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[[File:explorerlos.jpg|thumb|300px|An [[Explorer]]'s Line of Sight]]
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[[File:Los icon aoe3de.png|thumb|40px|left]][[File:Los prev aoe3de.png|thumb|300px|A preview image of an [[Explorer (Age of Empires III)|Explorer]]'s Line of Sight from ''[[Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition]]''.]]
'''Line of Sight''', often abbreviated to '''LOS''', is a gameplay element in most strategy games. LOS refers to the vision an object is granting to its owner (and often allies, spectators, rarely enemies) over its surrounding area uncovering [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fog_of_war#In_video_games Fog of War] and is represented by a number showing the distance of uncovering.
+
'''Line of Sight''', often abbreviated to '''LOS''', is a gameplay element in most strategy games. Line of Sight refers to the vision an object grants to its owner (and often allies and spectators, but rarely enemies) over the surrounding area, uncovering the Fog of War.
   
As units move, are created, and buildings are built the fog of war around them is cleared away, while the absence or death of a unit resolves in the fog of war recovering the area. Since units and buildings differ in their LOS some are better for the purpose of scouting than others and most games feature units that are specifically focused on the role of scouting.
+
As both buildings and units are created, with the latter moving, the fog of war around them is cleared away. The death of a unit results in the fog of war recovering the area. Since units and buildings differ in their Line of Sight numbers, some are better for scouting than others and most ''[[Age of Empires (series)|Age of Empires]]'' games feature units that specialize in scouting.
   
== Concept of LOS ==
+
== Concept ==
While traditional board games provide [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfect_information perfect information] to all participants, RTS games use the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fog_of_war#In_video_games Fog of War] and LOS to keep one players movements and decisions secret from the others unless scouted. Thus every player has his own field of LOS which in general differs from that of other players while such fields are allowed to overlap each other. Areas of conflict are always inside of overlapping LOS.
+
While traditional board games provide perfect information to all participants, real-time strategy (RTS) games use the fog of war and Line of Sight to keep one players movements and decisions secret from the others unless scouted. Thus every player has their own field of Line of Sight which in general differs from that of other players while such fields are allowed to overlap each other. Areas of conflict are always inside of overlapping Line of Sight.
   
RTS-Games like Starcraft only hide information from opponents in a grey shroud while revealing knowledge of the map setup to all players. The ''Age of Empires'' series goes one step further. Maps are generated randomly and hide information not only from opponents, but initially from all players. Thus besides of the observation of the map initial exploration is required as well.
+
RTS games like Starcraft only hide information from opponents in a grey shroud while revealing knowledge of the map setup to all players. The ''Age of Empires'' series goes one step further. Maps are generated randomly and hide information from all players initially. Thus besides of the observation of the map initial exploration is required as well.
   
 
=== Fog of War ===
 
=== Fog of War ===
 
Removing the black fog is important to find the resources on which to rely once the player runs out of the starting resources, as well as to learn about the map setup for territorial ambitions and to find the enemies and sometimes even allies on the map, whereas removing the grey shroud is required to keep track of the other players actions and thus control over certain areas.
 
Removing the black fog is important to find the resources on which to rely once the player runs out of the starting resources, as well as to learn about the map setup for territorial ambitions and to find the enemies and sometimes even allies on the map, whereas removing the grey shroud is required to keep track of the other players actions and thus control over certain areas.
   
An exception to the rule of LOS are ranged units. While they themselves in the ''Age of Empires'' series have LOS matching or surpassing their range, other players will spot them when being hit by such ranged units even if the ranged units should be out of LOS. For a short amount of time they are added to the victims players LOS to show where exactly ranged attacks came from.
+
An exception to the rule of Line of Sight are ranged units. While they themselves in the ''Age of Empires'' series have Line of Sight matching or surpassing their range, other players will spot them when being hit by such ranged units even if the ranged units should be out of Line of Sight. For a short amount of time they are added to the victims players Line of Sight to show where exactly ranged attacks came from.
   
== Upgrades ==
+
== {{1icons}} ==
  +
{{Expand section}}
LOS can be upgraded with the following technologies:
 
   
  +
== {{2icons|AoE2}} ==
=== ''Age of Empires II'' ===
 
  +
In ''Age of Empires II'', [[Cartography]] allowed players to share Line of Sight of allies. With [[Patch 5.7 (Age of Empires II)|patch 5.7]], it was removed from the game as a technology and its effects granted automatically upon construction of a Market. With [[update 73855]], Cartography effects now apply at the start of the game on standard settings, thus making players share their ally's Line of Sight from the start of the game.
* [[Cartography]] grants LOS over allied players which is not available by default. It is free for the [[Portuguese (Age of Empires II)|Portuguese]]. They and their [[Team bonus|team members]] see each other's LOS from the game start.
 
* [[Town Watch (Age of Empires II)|Town Watch]] +4 building LOS
 
* [[Town Patrol]] +4 building LOS
 
* [[Tracking]] +2 infantry LOS
 
All upgrades that increase [[range]] also increase the LOS.
 
   
  +
=== Units ===
LOS in ''[[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|Age of Empires II]]'' is capped at 20.
 
  +
{| class = "sortable mw-collapsible fandom-table"
  +
!Units
  +
!Base LOS
  +
!{{Tt|Max. LOS|The maximal Line of Sight with all affecting generic upgrades, in the Imperial Age. For unique units, civilization bonuses, team bonus and available technologies for that civilization are included for the unique units.}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Trebuchet]]
  +
|19
  +
|{{Tt|20|As maximum Line of Sight is 20, Tatar Trebuchets have 20 too}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Elite Cannon Galleon]]
  +
|17
  +
|{{Tt|17|19 with Turkish technology Artillery}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Cannon Galleon]]
  +
|15
  +
|{{Tt|15|17 with Turkish technology Artillery}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Bombard Cannon]], [[Houfnice]]
  +
|14
  +
|{{Tt|15|Bombard Canon has 16 with Turkish technology Artillery, as they lack Siege Engineers}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Monk (Age of Empires II)|Monk]] (Monk with a Relic has 2 tiles less Line of Sight)
  +
|11
  +
|14
  +
|-
  +
|[[Longbowman (Age of Empires II)|Elite Longbowman]]
  +
|{{Tt|10|As Elite Longbowmen are normally trainable in the Imperial Age, they already have +2 Line of Sight from civ bonus, but base Line of Sight is actually 8}}
  +
|14
  +
|-
  +
|[[Longbowman (Age of Empires II)|Longbowman]]
  +
|{{Tt|8|As Longbowmen are normally trainable in the Castle Age, they already have +1 range Line of Sight civ bonus, but base Line of Sight is actually 7}}
  +
|13
  +
|-
  +
|[[Missionary (Age of Empires II)|Missionary]]
  +
|9
  +
|12
  +
|-
  +
|[[Galleon (Age of Empires II)|Galleon]], [[Longboat (Age of Empires II)|Elite Longboat]], [[Caravel (Age of Empires II)|Caravel]], [[Caravel (Age of Empires II)|Elite Caravel]]
  +
|9
  +
|{{Tt|12|17 within Japanese team bonus}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Onager (Age of Empires II)|Onager]], [[Siege Onager]]
  +
|10
  +
|{{Tt|11|12 with Korean technology Shinkichon}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[War Galley (Age of Empires II)|War Galley]], [[Longboat (Age of Empires II)|Longboat]]
  +
|8
  +
|{{Tt|11|15 within Japanese team bonus}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[War Wagon (Age of Empires II)|Elite War Wagon]], [[Genoese Crossbowman]], [[Genoese Crossbowman|Elite Genoese Crossbowman]]
  +
|8
  +
|11
  +
|-
  +
|[[Scout Cavalry (Age of Empires II)|Scout Cavalry]], [[Light Cavalry (Age of Empires II)|Light Cavalry]], [[Hussar (Age of Empires II)|Hussar]], [[Winged Hussar (Age of Empires II)|Winged Hussar]]
  +
|4
  +
|{{Tt|10|12 within Mongol team bonus}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Janissary (Age of Empires II)|Janissary]], [[Janissary (Age of Empires II)|Elite Janissary]]
  +
|10
  +
|10
  +
|-
  +
|[[Mangonel (Age of Empires II)|Mangonel]], [[Scorpion]] line, [[Organ Gun (Age of Empires II)|Organ Gun]], [[Organ Gun (Age of Empires II)|Elite Organ Gun]]
  +
|9
  +
|{{Tt|10|Mangonel has 11 with Korean technology Shinkichon}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Crossbowman (Age of Empires II)|Crossbowman]], [[Arbalester]]
  +
|7
  +
|{{Tt|10|13 with British technology Yeomen in the Imperial Age}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[War Wagon (Age of Empires II)|War Wagon]], [[Slinger (Age of Empires II)|Slinger]]
  +
|7
  +
|10
  +
|-
  +
|[[Elite Skirmisher]], [[Imperial Skirmisher]]
  +
|7
  +
|{{Tt|10|11 with Aztec technology Atlatl or British technology Yeomen}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Elephant Archer (Age of Empires II)|Elephant Archer]], [[Elite Elephant Archer]]
  +
|7
  +
|10
  +
|-
  +
|[[Galley (Age of Empires II)|Galley]]
  +
|7
  +
|10
  +
|-
  +
|[[Hand Cannoneer]]
  +
|9
  +
|{{Tt|9|11 with Hindustani technology Shatagni}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Conquistador (Age of Empires II)|Elite Conquistador]]
  +
|9
  +
|9
  +
|-
  +
|[[Siege Tower (Age of Empires II)|Siege Tower]], [[Hussite Wagon]], [[Hussite Wagon|Elite Hussite Wagon]]
  +
|8
  +
|{{Tt|9|Siege Engineers technology increases Siege Tower Line of Sight by 1 tile}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Skirmisher (Age of Empires II)|Skirmisher]]
  +
|6
  +
|{{Tt|9|10 with Aztec technology Atlatl or British technology Yeomen}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Plumed Archer]], [[Plumed Archer|Elite Plumed Archer]]
  +
|6
  +
|9
  +
|-
  +
|[[Archer (Age of Empires II)|Archer]], [[Chu Ko Nu (Age of Empires II)|Chu Ko Nu]], [[Chu Ko Nu (Age of Empires II)|Elite Chu Ko Nu]], [[Rattan Archer]], [[Rattan Archer|Elite Rattan Archer]]
  +
|6
  +
|{{Tt|9|Archer has 12 with British technology Yeomen in the Imperial Age}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Heavy Cavalry Archer]], [[Mangudai (Age of Empires II)|Mangudai]], [[Mangudai (Age of Empires II)|Elite Mangudai]], [[Genitour|Elite Genitour]]
  +
|6
  +
|{{Tt|9|Heavy CA has 10 with Magyar technology Recurve Bow; Elite Genitour has 10 with Aztec technology Atlatl}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Conquistador (Age of Empires II)|Conquistador]]
  +
|8
  +
|8
  +
|-
  +
|[[Turtle Ship]], [[Turtle Ship|Elite Turtle Ship]]
  +
|8
  +
|8
  +
|-
  +
|[[Elite Battle Elephant]], [[War Elephant (Age of Empires II)|Elite War Elephant]]
  +
|8
  +
|8
  +
|-
  +
|[[Eagle Scout (Age of Empires II)|Eagle Scout]]
  +
|5
  +
|8
  +
|-
  +
|[[Ballista Elephant]]
  +
|7
  +
|8
  +
|-
  +
|[[Kipchak]], [[Kipchak|Elite Kipchak]]
  +
|6
  +
|{{Tt|8|As Cumans lack Bracer, only their allies can fully upgrade Kipchak for 9 Line of Sight}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Cavalry Archer (Age of Empires II)|Cavalry Archer]], [[Camel Archer (Age of Empires II)|Camel Archer]], [[Genitour]]
  +
|5
  +
|{{Tt|8|CA has 9 with Magyar technology Recurve Bow; Elite Genitour has 9 with Aztec technology Atlatl}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Tarkan|Elite Tarkan]], [[Arambai]], [[Arambai|Elite Arambai]]
  +
|7
  +
|7
  +
|-
  +
|[[Gbeto|Elite Gbeto]], [[Flemish Militia]]
  +
|7
  +
|9
  +
|-
  +
|[[Trade Cart (Age of Empires II)|Trade Cart]]
  +
|7
  +
|7
  +
|-
  +
|[[Battle Elephant]], [[War Elephant (Age of Empires II)|War Elephant]]
  +
|7
  +
|7
  +
|-
  +
|[[Throwing Axeman (Age of Empires II)|Elite Throwing Axeman]]
  +
|6
  +
|9
  +
|-
  +
|[[Gbeto]], [[Eagle Warrior]], [[Elite Eagle Warrior]], [[Condottiero]]
  +
|6
  +
|8
  +
|-
  +
|[[Magyar Huszar|Elite Magyar Huszar]]
  +
|6
  +
|6
  +
|-
  +
|[[Fast Fire Ship]], [[Demolition Raft]], [[Demolition Ship]], [[Heavy Demolition Ship]], [[Trade Cog]]
  +
|6
  +
|{{Tt|6|Fast Fire Ship has 7 with Byzantines technology Greek Fire}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Throwing Axeman (Age of Empires II)|Throwing Axeman]]
  +
|5
  +
|8
  +
|-
  +
|[[Two-Handed Swordsman]], [[Champion]], [[Woad Raider|Elite Woad Raider]], [[Huskarl (Age of Empires II)|Elite Huskarl]], [[Samurai (Age of Empires II)|Elite Samurai]], [[Teutonic Knight|Elite Teutonic Knight]], [[Berserk|Elite Berserk]], [[Jaguar Warrior|Elite Jaguar Warrior]], [[Kamayuk|Elite Kamayuk]], [[Serjeant|Elite Serjeant]]
  +
|5
  +
|7
  +
|-
  +
|[[Tarkan]], [[Magyar Huszar]], [[Steppe Lancer]], [[Elite Steppe Lancer]], [[Paladin]], [[Cataphract (Age of Empires II)|Elite Cataphract]], [[Boyar (Age of Empires II)|Boyar]], [[Boyar (Age of Empires II)|Elite Boyar]], [[Konnik]], [[Konnik|Elite Konnik]], [[Leitis]], [[Leitis|Elite Leitis]], [[Keshik (Age of Empires II)|Keshik]], [[Keshik (Age of Empires II)|Elite Keshik]], [[Coustillier]], [[Coustillier|Elite Coustillier]]
  +
|5
  +
|{{Tt|5|Paladin has 7 within Frank team bonus}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Camel Scout]], [[Camel Rider (Age of Empires II)|Camel Rider]], [[Heavy Camel Rider]], [[Imperial Camel Rider]], [[Mameluke (Age of Empires II)|Mameluke]]
  +
|5
  +
|5
  +
|-
  +
|[[Fire Galley (Age of Empires II)|Fire Galley]], [[Fire Ship (Age of Empires II)|Fire Ship]], [[Fishing Ship (Age of Empires II)|Fishing Ship]], [[Transport Ship (Age of Empires II)|Transport Ship]]
  +
|5
  +
|{{Tt|5|Fire Galley and Fire Ship have 6 with Byzantines technology Greek Fire}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Militia (Age of Empires II)|Militia]], [[Man-at-Arms (Age of Empires II)|Man-at-Arms]], [[Long Swordsman (Age of Empires II)|Long Swordsman]], [[Spearman (Age of Empires II)|Spearman]] line, [[Samurai (Age of Empires II)|Samurai]], [[Kamayuk]]
  +
|4
  +
|6
  +
|-
  +
|[[Knight (Age of Empires II)|Knight]], [[Cavalier]], [[Cataphract (Age of Empires II)|Cataphract]], [[Xolotl Warrior]], [[Camel Rider (Age of Empires II)|Camel Rider]]
  +
|4
  +
|{{Tt|4|Knight and Cavalier have 6 within Frank team bonus}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Petard (Age of Empires II)|Petard]], [[Flaming Camel]]
  +
|4
  +
|4
  +
|-
  +
|[[Villager (Age of Empires II)|Villager]]
  +
|4
  +
|{{Tt|4|7 within Korean civ bonus}}
  +
|-
  +
|[[Woad Raider]], [[Huskarl (Age of Empires II)|Huskarl]], [[Teutonic Knight]], [[Berserk]], [[Jaguar Warrior]], [[Shotel Warrior (Age of Empires II)|Shotel Warrior]], [[Shotel Warrior (Age of Empires II)|Elite Shotel Warrior]], [[Karambit Warrior]], [[Karambit Warrior|Elite Karambit Warrior]], [[Serjeant]], [[Obuch]], [[Obuch|Elite Obuch]], [[Konnik|Dismounted Konnik]], [[Konnik|Elite Dismounted Konnik]]
  +
|3
  +
|5
  +
|-
  +
|[[Battering Ram (Age of Empires II)|Battering Ram]] line
  +
|3
  +
|{{Tt|4|Siege Engineers technology increases rams' Line of Sight by 1}}
  +
|}
   
=== ''Age of Mythology'' ===
+
=== Buildings ===
  +
{| class = "fandom-table"
==== God powers ====
 
  +
!Units
* [[Spy (Age of Mythology)|Spy]] grants LOS over an enemy unit.
 
  +
!{{Tt|Base LOS|Line of Sight without any upgrades in the first age the building normally appears}}
* [[Vision]] grants LOS over a large area for twenty seconds.
 
  +
!{{Tt|Max. LOS|The maximal Line of Sight with all affecting non-unique upgrades, in the Imperial Age. Civilization and team bonuses are not included.}}
* God powers like [[Meteor]] and [[Locust Swarm]] grant LOS over the affected area.
 
  +
|-
* God powers like [[Plague of Serpents]], [[Ancestors]], [[Fimbulwinter]], [[Nidhogg]], [[Walking Woods]], [[Sentinel]], [[Carnivora]], and [[Tartarian Gate]] create units providing LOS.
 
  +
|[[Castle (Age of Empires II)|Castle]]
* Most god powers capable of damaging the opponent directly require the caster to have LOS in the target area.
 
  +
|11
  +
|20
  +
|-
  +
|[[Outpost (Age of Empires II)|Outpost]]
  +
|12
  +
|20
  +
|-
  +
|[[Watch Tower (Age of Empires II)|Watch Tower]], [[Guard Tower (Age of Empires II)|Guard Tower]], [[Keep (Age of Empires II)|Keep]], [[Harbor]], [[Krepost]], [[Donjon]]
  +
|10
  +
|20
  +
|}
   
==== Technologies ====
+
=== Upgrades and bonuses ===
  +
All upgrades that increase [[range]] also increase the Line of Sight by the same amount (but not vice versa). As such, the section is further divided. Unless mentioned otherwise, the technology is generic.
===== Common =====
 
* [[Signal Fires]] (+6 building LOS)
 
* [[Carrier Pigeons]] (+6 building LOS)
 
* Line upgrades like [[Medium Infantry]] add LOS to units as well. They are available for all human units and are divided into Medium in the [[Classical Age]], Heavy in the [[Heroic Age]], and Champion in the [[Mythic Age]]. Units available in later Ages might miss out on the first line upgrades.
 
* Wall line upgrades like [[Stone Wall (Age of Mythology)|Stone Wall]] may also provide LOS to walls.
 
* Relic Pelt of Argus + LOS for units
 
* Relic Harter's Folly + LOS for scouts
 
* Relic Head of Orpheus + LOS for buildings
 
* Relic Trios' Bow + LOS and range for archers
 
* [[Omniscience]] grants LOS over all players on the map. It's price depends on the amount of hostile units and is only affordable in the very late game or when one of the players is facing defeat and should already have resigned. Thus it helps the winning players to avoid searching the whole map and ending the game.
 
   
  +
; Line of Sight upgrades only
===== Greeks =====
 
  +
* All infantry units receive +2 Line of Sight upon advancing to the Feudal Age.
* [[Lord of Horses]] (+4 LOS to cavalry)
 
  +
* [[Eagle Scout (Age of Empires II)|Eagle Scout]] receive another +1 (for a total of +3) Line of Sight upon advancing to the Feudal Age.
* [[Winged Messenger]] ([[Pegasus|Pegasi]] + 6 LOS)
 
  +
* [[Scout Cavalry (Age of Empires II)|Scout Cavalry]] line and [[Outpost (Age of Empires II)|Outposts]] receive +2 Line of Sight upon advancing to the next Age every time.
* [[Oracle (technology)|Oracle]] (+6 LOS to all units, +8 LOS to all buildings)
 
  +
* [[Fletching]], [[Bodkin Arrow]] and [[Bracer]] give +1 Line for Sight to Town Centers.
  +
* [[Siege Engineers]] gives +1 Line of Sight for Siege Tower and Battering Ram line.
  +
* [[Town Watch (Age of Empires II)|Town Watch]] and [[Town Patrol]] give +4 Line of Sight for buildings, except Farms, Fish Traps, walls and gates.
  +
* [[Spies (Age of Empires II)|Spies]] allows the player to see the enemy's Line of Sight. [[Treason]] reveals all enemy [[King (Age of Empires II)|Kings]] for a short time.
  +
* {{2icons|Armenians}}: Infantry have +2 Line of Sight (team bonus).
  +
* {{2icons|Burmese}}: [[Relic (Age of Empires II)|Relics]] are visible on the map from the game start (team bonus).
  +
* {{2icons|Chinese}}: [[Town Center (Age of Empires II)|Town Center]] has +7 Line of Sight.
  +
* {{2icons|Ethiopians}}: [[Outpost (Age of Empires II)|Outposts]] have +3 Line of Sight (team bonus).
  +
* {{2icons|Franks}}: [[Knight (Age of Empires II)|Knight]] line units have +2 Line of Sight (team bonus).
  +
* {{2icons|Japanese}}: [[Galley (Age of Empires II)|Galley]] line units have a +50% longer Line of Sight (team bonus).
  +
* {{2icons|Koreans}}: [[Villager (Age of Empires II)|Villagers]] have +3 Line of Sight.
  +
* {{2icons|Malay}}: [[Dock (Age of Empires II)|Docks]] have double Line of Sight (team bonus).
  +
* {{2icons|Mongols}}: [[Scout Cavalry (Age of Empires II)|Scout Cavalry]] line has +2 Line of Sight (team bonus).
  +
* {{2icons|Sicilians}}: [[Transport Ship (Age of Empires II)|Transport Ships]] have +5 Line of Sight (team bonus).
  +
* {{2icons|Tatars}}: [[Mounted archer unit (Age of Empires II)|Mounted archers]] have +2 Line of Sight (team bonus).
  +
* {{2icons|Vietnamese}}: Enemy positions are visible at game start.
   
  +
; Range upgrades
===== Egyptians =====
 
  +
* [[Fletching]], [[Bodkin Arrow]] and [[Bracer]] give +1 Line of Sight for Archer, Cavalry Archer, Skirmisher, and Galley lines, and most unique archers and ships. They also give +1 Line of Sight to defensive structures.
* Egyptian [[Pharaoh]]s gain automatically 6 LOS in the [[Heroic Age]] and 2 LOS in the [[Mythic Age]].
 
  +
* [[Block Printing]] gives +3 Line of Sight for Monks and Missionaries.
* Egyptian [[Priest (Age of Mythology)|Priests]] gain automatically 8 LOS in the [[Classical Age]], 6 LOS in the [[Heroic Age]] and 2 LOS in the [[Mythic Age]].
 
* [[Hands of the Pharaoh]] (+2 LOS and range for Priests)
+
* [[Siege Engineers]] gives +1 Line of Sight for all ranged siege units.
  +
* {{2icons|Aztecs}}: [[Atlatl]] unique technology gives +1 Line of Sight for Skirmisher line and Genitours.
* [[Crocodopolis]] ([[Petsuchos]] + 4 LOS and range)
 
  +
* {{2icons|Armenians}}: [[Cilician Fleet]] gives +1 Line of Sight for the Galley line and [[Dromon (Age of Empires II)|Dromons]].
  +
* {{2icons|Britons}}: [[Yeomen]] unique technology gives +1 Line of Sight for foot archers. Foot archers (except [[Skirmisher (Age of Empires II)|Skirmishers]]) have +1/+2 Line of Sight in the Castle/Imperial Age.
  +
* {{2icons|Byzantines}}: [[Greek Fire]] unique technology gives +1 Line of Sight for Fire Galley line.
  +
* {{2icons|Franks}}: [[Bearded Axe]] unique technology gives +1 Line of Sight for Throwing Axeman.
  +
* {{2icons|Hindustanis}}: [[Shatagni]] unique technology gives +2 Line of Sight for Hand Cannoneers.
  +
* {{2icons|Khmer}}: [[Scorpion]]s have +1 Line of Sight (team bonus).
  +
* {{2icons|Koreans}}: [[Eupseong]] unique technology gives +2 Line of Sight for Watch Tower line. [[Shinkichon]] unique technology gives +1 Line of Sight for Mangonel line.
  +
* {{2icons|Lithuanians}}: [[Hill Forts]] unique technology gives +3 Line of Sight for Town Center.
  +
* {{2icons|Magyars}}: [[Recurve Bow]] unique technology gives +1 Line of Sight for Cavalry Archer line.
  +
* {{2icons|Tatars}}: [[Timurid Siegecraft]] unique technology {{tt|may give|Line of Sight has a maximum limit of 20}} +1 Line of Sight for Trebuchet.
  +
* {{2icons|Teutons}}: [[Crenellations (Age of Empires II)|Crenellations]] unique technology gives +3 Line of Sight for Castle.
  +
* {{2icons|Turks}}: [[Artillery (Age of Empires II)|Artillery]] unique technology gives +2 Line of Sight for Bombard Cannon, Cannon Galleon, and Bombard Tower.
   
===== Norse =====
+
=== Trivia ===
  +
* Despite [[Siege Engineers]] increasing range for ranged siege units only, it also gives +1 Line of Sight to the ram line and the Siege Tower.
* [[Eyes in the Forest]] (+3 LOS to infantry)
 
  +
* For most units with range, their Line of Sight is simply <math>Range + 2</math>. For all other remaining units, it is <math>Range + 3</math>. The [[Fire Galley (Age of Empires II)|Fire Galley]] line is the only exception having <math>Range + 3.5</math> Line of Sight.
  +
* Line of Sight for units and buildings is capped at 20 tiles so further bonuses or technologies cannot provide more.
  +
* "marco" and "polo" cheat codes can be used to reveal map and remove fog of war respectively. The cheat code "natural wonders" grants the line of sight of [[Gaia (team)|gaia]].
   
===== Atlanteans =====
+
== {{Micons}} ==
  +
=== God powers ===
* [[Focus]] (Atlantean [[Oracle (unit)|Oracle]] LOS gaining takes -1 second)
 
  +
* [[Spy (Age of Mythology)|Spy]] grants Line of Sight over an enemy unit.
* [[Lemurian Descendants]] (+9 LOS to all human units)
 
  +
* [[Vision]] grants Line of Sight over a large area for twenty seconds.
* [[Eyes of Atlas]] (+9 LOS to all myth units)
 
  +
* God powers like [[Meteor]] and [[Locust Swarm]] grant Line of Sight over the affected area.
* [[Io Guardian]] (+5 LOS to [[Argus]])
 
  +
* God powers like [[Plague of Serpents]], [[Ancestors]], [[Fimbulwinter]], [[Nidhogg]], [[Walking Woods]], [[Sentinel (Age of Mythology)|Sentinel]], [[Carnivora]], and [[Tartarian Gate]] create units providing Line of Sight.
  +
* Most god powers capable of damaging the opponent directly require the caster to have Line of Sight in the target area.
   
=== ''Age of Empires III'' ===
+
=== Technologies ===
  +
==== Common ====
* [[Church#Improvements|Town Watch]] (+2 LOS to units)
 
* [[Church#Improvements|Gas Lighting]] (+4 LOS to buildings)
+
* [[Signal Fires]] (+6 building Line of Sight)
  +
* [[Carrier Pigeons]] (+6 building Line of Sight)
* [[Spanish Home City Cards#Cathedral|TEAM Inquisition]] ([[Spanish (Age of Empires III)|Spanish]], +10 LOS to all units)
 
  +
* Line upgrades like [[Medium Infantry]] add Line of Sight to units as well. They are available for all human units and are divided into Medium in the [[Classical Age]], Heavy in the [[Heroic Age]], and Champion in the [[Mythic Age]]. Units available in later Ages might miss out on the first line upgrades.
* [[Russian Home City Cards|TEAM Cavalry Scouts]] ([[Russians]], +4 LOS to cavalry)
 
  +
* Wall line upgrades like [[Stone Wall (Age of Mythology)|Stone Wall]] may also provide + 2 Line of Sight to walls.
* [[Iroquois Home City Cards#War Leader|TEAM Infantry Scouts]] ([[Iroquois]], +8 LOS to infantry)
 
  +
* Relic Pelt of Argus + 6 Line of Sight for units
* [[Japanese Home City Cards|Bakufu]] ([[Japanese (Age of Empires III)|Japanese]], +20 to [[Daimyo]] and Shogun LOS)
 
  +
* Relic Harter's Folly + 2 Line of Sight for scouts
* [[Hot Air Balloon|(Advanced) Hot Air Balloon]] (Summons a unique scout unit with a LOS of 38.)
 
  +
* Relic Head of Orpheus + 8 Line of Sight for buildings
  +
* Relic Trios' Bow + 2 Line of Sight and range for archers
  +
* [[Omniscience]] grants Line of Sight over all players on the map. Its price depends on the amount of hostile units and is only affordable in the very late game or when one of the players is facing defeat and should already have resigned. Thus it helps the winning players to avoid searching the whole map and ending the game.
   
== Trivia ==
+
==== Greeks ====
  +
* [[Lord of Horses]] (+4 Line of Sight to cavalry)
=== ''Age of Mythology'' ===
 
  +
* [[Winged Messenger]] ([[Pegasus|Pegasi]] + 6 Line of Sight)
* [[Classical Age]] cavalry provide very little LOS. Both the [[Greeks (Age of Mythology)|Greek]] [[Hippikon]] and the [[Norse]] [[Raiding Cavalry]] grant only 8 LOS while Villagers provide 14, infantry 16, and ranged units even more LOS. Since the LOS value is a radius around the unit the area covered by LOS greatly differs with only small changes in numbers. This makes it more difficult to raid the enemy with cavalry early on.
 
  +
* [[Oracle (technology)|Oracle]] (+6 Line of Sight to all units, +8 Line of Sight to all buildings)
  +
  +
==== Egyptians ====
  +
* Egyptian [[Pharaoh (Age of Mythology)|Pharaohs]] gain automatically 6 Line of Sight in the [[Heroic Age]] and 2 Line of Sight in the [[Mythic Age]].
  +
* Egyptian [[Priest (Age of Mythology)|Priests]] gain automatically 8 Line of Sight in the [[Classical Age]], 6 Line of Sight in the [[Heroic Age]] and 2 Line of Sight in the [[Mythic Age]].
  +
* [[Hands of the Pharaoh]] (+2 Line of Sight and range for Priests)
  +
* [[Crocodopolis]] ([[Petsuchos]] + 4 Line of Sight and range)
  +
  +
==== Norse ====
  +
* [[Eyes in the Forest]] (+3 Line of Sight to infantry)
  +
  +
==== Atlanteans ====
  +
* [[Focus]] (Atlantean [[Oracle (unit)|Oracle]] Line of Sight gaining takes -1 second)
  +
* [[Lemurian Descendants]] (+9 Line of Sight to all human units)
  +
* [[Eyes of Atlas]] (+9 Line of Sight to all myth units)
  +
* [[Io Guardian]] (+5 Line of Sight to [[Argus]])
  +
  +
=== Trivia ===
  +
* [[Classical Age]] cavalry provide very little Line of Sight. Both the [[Greeks (Age of Mythology)|Greek]] [[Hippikon]] and the [[Norse]] [[Raiding Cavalry]] grant only 8 Line of Sight while Villagers provide 14, infantry 16, and ranged units even more Line of Sight. Since the Line of Sight value is a radius around the unit, the area covered by Line of Sight greatly differs with only small changes in numbers. This makes it more difficult to raid the enemy with cavalry early on.
 
* The player can check if an opponent is taking an explored but currently not observed Settlement by trying to build one oneself. If the player is not allowed to, another player is already building it.
 
* The player can check if an opponent is taking an explored but currently not observed Settlement by trying to build one oneself. If the player is not allowed to, another player is already building it.
 
* Another exploit is the selecting of explored but currently not observed huntables. If the HP bar is not shown, the animals are already dead and likely to be hunted right now or already have been hunted.
 
* Another exploit is the selecting of explored but currently not observed huntables. If the HP bar is not shown, the animals are already dead and likely to be hunted right now or already have been hunted.
  +
* Egyptian Priests and Fishing Ships can create [[Obelisk]]s, which provide moderate Line of Sight. The Egyptians can also construct the [[Lighthouse]] in the Mythic Age, which provides a gigantic Line of Sight.
  +
  +
== {{3icons}} ==
  +
=== Technologies ===
  +
* [[Town Watch (Age of Empires III)|Town Watch]] (+2 Line of Sight to units)
  +
* [[Gas Lighting]] (+4 Line of Sight to buildings)
  +
* [[Ranged Cavalry Caracole]] (+2 Line of Sight to ranged light cavalry and +1 Line of Sight to ranged heavy cavalry)
  +
* [[Gunner's Quadrant]] (+6 Line of Sight to artillery)
  +
* [[Consulate#Consulate allies|Ottoman Consulate]] ([[Indians (Age of Empires III)|Indians]], +10 Line of Sight to all units)
  +
* Disciplined Gurkha, Honored Gurkha, Exalted Gurkha (Indians, +1 Line of Sight to [[Gurkha]]s)
  +
* Veteran Abus Gunners, Guard Abus Gunners ([[Ottomans (Age of Empires III)|Ottomans]], +1 Line of Sight to [[Abus Gunner]]s)
  +
* Infantry Guns, Imperial Infantry Guns ([[Swedes]], +1 Line of Sight to [[Leather Cannon]]s)
  +
* [[Lacrosse]] ([[Haudenosaunee]], +2 Line of Sight to [[Aenna]]s, [[Forest Prowler]]s and [[Tomahawk]]s)
  +
* [[Chincha Raft]]s gain +2 Line of Sight upon reaching [[Fortress Age]] and [[Industrial Age]] ([[Inca]])
  +
* [[Sebastopol Mortar]]s gain +6 Line of Sight upon reaching [[Industrial Age]] and [[Imperial Age (Age of Empires III)|Imperial Age]] ([[Ethiopians (Age of Empires III)|Ethiopians]])
  +
* [[Somali Lighthouses]] (+10 Line of Sight to [[Outpost (Age of Empires III)|Outpost]]s, [[Dock (Age of Empires III)|Dock]]s, [[Port]]s, [[Trading Post]]s, [[Blockhouse]]s, [[War Hut]]s, [[Castle (Age of Empires III)|Castle]]s, [[Fixed Gun (Maltese)|Fixed Gun]]s, and [[Watch Tower (Age of Empires III)|Watch Tower]]s)
  +
* [[Army of the Pure]] (+2 Line of Sight to [[Chakram Thrower (Age of Empires III)|Chakram Thrower]]s)
  +
  +
=== Home City cards ===
  +
* [[British/HCC#Cathedral|Agents]] (([[British]], [[Dutch]], [[Germans]], [[Portuguese (Age of Empires III)|Portuguese]], [[United States]]), +15 Line of Sight to [[Spy (Age of Empires III)|Spies]])
  +
* [[British/HCC#Harbor|Offshore Support]] ((British, Ottomans, [[Aztecs (Age of Empires III)|Aztecs]], Incas, [[Italians (Age of Empires III)|Italians]], [[Maltese]]), +2 Line of Sight to warships)
  +
* [[Indians (Age of Empires III)/HCC#Customs House|European Cannons]] ((Indians, [[Japanese (Age of Empires III)|Japanese]], [[Chinese (Age of Empires III)|Chinese]], Ethiopians, [[Hausa]], [[Mexicans]]), +2 Line of Sight to warships)
  +
* [[Spanish (Age of Empires III)/HCC#Harbor|Armada]] ([[Spanish (Age of Empires III)|Spanish]], +2 Line of Sight to warships)
  +
* [[British/HCC#Military Academy|Grenade Launchers]], [[United States/HCC#Harbor|Washington's Legion]] (+2 Line of Sight to [[Grenadier (Age of Empires III)|Grenadier]]s)
  +
* [[British/HCC#Military Academy|Yeomen]] (British, +4 Line of Sight to [[Longbowman (Age of Empires III)|Longbowmen]])
  +
* [[Aztecs (Age of Empires III)/HCC#Waterfront|Temple of Tlaloc Support]] (Aztecs, +4 Line of Sight to [[Eagle Runner Knight]]s)
  +
* [[Japanese (Age of Empires III)/HCC#Fortress|Way of the Bow]] (Japanese, +2 Line of Sight to [[Yumi Archer]]s)
  +
* [[Portuguese (Age of Empires III)/HCC#Military Academy|Rangefinding]] (Portuguese, +8 Line of Sight to [[Mortar]]s)
  +
* [[Portuguese (Age of Empires III)/HCC#Military Academy|Genitours]] (Portuguese, +4 Line of Sight to [[Dragoon]]s)
  +
* [[Japanese (Age of Empires III)/HCC#Fortress|Morutaru Range]] (Japanese, +4 Line of Sight to [[Morutaru]]s)
  +
* [[Aztecs (Age of Empires III)/HCC#Temple|Stone Towers]] (Aztecs, +6 Line of Sight to [[War Hut]]s and [[Nobles' Hut]]s)
  +
* [[Japanese (Age of Empires III)/HCC#Imperial Court|Yamashiro]] (Japanese, +6 Line of Sight to [[Castle (Age of Empires III)|Castle]]s)
  +
* [[Japanese (Age of Empires III)/HCC#Imperial Court|Bakufu]] (Japanese, +20 Line of Sight to [[Daimyo]] and Shogun)
  +
* [[Inca/HCC#Temple|High Ground]] (Incas, +15 Line of Sight to War Huts, [[Town Center (Age of Empires III)|Town Center]]s, [[Tambo]]s and [[Stronghold (Age of Empires III)|Stronghold]]s)
  +
* [[Swedes/HCC#Military Academy|Snaplock]] (Swedes, +3 Line of Sight to [[Carolean]]s and +1 Line of Sight to [[Hakkapelit]]s)
  +
* [[United States/HCC#Military Academy|Long Rifles]] (United States, +4 Line of Sight to [[State Militia]] and [[Minuteman]])
  +
* [[United States/HCC#Harbor|Mississippi Steamers]] (United States, +2 Line of Sight to [[Steamer]]s)
  +
* [[Hausa/HCC#Great Mosque|Massina Madrasahs]] (Hausa, +10 Line of Sight to [[University (Age of Empires III)|Universities]])
  +
* [[Mexicans/HCC#National Palace|Refurbished Firearms]] (Mexicans, +2 Line of Sight to [[Soldado]]s)
  +
* [[Italians (Age of Empires III)/HCC#Palazzo Ducale|Steel Bolts]] ((Italians, Maltese), +2 Line of Sight to [[Pavisier]]s/[[Crossbowman (Age of Empires III)|Crossbowmen]])
  +
* [[Maltese/HCC#Fort St. Elmo|Dignitaries]] (Maltese, +4 Line of Sight to [[Hospitaller]]s)
  +
* [[Maltese/HCC#Fort St. Elmo|Flintlock Rockets]] (Maltese, +2 Line of Sight to [[Sentinel (Age of Empires III)|Sentinel]]s)
  +
* [[Hot Air Balloon|(Advanced) Hot Air Balloon]] (Summons a unique scout unit with a Line of Sight of 38)
  +
* [[Spanish (Age of Empires III)/HCC#Cathedral|TEAM Inquisition]] ([[Spanish (Age of Empires III)|Spanish]], +10 Line of Sight to all units)
  +
* [[Russians/HCC|TEAM Cavalry Scouts]] ([[Russians]], +4 Line of Sight to cavalry)
  +
* [[Haudenosaunee/HCC#War Leader|TEAM Infantry Scouts]] (Haudenosaunee, +8 Line of Sight to infantry)
  +
* [[Swedes/HCC#Military Academy|TEAM Ranged Cavalry Combat]] (Swedes, +1 Line of Sight to all ranged cavalry)
  +
  +
Advancing in age also grants a Line of Sight upgrade to [[Building (Age of Empires III)|buildings]] :
  +
{| class = "article-table" border = "1"
  +
|-
  +
! scope = "col" |[[Age]]
  +
! scope = "col" |Line of Sight bonus
  +
|-
  +
|{{AoE3Age|2|C}}
  +
|7
  +
|-
  +
|{{AoE3Age|3|C}}
  +
|4
  +
|-
  +
|{{AoE3Age|4|C}}
  +
|4
  +
|-
  +
|{{AoE3Age|5|C}}
  +
|4
  +
|}
  +
  +
== {{4icons}} ==
  +
{{Expand section}}
  +
  +
== Gallery ==
  +
<gallery>
  +
explorerlos.jpg|An [[Explorer (Age of Empires III)|Explorer]]'s Line of Sight in ''Age of Empires III''.
  +
Range_preview.png|A [[Monk (Age of Empires II)|Monk]]'s very long Line of Sight and a [[Cow]]'s short Line of Sight, in ''Age of Empires II''.
  +
</gallery>
   
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
* [[Scout]]
+
* [[Scout unit]]
  +
[[Category:Gameplay elements]]
 
  +
{{Gameplay elements}}
 
[[Category:Lists]]
 
[[Category:Lists]]
  +
[[es:Línea de visión]]

Latest revision as of 16:57, 15 March 2024

Los icon aoe3de
Los prev aoe3de

A preview image of an Explorer's Line of Sight from Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition.

Line of Sight, often abbreviated to LOS, is a gameplay element in most strategy games. Line of Sight refers to the vision an object grants to its owner (and often allies and spectators, but rarely enemies) over the surrounding area, uncovering the Fog of War.

As both buildings and units are created, with the latter moving, the fog of war around them is cleared away. The death of a unit results in the fog of war recovering the area. Since units and buildings differ in their Line of Sight numbers, some are better for scouting than others and most Age of Empires games feature units that specialize in scouting.

Concept[]

While traditional board games provide perfect information to all participants, real-time strategy (RTS) games use the fog of war and Line of Sight to keep one players movements and decisions secret from the others unless scouted. Thus every player has their own field of Line of Sight which in general differs from that of other players while such fields are allowed to overlap each other. Areas of conflict are always inside of overlapping Line of Sight.

RTS games like Starcraft only hide information from opponents in a grey shroud while revealing knowledge of the map setup to all players. The Age of Empires series goes one step further. Maps are generated randomly and hide information from all players initially. Thus besides of the observation of the map initial exploration is required as well.

Fog of War[]

Removing the black fog is important to find the resources on which to rely once the player runs out of the starting resources, as well as to learn about the map setup for territorial ambitions and to find the enemies and sometimes even allies on the map, whereas removing the grey shroud is required to keep track of the other players actions and thus control over certain areas.

An exception to the rule of Line of Sight are ranged units. While they themselves in the Age of Empires series have Line of Sight matching or surpassing their range, other players will spot them when being hit by such ranged units even if the ranged units should be out of Line of Sight. For a short amount of time they are added to the victims players Line of Sight to show where exactly ranged attacks came from.

ReturnRome-AoEIcon Age of Empires[]

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it.

AoE2-DLCicon-0 Age of Empires II[]

In Age of Empires II, Cartography allowed players to share Line of Sight of allies. With patch 5.7, it was removed from the game as a technology and its effects granted automatically upon construction of a Market. With update 73855, Cartography effects now apply at the start of the game on standard settings, thus making players share their ally's Line of Sight from the start of the game.

Units[]

Units Base LOS Max. LOS
Trebuchet 19 20
Elite Cannon Galleon 17 17
Cannon Galleon 15 15
Bombard Cannon, Houfnice 14 15
Monk (Monk with a Relic has 2 tiles less Line of Sight) 11 14
Elite Longbowman 10 14
Longbowman 8 13
Missionary 9 12
Galleon, Elite Longboat, Caravel, Elite Caravel 9 12
Onager, Siege Onager 10 11
War Galley, Longboat 8 11
Elite War Wagon, Genoese Crossbowman, Elite Genoese Crossbowman 8 11
Scout Cavalry, Light Cavalry, Hussar, Winged Hussar 4 10
Janissary, Elite Janissary 10 10
Mangonel, Scorpion line, Organ Gun, Elite Organ Gun 9 10
Crossbowman, Arbalester 7 10
War Wagon, Slinger 7 10
Elite Skirmisher, Imperial Skirmisher 7 10
Elephant Archer, Elite Elephant Archer 7 10
Galley 7 10
Hand Cannoneer 9 9
Elite Conquistador 9 9
Siege Tower, Hussite Wagon, Elite Hussite Wagon 8 9
Skirmisher 6 9
Plumed Archer, Elite Plumed Archer 6 9
Archer, Chu Ko Nu, Elite Chu Ko Nu, Rattan Archer, Elite Rattan Archer 6 9
Heavy Cavalry Archer, Mangudai, Elite Mangudai, Elite Genitour 6 9
Conquistador 8 8
Turtle Ship, Elite Turtle Ship 8 8
Elite Battle Elephant, Elite War Elephant 8 8
Eagle Scout 5 8
Ballista Elephant 7 8
Kipchak, Elite Kipchak 6 8
Cavalry Archer, Camel Archer, Genitour 5 8
Elite Tarkan, Arambai, Elite Arambai 7 7
Elite Gbeto, Flemish Militia 7 9
Trade Cart 7 7
Battle Elephant, War Elephant 7 7
Elite Throwing Axeman 6 9
Gbeto, Eagle Warrior, Elite Eagle Warrior, Condottiero 6 8
Elite Magyar Huszar 6 6
Fast Fire Ship, Demolition Raft, Demolition Ship, Heavy Demolition Ship, Trade Cog 6 6
Throwing Axeman 5 8
Two-Handed Swordsman, Champion, Elite Woad Raider, Elite Huskarl, Elite Samurai, Elite Teutonic Knight, Elite Berserk, Elite Jaguar Warrior, Elite Kamayuk, Elite Serjeant 5 7
Tarkan, Magyar Huszar, Steppe Lancer, Elite Steppe Lancer, Paladin, Elite Cataphract, Boyar, Elite Boyar, Konnik, Elite Konnik, Leitis, Elite Leitis, Keshik, Elite Keshik, Coustillier, Elite Coustillier 5 5
Camel Scout, Camel Rider, Heavy Camel Rider, Imperial Camel Rider, Mameluke 5 5
Fire Galley, Fire Ship, Fishing Ship, Transport Ship 5 5
Militia, Man-at-Arms, Long Swordsman, Spearman line, Samurai, Kamayuk 4 6
Knight, Cavalier, Cataphract, Xolotl Warrior, Camel Rider 4 4
Petard, Flaming Camel 4 4
Villager 4 4
Woad Raider, Huskarl, Teutonic Knight, Berserk, Jaguar Warrior, Shotel Warrior, Elite Shotel Warrior, Karambit Warrior, Elite Karambit Warrior, Serjeant, Obuch, Elite Obuch, Dismounted Konnik, Elite Dismounted Konnik 3 5
Battering Ram line 3 4

Buildings[]

Units Base LOS Max. LOS
Castle 11 20
Outpost 12 20
Watch Tower, Guard Tower, Keep, Harbor, Krepost, Donjon 10 20

Upgrades and bonuses[]

All upgrades that increase range also increase the Line of Sight by the same amount (but not vice versa). As such, the section is further divided. Unless mentioned otherwise, the technology is generic.

Line of Sight upgrades only
Range upgrades
  • Fletching, Bodkin Arrow and Bracer give +1 Line of Sight for Archer, Cavalry Archer, Skirmisher, and Galley lines, and most unique archers and ships. They also give +1 Line of Sight to defensive structures.
  • Block Printing gives +3 Line of Sight for Monks and Missionaries.
  • Siege Engineers gives +1 Line of Sight for all ranged siege units.
  • CivIcon-Aztecs Aztecs: Atlatl unique technology gives +1 Line of Sight for Skirmisher line and Genitours.
  • CivIcon-Armenians Armenians: Cilician Fleet gives +1 Line of Sight for the Galley line and Dromons.
  • CivIcon-Britons Britons: Yeomen unique technology gives +1 Line of Sight for foot archers. Foot archers (except Skirmishers) have +1/+2 Line of Sight in the Castle/Imperial Age.
  • CivIcon-Byzantines Byzantines: Greek Fire unique technology gives +1 Line of Sight for Fire Galley line.
  • CivIcon-Franks Franks: Bearded Axe unique technology gives +1 Line of Sight for Throwing Axeman.
  • CivIcon-Hindustanis Hindustanis: Shatagni unique technology gives +2 Line of Sight for Hand Cannoneers.
  • CivIcon-Khmer Khmer: Scorpions have +1 Line of Sight (team bonus).
  • CivIcon-Koreans Koreans: Eupseong unique technology gives +2 Line of Sight for Watch Tower line. Shinkichon unique technology gives +1 Line of Sight for Mangonel line.
  • CivIcon-Lithuanians Lithuanians: Hill Forts unique technology gives +3 Line of Sight for Town Center.
  • CivIcon-Magyars Magyars: Recurve Bow unique technology gives +1 Line of Sight for Cavalry Archer line.
  • CivIcon-Tatars Tatars: Timurid Siegecraft unique technology may give +1 Line of Sight for Trebuchet.
  • CivIcon-Teutons Teutons: Crenellations unique technology gives +3 Line of Sight for Castle.
  • CivIcon-Turks Turks: Artillery unique technology gives +2 Line of Sight for Bombard Cannon, Cannon Galleon, and Bombard Tower.

Trivia[]

  • Despite Siege Engineers increasing range for ranged siege units only, it also gives +1 Line of Sight to the ram line and the Siege Tower.
  • For most units with range, their Line of Sight is simply . For all other remaining units, it is . The Fire Galley line is the only exception having Line of Sight.
  • Line of Sight for units and buildings is capped at 20 tiles so further bonuses or technologies cannot provide more.
  • "marco" and "polo" cheat codes can be used to reveal map and remove fog of war respectively. The cheat code "natural wonders" grants the line of sight of gaia.

Aom original icon Age of Mythology[]

God powers[]

Technologies[]

Common[]

  • Signal Fires (+6 building Line of Sight)
  • Carrier Pigeons (+6 building Line of Sight)
  • Line upgrades like Medium Infantry add Line of Sight to units as well. They are available for all human units and are divided into Medium in the Classical Age, Heavy in the Heroic Age, and Champion in the Mythic Age. Units available in later Ages might miss out on the first line upgrades.
  • Wall line upgrades like Stone Wall may also provide + 2 Line of Sight to walls.
  • Relic Pelt of Argus + 6 Line of Sight for units
  • Relic Harter's Folly + 2 Line of Sight for scouts
  • Relic Head of Orpheus + 8 Line of Sight for buildings
  • Relic Trios' Bow + 2 Line of Sight and range for archers
  • Omniscience grants Line of Sight over all players on the map. Its price depends on the amount of hostile units and is only affordable in the very late game or when one of the players is facing defeat and should already have resigned. Thus it helps the winning players to avoid searching the whole map and ending the game.

Greeks[]

Egyptians[]

Norse[]

Atlanteans[]

Trivia[]

  • Classical Age cavalry provide very little Line of Sight. Both the Greek Hippikon and the Norse Raiding Cavalry grant only 8 Line of Sight while Villagers provide 14, infantry 16, and ranged units even more Line of Sight. Since the Line of Sight value is a radius around the unit, the area covered by Line of Sight greatly differs with only small changes in numbers. This makes it more difficult to raid the enemy with cavalry early on.
  • The player can check if an opponent is taking an explored but currently not observed Settlement by trying to build one oneself. If the player is not allowed to, another player is already building it.
  • Another exploit is the selecting of explored but currently not observed huntables. If the HP bar is not shown, the animals are already dead and likely to be hunted right now or already have been hunted.
  • Egyptian Priests and Fishing Ships can create Obelisks, which provide moderate Line of Sight. The Egyptians can also construct the Lighthouse in the Mythic Age, which provides a gigantic Line of Sight.

3Icon48px Age of Empires III[]

Technologies[]

Home City cards[]

Advancing in age also grants a Line of Sight upgrade to buildings :

Age Line of Sight bonus
Age II tech tree aoe3
7
Age III tech tree aoe3
4
Age IV tech tree aoe 3
4
Imperial Age
4

GameIcon-AoE4 Age of Empires IV[]

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it.

Gallery[]

See also[]

Gameplay elements in the Age of Empires series
Age · Ability (M · III · IV) · Architecture set (II · III) · Area of Effect (Trample damage) · Armor/Resists (hack/melee · pierce/ranged · crush/siege)  · Armor class/Tag (I - original · I - Return of Rome · II · IV) · Artificial intelligence · Attack (Attack bonus/Multiplier) · Attack delay · Attack ground · Aura · Auto Scout · Building (I · II · M · III · IV) · Civilization (I · II · M · III · IV) · Civilization bonus · Cheat code (I · II · M · III · IV) · Conversion · Counter · Diplomacy · Gaia/Mother Nature · Game modes · Garrison · Gather Point · Healing · Hit points · Hotkey · Line of Sight · Mini map · Player · Population · Range · Rate of Fire · Regeneration · Relic (II · M · IV) · Renewable resources · Repairing · Resource · Scenario Editor (I · II · M · III · IV) · Score · Signal Allies/Flare · Soundtrack (I · II · M · III · IV) · Speed · Stealth mode · Taunt · Technology (I · II · M · III · IV) · Technology tree (I · II · IV) · Town Bell · Trade · Tribute · Unit (I · II · M · III · IV) · Unit formation · Unit stance (III) · Upgrade (I · II · III) · User interface · Victory
Genie Engine
Frame delay · Full Tech Tree · Team bonus
ReturnRome-AoEIcon Age of EmpiresRuins · Discovery
AoE2-DLCicon-0 Age of Empires IIPass-through damage · Projectile duplication
Bang Engine
Autoqueue · Snare
Aom original icon Age of MythologyGod (Major · Minor) · God power · Settlement
3Icon48px Age of Empires IIIAge-up methods (Politician/Tribal Council/Wonder/Federal State/Alliance· Banner army · Consulate · Damage Cap · Home City · Home City Card · Inspiring Flag · Promotion · Revolution · Target Lock · Trade Monopoly · Trade Route · Treasure
Essence Engine
GameIcon-AoE4 Age of Empires IVBounty · Dynasty · Fire armor · Imperial Council (Vizier Point) · Influence · Landmark · Religion · Sacred Site · Variant civilization
If a gameplay element has different pages across games, like civilization, the individual pages are linked in brackets.