New Game Mindset: To-Do Lists in AoE4

1.  Master Your Builds:
• Learn and practice at least two build orders for your civ:
• One for handling rush civs.
• Another for booming/turtling or fast castle (FC) strategies.
• Precision and muscle memory are key here.
2.  Analyze During Load Screen:
• Identify your opponent’s civ.
• Decide which build order to use and commit to it.

1.  Execute Your Build Order:
• Stick to your practiced timing. Deviating can cost you.
2.  Scout Effectively:
• Optimize scout pathing for the map.
• Find enemy landmarks, resources, and openings for harassment.
3.  Hotkey Assignments:
• Set your initial hotkeys for smooth transitions and control.

1.  Strategize:
• Decide between these main approaches:
• Rush: Delay eco upgrades, prioritize military upgrades, and harass. Consider a ram push if viable.
• 2TC Boom: Focus on eco while defending lightly.
• Fast Castle: Delay eco upgrades until clicking up.
2.  Adaptation Tips:
• Against hard turtles like Rus, prioritize map control and semi-FC while keeping up harassment.
• For rush civs, maintain pressure to disrupt their plans.

1.  Claim Relics & Sacred Sites:
• Relics are not optional. Secure them early. If you have map control, take sacred sites too.
2.  Build Your Army:
• Mass Castle Age units (usually gold-heavy).
• Upgrade Feudal units only if you plan to continue using them.
3.  Create Siege:
• Siege is critical for breaking through defenses. Start building as soon as possible.
4.  Eco and Map Control:
• Prioritize eco upgrades and blacksmith techs.
• Push out to control gold mines and strategic points with military, towers, keeps, and walls.
5.  Fortify Your Base:
• Wall off vulnerable areas to prevent raids.
6.  Force Fights or Sacred Victories:
• When you max out your population, push the enemy to force trades or aim for a sacred site victory against turtles.

1.  Transition Thoughtfully:
• Most games end before Imperial, but if you reach it:
• Only go Imperial once your population is maxed or you have excess resources.
2.  Upgrade Everything:
• Prioritize unit upgrades, eco techs, and university/blacksmith advancements.
• Invest in siege upgrades, including bombards to finish off enemy fortifications.
3.  Dominate the Map:
• Creep toward your opponent with walls, towers, keeps, and armies.
• Transition to trade if you lose map control in a long game.
4.  Close Out the Game:
• Focus on overwhelming the enemy, forcing fights on your terms, and solidifying your position for a landmark or sacred site victory.

As I’ve gained experience in Age of Empires IV, I’ve realized that success in this game often comes down to executing a clear, structured set of objectives at each stage. Without this mindset—especially at higher ranks like Diamond and above—you risk falling behind from the very start. Here’s my take on the essential “to-do lists” you should follow to stay competitive. Keep in mind these can vary depending on your civilization and the one you’re up against.

Pregame Preparation

1.  Master Your Builds:
• Learn and practice at least two build orders for your civ:
• One for handling rush civs.
• Another for booming/turtling or fast castle (FC) strategies.
• Precision and muscle memory are key here.
2.  Analyze During Load Screen:
• Identify your opponent’s civ.
• Decide which build order to use and commit to it.

Early Game (Dark Age/Feudal Transition)

1.  Execute Your Build Order:
• Stick to your practiced timing. Deviating can cost you.
2.  Scout Effectively:
• Optimize scout pathing for the map.
• Find enemy landmarks, resources, and openings for harassment.
3.  Hotkey Assignments:
• Set your initial hotkeys for smooth transitions and control.

Feudal Age Goals

1.  Strategize:
• Decide between these main approaches:
• Rush: Delay eco upgrades, prioritize military upgrades, and harass. Consider a ram push if viable.
• 2TC Boom: Focus on eco while defending lightly.
• Fast Castle: Delay eco upgrades until clicking up.
2.  Adaptation Tips:
• Against hard turtles like Rus, prioritize map control and semi-FC while keeping up harassment.
• For rush civs, maintain pressure to disrupt their plans.

Castle Age Goals

1.  Claim Relics & Sacred Sites:
• Relics are not optional. Secure them early. If you have map control, take sacred sites too.
2.  Build Your Army:
• Mass Castle Age units (usually gold-heavy).
• Upgrade Feudal units only if you plan to continue using them.
3.  Create Siege:
• Siege is critical for breaking through defenses. Start building as soon as possible.
4.  Eco and Map Control:
• Prioritize eco upgrades and blacksmith techs.
• Push out to control gold mines and strategic points with military, towers, keeps, and walls.
5.  Fortify Your Base:
• Wall off vulnerable areas to prevent raids.
6.  Force Fights or Sacred Victories:
• When you max out your population, push the enemy to force trades or aim for a sacred site victory against turtles.

Imperial Age Goals

1.  Transition Thoughtfully:
• Most games end before Imperial, but if you reach it:
• Only go Imperial once your population is maxed or you have excess resources.
2.  Upgrade Everything:
• Prioritize unit upgrades, eco techs, and university/blacksmith advancements.
• Invest in siege upgrades, including bombards to finish off enemy fortifications.
3.  Dominate the Map:
• Creep toward your opponent with walls, towers, keeps, and armies.
• Transition to trade if you lose map control in a long game.
4.  Close Out the Game:
• Focus on overwhelming the enemy, forcing fights on your terms, and solidifying your position for a landmark or sacred site victory.

What do you think? Am I on the right track? Are there any important steps or strategies I’ve overlooked? Constructive feedback is always welcome! Let’s refine this together to help everyone climb the ranks.