So you want to start speedrunning AOE 2 and you're wondering where to begin? Well you've come to the right place. First of all the main way to get better is to play, and play frequently. Watching other players, learning strategies, and trying out those strategies are great ways to improve your game. If you're wanting to do a certain level, watch the current record run for it and play the level on your own. See if you can find a new strategy to save time. Here are some tips and tricks for getting started.

[section=Hotkeys] I'd recommend learning as many of the hot keys as you can, but these are some of the most useful. Select units Idle military unit (,) Idle villager (.) Go to selected object (space) Create groups (Ctrl + 1) (Ctrl + 2)... Select groups (1) (2)... Select buildings Barracks - (Ctrl + (b) Castle - (Ctrl + v) Town Center - (h)

[section=Dodging Towers and Castles] You can dodge tower and castle arrows with some quick clicking. It's especially easy to do if you're on the outer edge of their range. Just click to switch directions with your units right after they fire their shots. A good example of this is in Monte 4.

[section=Unit Speed Info] Light cavalry are the fastest cavalry units with camels being second and knights being the slowest. Also keep in mind that different units will travel together at the speed of the slowest unit so remember to split groups up for quicker movements. This is shown in BoC Manizert.

[section=Aggro] A lot of levels require understanding how the AI will aggro on you. The best way to learn what they'll do on each level is to just experiment. Save right before you decide to aggro them and then try different approaches until you get the one you want.

[section=Relic Glitch] The relic glitch is necessary for several different levels and it can be used on AOK or AOC, but not the HD version. There's another guide posted if you want to learn how to do it.

[section=Terms] William Wallace = WW Joan of Arc = JoA Saladin = Sal Genghis Khan = GK Barbarossa = BB El Cid = El Cid Attila the Hun = Att Montezuma = Mon Battle of the Conquerors = BoC

[section=Good Starter Levels] All of WW BB 3 GK 2 BoC Agincourt Mon 4

[section=Good Luck] I hope this helps you get started speedrunning! Just send me a message if you have any questions!