 |
This article is about the economic feature. For the scenario in Age of Empires, see Trade (scenario). |
Trade is a means to generate gold (and sometimes other resources) in Age of Empires, Age of Empires II, Age of Mythology, and Age of Empires IV.
Overview[]
A Market infobox in Age of Empires II, indicating the gold generated per trip
In order to trade and generate gold, caravan/trade-type units must traverse between two Docks, two Markets, or a Market and a Town Center. The greater the distance between the two structures, the greater the amount of gold provided.
Due to its importance, especially in later stages of the game where other gold sources are used up, trade routes are a primary target for attacks. Therefore, it is recommended to guard them against attacks.
Age of Empires[]
In Age of Empires, trade is only possible between Docks, with Trade Boats or Merchant Ships. Note that, unlike in later games, trade costs resources, and Docks take 20 seconds to resupply traded resources.
In the Age of Empires mode of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Return of Rome, the resource cost for trading and resupply time are removed, and land trade is added via the addition of Trade Carts.
Age of Empires II[]
A busy trade route
In Age of Empires II, trade is possible between Markets with Trade Carts, or between Docks with a Trade Cogs. Players can also trade with enemies' or neutral players' structures, but they risk sacrificing their trade units to an attack, thus emulating the real life practice of smuggling. Note that unfriendly structures can still be used for trading even if the owner of said structure has resigned. Therefore, in games without teams or with no teammates left, it is wise to not raze Markets or Docks of resigned players.
Age of Mythology[]
An Atlantean trade route
An Egyptian trade route
- Main article: Market (Age of Mythology)#Trade
In Age of Mythology, trade is conducted between a Market and a Town Center, with Caravans. Players can trade with their own buildings and allies, with allies netting an additional 10% gold.
In beta versions of the game, naval trade could be conducted through the use of utility ships (which were merged Fishing and Transport Ships) and the Fishing Dock (original Dock that trained economic ships) and Naval Shipyards (military Dock).
Chinese players can research Silk Road to improve their trading and passively reward the ally they are trading with. Players Aging up with Rushou can also train Pixius, which are myth trade units, being costlier but better, in lieu of Caravans.
Age of Empires III[]
- Main article: Trade Route
In Age of Empires III, the concept of trading has changed dramatically. The game adopts Trade Routes which are very different from the trade known in former games of the series. For the article on trade units, see trade unit (Age of Empires III).
Age of Empires IV[]
- Main article: Trade (Age of Empires IV)
Chronicles[]
Trade in Chronicles is nearly identical to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, with the addition of wood trading for naval trade. This is detailed in the Port article.