AOE IV / Maps
Archipelago
An island map where transport and naval control determine how armies can reach opponents.
Overview
An island map where transport and naval control determine how armies can reach opponents.
Terrain and layout
Players start on separate islands or, in some layouts, share an island; neutral islands between them hold key objectives and additional resources. The exact island arrangement changes with map size and player count.
Resources and control
Deep Water Fish and shoreline fishing support a water economy. Each starting island has only a modest land resource package, while neutral islands may hold additional Gold, Stone, Sacred Sites, and Coastal Trade Posts.
Player considerations
Use Scouts and ships to locate neutral islands before choosing where to land. Fishing Ships can scale food income, but protect them with a navy and secure a safe transport route for Villagers and siege.
