Age of Empires II (AOE2) is a classic real-time strategy game that has captivated players for decades. With the introduction of AI opponents in the game, many players have found themselves facing challenging and difficult opponents. In particular, the moderate AI difficulty level can present a significant challenge for those who are new to the game or looking to improve their skills. Here are some tips and strategies to help you beat the moderate AI in AOE2.
1. Economy management: One of the key aspects of beating the AI in AOE2 is to focus on building a strong economy. Make sure you have a steady flow of resources coming in, such as food, wood, gold, and stone. This will allow you to build and maintain a strong army as well as to advance through the ages quickly. Ensure that you have a good balance of villagers working on different resources and that you are constantly expanding your economy by building new town centers and gathering points.
2. Scout the map: AOE2 features a fog of war mechanic, which means that you cannot see the entire map right from the start. Use your scout units to explore the map and uncover valuable resources such as extra sheep, berries, gold mines, and stone mines. Knowing the layout of the map will also help you to plan your strategy and anticipate the movements of the AI opponent.
3. Build a diverse army: While it can be tempting to focus on creating a massive army of one type of unit, having a diverse army is key to defeating the moderate AI. Create a balanced mix of infantry, archers, and cavalry units to counter the AI’s forces effectively. Also, consider adding siege units to your army, as they are effective against buildings and can help you to push into the AI’s base.
4. Use defensive structures: Building defensive structures such as towers and walls can be crucial in fending off the AI’s attacks and buying you time to build up your forces. Place towers strategically to cover important resource gathering locations and build walls to protect your base from enemy raids.
5. Focus on map control: Controlling the map is important in AOE2, as it allows you to secure valuable resources and limit the AI’s ability to expand. Use your military units to control key points on the map, such as chokepoints, hills, and gold mines. Additionally, consider building forward military buildings, such as barracks and archery ranges, to apply pressure to the AI and limit their expansion.
6. Adapt to the AI’s strategy: The AI in AOE2 can be quite adaptive, so it’s important to be flexible and adjust your strategy based on the AI’s actions. If you notice that the AI is focusing on a particular type of unit or strategy, be prepared to counter it effectively. For example, if the AI is creating a large number of archers, consider building skirmishers or cavalry to counter them.
By following these tips and strategies, you can improve your chances of beating the moderate AI in AOE2. Remember to practice and experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you. With persistence and strategic thinking, you can overcome the challenges posed by the AI opponents and enjoy victory in this timeless real-time strategy game.
