In Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, researching technologies can greatly enhance your civilization's abilities. In the Feudal Age, focus on economic upgrades such as double-bit axe and horse collar. Transitioning to the Castle Age, prioritize military upgrades like crossbowmen and knights. Finally, in the Imperial Age, prioritize elite upgrades for your units.
Feudal Age
In the Feudal Age in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, players should prioritize researching technologies that improve the strength of their economy and military. For economy, researching technologies like the Double-Bit Axe, Horse Collar, and Gold Mining are essential to increase resource gathering efficiency and overall economic growth. Upgrading military units such as archers, spearmen, and scouts is crucial for increasing their combat effectiveness on the battlefield. Researching technologies like Fletching and Padded Archer Armor can significantly enhance the combat capabilities of these units.
Castle Age
As players advance to the Castle Age, they should focus on researching technologies that unlock more advanced unit types and upgrades. Technologies like Bodkin Arrow, Crossbowman, and Scale Barding Armor are crucial for enhancing the strength of archers, cavalry, and infantry units. Players should also consider researching technologies that improve their defensive capabilities such as Masonry and Fortified Wall to bolster their defenses against enemy attacks. Additionally, researching technologies like Thumb Ring and Husbandry can provide significant combat advantages to ranged units and cavalry.
Imperial Age
Upon reaching the Imperial Age, players should prioritize researching technologies that unlock the most powerful units and upgrades in the game. Technologies like Arbalest, Champion, and Paladin are essential for fielding elite units that can dominate the battlefield. Players should also focus on technologies that enhance their siege capabilities such as Siege Engineers and Siege Onager to effectively break through enemy defenses. Researching technologies like Plate Mail Armor and Chemistry is vital for increasing the durability and damage output of infantry and ranged units.
Unique Technologies
In addition to general technologies, players should also consider researching unique technologies specific to their civilization in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Each civilization offers unique bonuses and units that can be unlocked through researching specific technologies. For example, the Saracens can benefit from researching Madrasah, which refunds gold when monks are killed in battle, while the Byzantines can unlock Greek Fire to enhance the attack range of their Fire Ships. It is important for players to familiarize themselves with their civilization's unique technologies to take full advantage of their strengths in the game.
Final Thoughts
Researching the right technologies at each age is crucial to achieving success in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. By strategically prioritizing research and selecting technologies that complement their gameplay style and civilization, players can gain a significant advantage on the battlefield. Whether focusing on improving economy, bolstering military strength, or leveraging unique civilization bonuses, meticulous research and planning are key to securing victory in this iconic real-time strategy game.