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GameSpot's Guide to Age of Empires (back to home page)This will open a small remote window for navigating this guide
General Tips and StrategiesThe Civilizations you can playThe Units you can commandThe Buildings you can raise (and raze)Campaign walk-throughsExpert tips from two AOE programmers!Table of Contents

Tips and StrategiesSoldiers Page 7 of 7
Villagers can get angry too!

Early in the game your empire is just cooking on gas, and you're trying to decide just where your opponent's head will look best hanging from your wall, when he suddenly attacks with five clubmen, the bastard! Hey, don't forget about your villagers. You may only have two clubmen, so quickly select your nine villagers and have them attack as well, and you should do OK. Never underestimate the power of an angry villager. (And don't forget that Sumerian villagers are clubmen in disguise.)

Massed Fire

One bee sting is a nuisance, but hundreds can be fatal. Sting your opponent with massed attacks, be they archers, ballistas, or even just axemen. Massed fire is always the most effective route to go. For example, in a three-on-three battle with scout ships, concentrate all of your fire on one ship to take it down quicker.

Scissors, Paper, and Stone

Combined units tactics are important in Age of Empires. Here are some guidelines:

Infantry - Cavalry can open a major can of patented "whup-ass" on infantry with their +5 attack. Siege weapons are also good for massed infantry.
Cavalry - Archers are a nice answer here, backed by a few infantry to finish off the wounded cavalry as they finally make it to the archers after taking several shots. Academy infantry with good upgrades can hold their own, as well.
Archers - Academy units with good anti-arrow armor are effective. Also, archers with a longer range can be deadly.
Elephants - Cage these pachyderms with siege weapons and advanced academy units.
Siege weapons - Fast moving units like cavalry do quite nicely. Archers are a bad idea since they stop to attack well within the range of the siege weapon, although enough of them can take it out quickly. Just be ready to move them out of the way of the stone thrown by the catapult.
Towers - Knock down these structures with siege weapons and missile attacks if you have superior range of fire.

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The Rise of Rome