The Discovery Age is the first Age in Age of Empires III. It is characterized as the beginning of settlement in the "New World", exploration around the land, and the starting point of economics for European Settlers and Asian/Native American Villagers. It allows only a simple economy, including trade but does not allow for military development under normal circumstances. Because of limited technologies and little (if not outright nonexistent) military strength during this Age, it is strongly recommended to advance to the Colonial Age as soon as possible.
Units and buildings available
- Town Center - Settler/Villager, Minuteman
- House
- Market
- Mill
- Livestock Pen - Sheep
- Dock - Fishing Boat
- Outpost
- Trading Post
- Wall
- Mosque (Ottomans only)
Military development
While normally it isn't possible to train military units in the Discovery Age, it is possible to acquire such units by freeing captive military units from Treasure Guardians, converting Treasure Guardians, or training pet animals. However, any army formed in that manner is very small at best, and it is usually reserved for the purposes of scouting, treasure hunting and harassing.
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