Saharan Routes
Saharan Routes is a land Random Map from Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition – The African Royals. Bandits control the central Trade Routes, while two unclaimed routes around the perimeter offer an early alternative. The broad desert also contains distinctive Treasures that reward exploration.
Desert routes & rewards
Berber and Sudanese settlements are listed among the Minor civilizations. Central Trade Posts must be taken from outlaws, so they are military objectives rather than free income. The outer routes can be claimed while an army develops. Keep the Explorer alive while scouting for rewards and hostile guards.
Securing the trade network
Choose between an outer route that can be secured early and a central route that requires defeating and holding against bandits. The first can establish trade with less immediate fighting; the second may justify a direct military investment. Treasure hunting should be integrated with scouting rather than sent alone into outlaw territory.
Practical direction
Explore routes and Treasures, then escort the Explorer if the path crosses bandit ground. Capture only the Trade Post you can defend; a central post without nearby forces is easy to lose. The desert spreads objectives apart, so avoid dividing the army among every route at once.
The network offers early and contested routes
Two perimeter routes begin unclaimed, while bandits hold the central routes. An outer Trade Post can start income earlier but may sit away from the main objectives. A central route offers a direct fight for established control. Choose what can be reinforced from your base rather than splitting a small army across the network.
Treasure hunting is part of map control
The desert contains distinctive Treasures, making the Explorer’s route valuable for rewards as well as information. Check for outlaws before approaching, and keep the hero alive. Berber and Sudanese settlements add alliance options, but a Trading Post still needs an army able to protect it after construction.