The Anniversary Edition is Age of Empires IV one year on from its October 2021 launch, adding the Ottomans and the Malians to the original eight civilisations for a roster of ten. Every civilisation ages up by building Landmarks rather than clicking a generic button, so the choice between two Landmarks per age is a real strategic fork instead of a formality. Matches run to a 200 population cap across four ages, and you win by Landmark destruction, by holding Sacred Sites, or by finishing a Wonder and surviving the countdown.
Resource management and crafting determine how quickly your power scales. This guide covers what to prioritize, where to farm, and how to avoid wasting resources on the wrong upgrades.
Crafting Priority List
The order you should invest resources:
| Priority | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary equipment | Biggest damage increase per resource spent |
| 2 | Core build gear | Enables your build's key combinations |
| 3 | Defensive upgrades | Survivability for boss fights |
| 4 | Secondary equipment | Situational options for specific content |
| 5 | Consumables | Temporary boosts for hard content |
Resource Farming by Area
Dry Arabia
Key resources: Open expansion room, contested gold and stone Farming efficiency: Low value per run, but safe and consistent
Focus on gathering materials for Royal Knight upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Black Forest
Key resources: Safe economy, long build up before the first fight Farming efficiency: Good early-game farming spot
Focus on gathering materials for Royal Knight upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Mountain Pass
Key resources: Chokepoint control, strong defensive holds Farming efficiency: Best mid-game farming, worth revisiting
Focus on gathering materials for Royal Knight upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Danube River
Key resources: Fish food income, naval map control Farming efficiency: High-value materials for late-game upgrades
This is where you farm materials for Longbowman max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Lipany
Key resources: Central high ground, straightforward expansion Farming efficiency: Best resources in the game, requires strong build
This is where you farm materials for Longbowman max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Upgrade Path
Early Game (Dry Arabia to Black Forest)
- Upgrade your starting equipment to functional level
- Craft basic defensive gear
- Save specialty materials, since you'll need them later
- Focus on Royal Knight once accessible
Mid Game (Mountain Pass)
- Push Royal Knight to mid-level upgrades
- Start collecting materials for Longbowman
- Craft situational consumables for boss fights
- Upgrade build-specific gear pieces
Late Game (Danube River to Lipany)
- Max out Longbowman. This is your top priority
- Complete your build's core gear set
- Craft endgame consumables
- Optional: upgrade secondary equipment for variety
Crafting Mistakes to Avoid
- Spreading upgrades across multiple equipment: Focus one weapon to max before diversifying.
- Hoarding materials: Use them. The game provides enough if you farm efficiently.
- Upgrading the wrong gear: Check our builds guide before investing.
- Ignoring Mountain Pass farming: This area has the best resource-to-time ratio in mid-game.
- Crafting consumables too early: Save specialty materials for late-game recipes.
Resource Efficiency Tips
- Send your scout on a loop the moment the game starts and keep it moving. Sheep found in the first two minutes go straight under the Town Center and save your villagers from walking, which is worth more than any Dark Age upgrade.
- Farm Mountain Pass during mid-game for the best return on time
- Check the walkthrough to know when each resource becomes available
- Match your farming route to your build. Some classes farm faster in certain areas
More Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Guides
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Overview
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Best Builds
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Tier List
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Walkthrough
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Beginner's Guide
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Tips & Tricks
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Weapons Guide
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Combat Guide
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Boss Guide
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Maps & Locations
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition, check out these related guides:
- Sid Meier's Civilization V Crafting Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Crafting Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Crafting Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
