Trade carts generate gold by moving between markets or docks. The longer the distance they travel, the more gold they bring back. Players can automate trade routes to ensure a steady flow of income throughout the game. Market prices fluctuate based on the distance between markets and the number of trade carts in operation.
Trade Carts in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
In Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, trade carts play a crucial role in the game's economy and can greatly benefit your civilization when used effectively. When set up correctly, trade carts can provide a steady stream of gold income that can be the difference between victory and defeat. Understanding how trade carts work and how to optimize your trade routes is essential for success in the game.
Mechanics of Trade Carts
Trade carts are units that are used to establish trade routes between markets, generating gold for the player. To set up a trade route, you need to build a market in your town and then create trade carts from the market. The trade carts will automatically move between markets, collecting and delivering resources. Each trip made by a trade cart generates gold, with the amount depending on the distance traveled. Trade carts can be set to work on specific trade routes by using the "create trade route" command, allowing you to control their paths and optimize their efficiency.
Benefits of Trade Carts
Trade carts provide a reliable source of gold income, especially in the late game when resources may become scarce. They can help supplement your gold reserves, which is essential for training units, researching technologies, and advancing through the ages. Trade carts can also be used to establish connections with allies, allowing for further economic cooperation and support during battles. Additionally, trade carts can be a strategic asset in maps with limited resources, as they provide a sustainable way to generate gold without depleting existing sources.
Optimizing Trade Routes
To make the most of your trade carts, it is important to optimize your trade routes for maximum efficiency. This can be done by establishing shorter routes between markets to reduce travel time, as the amount of gold generated is based on the distance traveled. You can also ensure the safety of your trade carts by guarding trade routes with military units, preventing enemy attacks and ensuring a steady flow of gold. Additionally, upgrading technologies related to trade carts, such as guilds and caravan, can increase the amount of gold generated per trip and improve the overall effectiveness of your trade network.
Trade Cart Strategies
Depending on your civilization and game situation, there are different strategies you can employ with trade carts. Some players focus on creating extensive trade networks that span the map, maximizing the amount of gold generated. Others may prioritize protecting trade routes to ensure a constant flow of income, even in the face of enemy attacks. Utilizing trade carts in conjunction with other economic strategies, such as farming, mining, and hunting, can help create a well-rounded economy that supports your military endeavors and technological advancements. By experimenting with different trade cart strategies, you can find the approach that best suits your playstyle and leads you to victory.
Conclusion
Trade carts are an essential component of the economy in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, offering a reliable source of gold income and strategic opportunities for players. Understanding how trade carts work, optimizing trade routes, and employing effective strategies involving trade carts can give you a significant advantage in the game. By mastering the mechanics of trade carts and incorporating them into your overall gameplay, you can enhance your civilization's economy, bolster your military capabilities, and ultimately lead your empire to victory.