Getting Started

Welcome to Age of Empires IV, the definitive historical Real-Time Strategy (RTS) experience. Success depends on balancing a rapid economy with military dominance. To move beyond the basics, you must master the fundamental pillars of competitive play:

• Economy Management: Learn how to optimize your resource gathering and maintain constant Villager production in our Economy Basics Guide.
• Advancing Eras: Discover the specific resource requirements and unique landmark choices needed to Age Up efficiently.
• Unit Archetypes: Understand the "Counter Triangle" (Spearmen beat Horsemen, Horsemen beat Archers, Archers beat Spearmen) in our Combat Mechanics Overview.
• Hotkeys & Groups: Increase your Actions Per Minute (APM) by mastering Control Groups and Grid Keys.

By perfecting these RTS core mechanics, you will secure the resources and technological edge required to crush your opponents and build a lasting empire.