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Getting Started with Age of Empires II: DE – PC

Lesson 1: What is Age of Empires?

  1. Empires through History

    From the Mongolian Steppe dominated by the Horde of Genghis Khan, the misty shores of Scotland, where a rebellion is brewing, to a great army conquering the sandy dunes of Egypt– Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition immerses you in a journey throughout medieval history.

  2. A Real-Time Strategy Game

    As a Real-Time Strategy game, you build and expand your empire as you see fit as the world advances around you. Command and control armies to defend your borders or dominate rival empires in real time. You decide the strategies for the great battles to come.

  3. What is the Goal of a Match?

    You must build a thriving empire as you expand through the Ages, defeating any rival empires. In Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, your goal is to expand and develop your empire by growing your economy, researching technologies and training military units.

    • Expand and develop your empire.

    • Grow your economy and technology.

    • Conquer enemies with military might and strategy.

    A match is won when all enemy empires are defeated by military might, or their resignation.

    Lesson 2: Building an Empire

    Building an Empire map image
    1. Villagers

      Every empire in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition requires a few basic components to be successful, starting with the Villager.

      A Villager is the backbone of your entire empire. Issue commands for your Villagers to gather resources, construct and repair buildings and even fight if necessary.

    2. Buildings

      At the cost of resources, buildings can train new units, research technologies for upgrades and sometimes act as defence against enemies. Training a unit or researching a technology takes time, depending on the technology or unit.

    3. Military Units

      Military Units are soldiers trained for battle. Each military unit has its advantages and disadvantages, and deciding which military unit is best for the situation is part of the fun!

      Lesson 3: Advancing Your Empire

      1. Technology

        Technologies unlock bonuses for your empire at the cost of resources. These range from a bonus to speed, resource gathering, upgrading and improving military units, and more!

      2. Advancement

        Every empire and match in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition features four Ages of technology to advance through. As you advance through each Age, your empire will gain access to new Military Units, powerful Technologies and new Buildings to construct.

        We’ll cover the specifics of these Ages later!

      3. Costs

        Training a unit, constructing a building or researching a technology all have an individual resources cost you’ll need to meet.

        Lesson 4: Let's Play!

        1. Learn to Play with William Wallace!

          Scotland needs you!

          The English king Longshanks has imposed his rule over all over Scotland, and it’s time to fight back.

          In this campaign, you’ll learn all the basic skills to help you play Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Help William Wallace organize the Celts to fight back against the English and reclaim their homeland!

          Let’s go play!

        2. Play Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Now!

          Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is available on PC through the Microsoft Store, Steam and the Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription. Crossplay is enabled between the Microsoft Store and Steam, allowing you to connect with the entire community wherever you prefer to play!

          Play now!

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