AOE3 Forums

I was wondering if someone could help me out with some of my questions. i just bought this game last night and i have alot to learn. im not completley clueless since i have played age of empires 2 in the past, but i am a little confused about the new application..."home city".

what are some of the key strageties i need to know about using my home cities to its full potential? In rated DM games is the home city set on default (15 cards only)? should i really worry about advancing my home city level if i plan on playing rated DM games?

You need to get a higher homecity to unlock more cards that are better and also unlock more cards in a a deck. The cards are shipments which do upgrades/improvements or military and eco stuff. When you load up age of empires, on the main menu click on learn to play and you will know how to play (not brilliant but basic controls and info) and all will be explained

When i started this game i didn't know what to do with the homecity. but after weeks of playing u learn alot about the game. It may take u awhile to get used to all the civ's and there homecities. but once u get the hang of it it's alot of fun. also don't start playing rated games until u get a higher homecity with more cards and more experience, the homecity is a big part of this game.

Home cities are a key component. You can send cards in to benefit yourself (and teammates in some cases). Like Russia has a team fast infantry training card. This helps Russia make men instantly. I think its dutch that have team infantry attack, so all infantry get plus 15% attack on your team. Germany has a team 2 settler wagon card. Thus, all people on the team get 2 settler wagons. Its all about customizing it to your advantage. If you plan on being successful, I would suggest a level 30-40 Home City Just so you can get some of the better cards out of it, although a lot of good players have home cities around 20.