This is a remarkable real-time strategy (RTS) game that has redefined the genre for a new generation of players.
Developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios, Age of Empires 4 brings the franchise’s iconic historical battles to life with stunning visuals, strategic depth, and engaging gameplay. Released in October 2021, the game has become a must-play for fans of RTS games and history enthusiasts alike.
Unlike its predecessors, Age of Empires 4 combines the best elements of the original series with modern advancements in technology and design. Whether you’re building your empire from scratch, engaging in epic battles, or mastering advanced strategies, the game offers an immersive experience on PC that will keep you hooked for hours.
Development and Release of Game
This was developed by Relic Entertainment, a studio renowned for its work on the Company of Heroes series and other strategy games. The game was officially released on October 28, 2021, after years of anticipation from RTS fans.
The title serves as a return to the Age of Empires franchise, blending familiar mechanics with new innovations to appeal to both veterans and newcomers to the series.
The game focuses on historical accuracy and offers players a variety of civilizations to choose from, each with unique units, technologies, and playstyles. Age of Empires 4 continues the legacy of its predecessors, offering a mix of base-building, resource management, and tactical warfare.
Storyline and Setting of Game
Set in different historical periods, Age of Empires 4 spans several centuries, from the Dark Ages through to the Renaissance. Players can choose from a variety of civilizations, such as the English, Mongols, French, Chinese, and more, each with their own unique strengths, playstyles, and strategic advantages.
The game’s single-player campaigns are structured around historical events, where players are tasked with re-creating battles or shaping the outcomes of real-world conflicts. From leading the English through the Hundred Years’ War to conquering Asia with the Mongols, the game offers an opportunity to experience pivotal moments in history from a strategic standpoint.
Game Modes
The game offers several exciting modes that cater to different playstyles. Whether you’re a fan of solo campaigns or multiplayer skirmishes, Age of Empires 4 has something for everyone.
- Campaign Mode: Age of Empires 4 features multiple campaign scenarios, each focusing on different civilizations and historical events. Players will be challenged to complete specific objectives and witness the unfolding of historical narratives.
- Skirmish Mode: This mode lets players engage in battles against AI-controlled opponents or other players. Skirmish mode offers a more casual experience, where players can choose any civilization and battle on randomly generated maps.
- Multiplayer Mode: Whether you’re playing with friends or facing off against players worldwide, the multiplayer mode is the core of the Age of Empires 4 experience. Join ranked matches, team up with allies, or challenge others in exciting RTS battles.
- Co-op Mode: Players can team up with friends to face AI-controlled enemies in co-op campaigns. This mode offers a more collaborative experience, where teamwork and strategy are essential to victory.
Gameplay Mechanics
In this game, players must balance resource management, city-building, and military strategy. The game emphasizes tactical combat, where positioning, unit types, and terrain play crucial roles in achieving victory.
- Base Building and Resource Management: Players start with a small settlement and must gather resources such as food, wood, gold, and stone to build structures, recruit units, and advance through the ages. Effective resource management is key to building a strong and sustainable economy.
- Unit Diversity and Combat: The game offers a diverse range of units, from foot soldiers to siege engines. Each unit has specific strengths and weaknesses, and players must utilize them strategically. Melee units excel in close combat, while ranged units offer support from a distance. Additionally, mounted units and siege weapons provide tactical depth for large-scale battles.
- Age Advancement: As players progress through the game, they can advance their civilization through different ages. Advancing to a new age unlocks stronger units, technologies, and buildings. Choosing when to advance is a critical decision that can determine the course of the game.
- Unique Civilizations: Each civilization in Age of Empires 4 has its own unique units, technologies, and abilities. For example, the Mongols can relocate their entire base, while the French excel at cavalry. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen civilization is essential for success.
Beginner Tips and Tricks
If you’re new to Age of Empires 4, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Focus on Economy First: In the early stages, prioritize gathering resources and building a strong economy. This will allow you to build a powerful army and advance through the ages.
- Expand Early: Establish additional town centers early on to increase your resource production and expand your control over the map.
- Use Terrain to Your Advantage: Positioning your units on higher ground or behind obstacles can provide tactical advantages in combat.
- Understand Unit Counters: Different units counter each other. For instance, cavalry units are weak against spearmen, while archers are effective against infantry. Make sure to build a balanced army that counters your enemy’s forces.
Key Features of the Game
Age of Empires 4 stands out in the real-time strategy genre with a range of features that enhance its depth, replayability, and immersive gameplay experience:
1) Historical Campaigns
Age of Empires 4 offers players the chance to immerse themselves in pivotal moments of history. From the rise of the Mongol Empire to the epic struggles of the Hundred Years’ War, each campaign is meticulously designed to challenge your strategic abilities and bring historical events to life. These campaigns offer a compelling narrative and provide a deeper understanding of past civilizations.
2) Stunning Graphics and Visuals
The game’s graphics are a visual feast, with highly detailed environments that bring each civilization’s architecture and landscapes to life. The stunning visuals not only enhance the gameplay experience but also serve as a tribute to the rich history of the civilizations represented, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your strategic conquests.
3) Diverse Civilizations
With a variety of civilizations to choose from, Age of Empires 4 offers unique strategies and gameplay styles for each faction. Whether you prefer aggressive military domination or economic superiority, each civilization has its own strengths, allowing you to tailor your playstyle to the faction you choose and ensuring that each game feels fresh and challenging.
4) Strategic Depth
Age of Empires 4 provides a vast array of strategic options, requiring players to balance resource management, military tactics, and diplomacy. The game incorporates intricate mechanics such as unit counters, terrain advantages, and age advancement, ensuring that each decision you make has long-term consequences and offering a wealth of strategic possibilities for experienced players.
5) Multiplayer and Co-op
For those who prefer competitive or cooperative experiences, Age of Empires 4 delivers exciting multiplayer modes where you can battle friends or players globally. The co-op missions also offer a chance to team up with allies to face AI opponents, creating opportunities for collaborative gameplay and teamwork while taking on formidable challenges.
Advanced Strategy Techniques
For seasoned players, here are some advanced strategies:
- Timing Your Advancements: Advancing through the ages at the right time is crucial. Don’t rush it too early, as it may leave you vulnerable, but don’t stay in a lower age for too long, as you’ll miss out on powerful units and technologies.
- Siege Warfare: Use siege weapons, like trebuchets and cannons, to break down enemy fortifications. They can be devastating against buildings and large groups of units.
- Micromanagement in Combat: In larger battles, use unit formations and micro-management to maximize your troops’ effectiveness. For example, using archers to kite enemy units can be very effective in controlling the battlefield.
Why Age of Empires 4 Stands Out
This stands out as one of the best RTS games available today. The game combines deep historical campaigns, strategic gameplay, and beautiful graphics, making it an essential title for any fan of the genre.
The PC platform enhances the experience, offering smooth gameplay, responsive controls, and high-quality visuals that are essential for a successful RTS experience.
Whether you’re playing the captivating campaigns, engaging in multiplayer skirmishes, or coordinating with friends in co-op missions, Age of Empires 4 delivers a thrilling, immersive experience that will keep you coming back for more.
System Requirements for PC
To play Age of Empires 4 on your PC, you’ll need the following system requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6300U or AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
- RAM: 8 GB
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 570
- Storage: 50 GB available space
- DirectX: Version 12
Age of Empires 4 is an exciting return to the beloved RTS series, offering rich historical gameplay and endless strategic depth. Whether you’re building your empire or leading troops into battle, the game offers an immersive and rewarding experience that will test your tactical skills.
