GET YOUR BEARINGS
Plan your next Age of Empires II (Retired) session
Our independent guide expands on the documented features of Age of Empires II: HD Edition, helping players explore campaigns, civilizations, multiplayer, Steam tools, and the level editor without relying on external tutorials. By focusing on observable game elements, you can refine tactics and create new content confidently.
01 / THE GUIDE
Campaign Pacing Study
Play the first mission of Age of Kings, noting resource collection rates and unit production timing. Then play the second mission and compare the pacing to see how early expansion strategies differ.
- Begin with the Age of Kings campaign to become familiar with core mechanics before tackling The Conquerors missions.
- Review mission briefings carefully; they outline the specific objectives needed for success.
02 / THE GUIDE
Civilization Unit Comparison
Run two short skirmishes, each with a different civilization. Record which unique units appear and observe how they affect combat outcomes, helping you match tactics to civilization strengths.
- Try several civilizations in short skirmishes to discover which unit mix fits your preferred approach.
- Note each civilization’s unique units; they often provide decisive advantages in specific combat scenarios.
03 / THE GUIDE
Multiplayer Performance Review
Join an online match and complete a game. After finishing, view the Steam Leaderboard entry to assess how your score ranks against other players and identify areas for improvement.
- Visit the multiplayer lobby to view available maps before starting a match.
- Check the Leaderboards after a game to see how your score compares to other players.
04 / THE GUIDE
Steam Feature Verification
Enable Steam Cloud, finish a single‑player mission, then launch the game on a second Windows PC. Confirm that the saved progress appears, demonstrating successful cloud synchronization.
- Enable Steam Cloud in the settings menu to keep your progress backed up online.
- Browse the Workshop for new maps that can refresh your multiplayer experience.
05 / THE GUIDE
Custom Map Creation Test
Open the level editor and design a simple 4‑player map with a central resource node. Play the map in single‑player mode to check balance, then upload it to the Workshop for community feedback.
- Start with a simple terrain layout before adding complex objectives to ensure the map is playable.
- Test your custom map in single‑player mode to verify balance before publishing it.
