c. Simple Military Tactics [AOK3C]

Master Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition military tactics. Learn unit selection, terrain advantages, grouping, waypoints, and garrisoning for strategic dominance.

This guide covers essential military tactics for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, focusing on unit control, terrain, formations, and defensive strategies.

Unit Selection and Vision: Units are selected by clicking or box-selecting. They move by right-clicking the destination. Each unit has a sight range, and unrevealed map areas are in a fog of war. Cartography from the Market reveals allied vision. Spies in the Castle (Imperial Age) reveal enemy vision but are very expensive.

Terrain Features: Maps feature temperate, desert, or winter landscapes. All land units can traverse land. Land units require Transport Ships to cross water unless it's shallow (indicated by green vegetation). Naval units operate only on water. Cliffs and ridges are impassable, but higher ground grants ballistic units attack bonuses against lower targets.

Grouping Units: Assign units to control groups (1-0) by selecting them and pressing Ctrl + number. Select groups by pressing the assigned number. Add units to existing groups by selecting them and pressing Shift + group number. A common tactic is assigning infantry to 1, archers to 2, and cavalry to 3 for independent movement.

Waypoints: To customize unit paths and avoid obstacles, use waypoints. Select units, hold Shift, and right-click points on the map to set a path. A final right-click on the destination moves the units along the defined route.

Combat Alerts: You'll be notified of attacks by a special tone and the "You are under attack!" message. Different sounds indicate the type of unit under attack: a battle horn for soldiers, and bells for Villagers.

Garrisoning Units: Units can garrison inside buildings for surprise attacks or to enhance building defense. A flag appears on garrisoned buildings (visible only to allies). Guard Towers and Castles regenerate garrisoned unit health. Buildings have specific garrison capacities: Barracks (10 infantry), Archery Ranges (10 archers), Stables (10 cavalry), Siege Workshops (10 siege weapons), Docks (10 ships), Monasteries (10 monks), Towers (5 infantry/archers), and Castles (20 of any unit).