How Good is the AI in Age of Empires IV?
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The AI in Age of Empires IV (AoE4) presents a complex picture. It’s significantly improved compared to earlier installments, particularly in its aggression and raiding tactics. However, it isn’t without its flaws, displaying inconsistencies across difficulties and civilizations, and sometimes exhibiting baffling strategic choices. While not “perfect,” the AoE4 AI provides a challenging and engaging experience for players of all skill levels, especially with the various difficulty options available to fine-tune the experience to the player’s skill level.
Understanding the AoE4 AI: Strengths and Weaknesses
Improved Aggression and Raiding
One of the most noticeable differences between AoE4’s AI and its predecessors is its increased aggression. The AI actively probes your defenses, launches raiding parties early and often, and applies constant pressure. This requires players to be vigilant and proactive in their defense, making for a more dynamic and engaging experience. In previous titles, players could often turtle behind walls and build up a massive economy before facing any serious opposition. In AoE4, such a strategy is far less viable against even the Intermediate AI.
Civilization-Specific Performance
AoE4 boasts unique civilizations, and the AI’s performance varies across them. Some civilizations, like the English and French, seem to be handled more effectively by the AI than others, such as the Delhi Sultanate or Abbasid Dynasty. This inconsistency likely stems from the complexities of implementing AI strategies that can effectively utilize the unique mechanics of each civilization. The developers acknowledge this, suggesting that machine learning plays a role in AI behavior, potentially leading to different levels of proficiency based on the training data available for each civilization.
Difficulty Levels and “Cheating”
AoE4 offers a range of difficulty levels, from Beginner to Hardest. The Hardest AI is known to employ resource cheating (receiving double resources), which can frustrate some players. This approach is a common workaround for AI limitations, allowing the computer to present a greater challenge by sheer economic advantage. However, many players find it less satisfying than facing an AI that wins through superior strategy and tactics. This is a common complaint in the community, with players wishing that “Hardest” AI was a higher skill level of the normal AI, rather than a cheating version of the AI.
Strategic Inconsistencies
Despite its overall improvements, the AoE4 AI sometimes exhibits questionable strategic decisions. It might overcommit to a failing attack, neglect its economy in favor of military production, or fail to adapt to the player’s strategies. These inconsistencies can be frustrating, as they detract from the sense of facing a truly intelligent opponent. This is perhaps the greatest area for improvement for the AI. A smarter AI that better reacts to the player’s current standing would be a major improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About AoE4 AI
1. Is the AoE4 AI better than the AoE3 AI?
Generally, yes. The AoE4 AI is more aggressive and presents a greater challenge, especially on higher difficulty levels. It conducts raids more effectively and applies consistent pressure. However, the AoE3 AI might perform better with certain civs, or in niche situations.
2. Does the AoE4 AI cheat?
Only the Hardest AI cheats, by receiving double resources. Lower difficulty levels do not have this advantage.
3. Which civilization does the AoE4 AI play best?
This is subjective and can vary depending on updates, but the English and French are often cited as civilizations the AI handles relatively well.
4. Why doesn’t the AoE4 AI resign?
This is a known issue. The AI can be stubborn and refuse to resign even when defeated, requiring the player to hunt down every last unit and building. The developers are aware of this and hopefully will improve this in future patches.
5. How does machine learning affect the AoE4 AI?
According to the developers, AoE4 uses machine learning to some extent. This likely influences the AI’s strategic decision-making and civilization-specific performance. If the AI is lacking in its play with a civilization, this is likely because the AI needs to be trained better for that specific civilization.
6. Is the Intermediate AI in AoE4 too difficult?
Some players find the Intermediate AI challenging, perhaps more so than the Hard AI in AoE3. It’s recommended to experiment with different difficulty levels to find one that suits your skill level.
7. How many hours does it take to master playing against the AoE4 AI?
This depends entirely on your prior RTS experience and learning speed. Some players might quickly adapt, while others will need significant practice.
8. What’s the average rank in AoE4 multiplayer?
Most players have a rating between 800-1200, while the best players reach 1800-2000+. This isn’t a direct measure of AI difficulty, but it provides a benchmark for player skill levels.
9. Which is the easiest civilization to play against the AoE4 AI?
The English are often recommended as an easy starting civilization in AoE4, making them a straightforward opponent to learn against.
10. Will AoE4 replace AoE2?
No. AoE4 is designed to be a standalone title, not a replacement for AoE2. Both games have dedicated fan bases and offer different experiences.
11. What are the strongest civilizations in AoE4 overall?
According to some players, the Mongols, Rus, and French are considered some of the strongest civilizations in AoE4.
12. How does the AoE4 AI handle naval warfare?
The AI’s naval strategy varies depending on the civilization and map. Some civilizations are programmed to prioritize naval units more than others.
13. What can I do if the AoE4 AI is too easy?
Increase the difficulty level. If the Hardest AI is still too easy, consider playing multiplayer against human opponents.
14. Is Age of Empires 4 worth getting?
According to most players, Age of Empires IV is a great RTS game. It provides lots of content that will satisfy campaign fans, competitive multiplayer fans, city-builder fans, and historical storytelling fans.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and the role of AI in games?
To deepen your understanding of game design and AI’s role, explore resources such as the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization offers insights into the educational aspects of gaming.
Conclusion: The AoE4 AI – A Work in Progress?
The AoE4 AI is a respectable opponent that offers a challenging and engaging experience. However, it’s not without its flaws. Strategic inconsistencies and civilization-specific performance issues can detract from the overall experience. Despite these shortcomings, the AI is constantly being improved by the developers and is a major step up from previous titles. Overall, players can expect a unique and challenging single player experience when playing against the AI.