Multiplayer Game Modes — Age of Mythology: Retold Guide

Multiplayer Game Modes

Age of Mythology: Retold offers a robust multiplayer experience, allowing players to test their strategic prowess against others from around the globe. Whether you're aiming for competitive glory or casual fun, understanding the various modes and how to approach them is key to dominating the divine battlefields.

Joining Your First Multiplayer Match

Embarking on your multiplayer journey is straightforward. Follow these steps to get into your first game and earn the "First Blood" achievement:

1. From the main menu, navigate to the "Multiplayer" tab.
2. Select "Find Match" to quickly join a game, or "Create Match" to host your own with custom settings.
3. If finding a match, the system will automatically pair you with other players based on your skill rating (if applicable) and selected preferences.
4. Once in the lobby, ensure your chosen civilization and starting god powers are set.
5. Confirm your readiness, and the game will begin!

Pro Tip: Before diving into ranked play, consider practicing against AI opponents in "Skirmish" mode to refine your build orders and unit compositions. Defeating 100 AI opponents will also net you the "Age against the Machine" achievement.

Standard Multiplayer Game Modes

Most multiplayer matches will fall into one of these classic Age of Mythology categories:

1. Supremacy (Standard)

• Objective: Be the last player standing by eliminating all enemy Town Centers and units, or by constructing and defending a Wonder.
• Strategy: This mode emphasizes economic development, military expansion, and strategic use of God Powers. Early game scouting is crucial to identify enemy god choices and resource locations.
• Key Actions:
  • Early Game (Archaic/Classical Age): Focus on gathering resources (Food, Wood, Gold, Favor) and training Villagers. Build a Temple early to advance to the Classical Age and choose your first Minor God.
  • Mid Game (Heroic Age): Expand your economy with additional Town Centers and farms. Begin training military units from Barracks, Archery Ranges, and Stables. Consider raiding enemy villagers with fast units like Hippikons or raiding mythical units.
  • Late Game (Mythic Age): Research powerful upgrades and train Myth Units. Prepare for large-scale engagements. If pursuing a Wonder victory, ensure you have a strong defensive line around your "Creating a Masterpiece" Wonder.
• Achievements to Aim For: "Annihilation" (defeat 10000 units), "Demolition" (destroy 2000 buildings), "Cyclopean Masonry" (build 50 Fortress-like buildings).

2. Conquest

• Objective: Eliminate all enemy players by destroying their Town Centers. Wonders do not grant victory in this mode.
• Strategy: Conquest is a more aggressive mode, encouraging early military pressure and sustained attacks. Economic booms are still important, but the focus shifts more heavily to maintaining a powerful army.
• Key Actions:
  • Aggressive Rush: For civilizations like the Norse, an early Hersir rush can be devastating. For Egyptians, a fast Migdol Stronghold can provide powerful early units.
  • Map Control: Secure resource-rich areas and forward bases to maintain pressure on your opponents.
  • Countering Defenses: use siege units like Catapults or Ballistae to break through fortified positions and destroy enemy Town Centers.

3. Deathmatch

• Objective: Similar to Supremacy, but players start with a large amount of resources, allowing for immediate large-scale army production.
• Strategy: This mode is all about rapid decision-making and unit composition. There's less emphasis on economic build orders and more on direct combat and counter-unit strategies.
• Key Actions:
  • Instant Army: Immediately begin training your preferred military units and Myth Units.
  • God Power Usage: use powerful God Powers like Meteor or Earthquake early to gain an advantage.
  • Resource Management: Despite the large starting resources, efficient spending and maintaining a steady income stream (e.g., via trade routes) are still important for sustained battles.

Specialized Multiplayer Modes (Community & Custom Games)

Beyond the standard offerings, You can often find or create custom games with unique rulesets and objectives. These can range from "King of the Hill" scenarios to "Nomad" starts where players begin without a Town Center.

• How to Find: Look for "Custom Games" within the Multiplayer menu. You can filter by map type, game mode, and player count.
• Hosting Your Own: When creating a match, explore the "Game Settings" to adjust starting resources, population limits, victory conditions, and even enable specific God Powers or units.

Mastering these multiplayer modes requires practice, adaptability, and a deep understanding of each civilization's strengths and weaknesses. Good luck, and may the gods be with you!