The series typically focuses on guiding a civilization from humble beginnings through various historical "Ages" by managing four primary resources: .
: Success requires balancing a strong economy with military prowess, utilizing a rock-paper-scissors unit counter system (e.g., spearmen countering cavalry). THE AGE OF EMPIRES
The franchise maintains a strong focus on community health and technical stability through several dedicated channels: The series typically focuses on guiding a civilization
: Players advance through eras (e.g., from the Stone Age to the Iron Age in the original game) to unlock more powerful units and advanced technologies. THE AGE OF EMPIRES