retrogameindex
AOE2 AOE II Age of Kings Age of Empires 2 adventure archiveAge of Empires IIGUIDES

Age of Empires II Guide

1999 · Historical real-time strategy

Game guides

Find the guide you need
GuideWhat you will find
An HD Edition settlement contains farms, houses and fortifications.Getting startedBuild a reliable Age of Kings opening with working villagers, population room and scouting.
A narrow river winds through a forest in an HD Edition screenshot.Age advancementFind original advancement costs, prerequisites and the opportunities each age opens.
An HD Edition city contains a castle and buildings beside water.Unit countersCompare common land matchups and the support each counter needs.
Bridges and fortified approaches cross water in an HD Edition battle scene.CivilizationsA directory of the thirteen Age of Kings civilizations, unique units and original campaigns.
An HD Edition settlement contains farms, houses and fortifications.CharactersIdentify the people, opponents and playable roles in Age of Empires II, with their functions and relationships in compact tables.

At a glance

Three useful starting points
FocusWhat to know
Keep the Town Center workingTrain villagers while maintaining food and population room.
Scout before choosing an armyFind resources and enemy military before committing to one unit type.
Prepare the next ageReserve advancement resources without leaving the settlement defenseless.

Characters Character guide →

Key characters and their roles
CharacterRoleAt a glance
William WallaceTutorial figureIntroduces economy, buildings and combat in the learning campaign.
Joan of ArcFrankish heroineLeads the French historical campaign.
SaladinSaracen leaderCentral figure in the Crusades-era campaign.
Genghis KhanMongol leaderThe Mongol campaign follows conquests across several regions.
BarbarossaTeuton rulerFrederick Barbarossa is the focus of the Teuton campaign.
VillagerEconomic unitGathers resources and builds or repairs structures.

Quick answers

Unlocks, routes and useful answers
TopicGo straight to
Age advancementAdvance at the Town Center →

Pictures All pictures →

An HD Edition settlement contains farms, houses and fortifications.
An HD Edition settlement contains farms, houses and fortifications.
A narrow river winds through a forest in an HD Edition screenshot.
A narrow river winds through a forest in an HD Edition screenshot.
An HD Edition city contains a castle and buildings beside water.
An HD Edition city contains a castle and buildings beside water.
Bridges and fortified approaches cross water in an HD Edition battle scene.
Bridges and fortified approaches cross water in an HD Edition battle scene.
References
Guide references
ReferenceWebsite
Age of Empires II: game and edition overviewstore.steampowered.com