700 Gold: This shipment is crucial for a fast Fortress Age transition or for training expensive units.
  • Military Production: Start training Pikemen or Rodeleros from your Barracks to defend against early aggression.
  • Third Shipment (Home City):
    • 700 Food: This will help you quickly gather the resources needed for the Fortress Age.
• Aging Up to Fortress Age:
  • Once you have 1200 food and 1000 gold, click to age up. Choose the General politician for the two Falconets, which provide powerful siege and anti-infantry capabilities.
• Strategy: The Spanish aim for a strong, early Fortress Age with powerful units and artillery. Use your faster shipments to outpace your opponent economically and militarily.