Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, developed by Ensemble Studios, is a critically acclaimed real-time strategy game that became an instant hit with gamers upon its debut in 1999. This iconic title transports players back to various periods of the Middle Ages, allowing them to build civilizations, wage wars, and experience epic battles. The strategic gameplay, engaging storyline, and challenging campaigns have solidified its place as a classic in the RTS genre. The game also allows for a lot of freedom, so it’s no surprise to see that there are quite a few Age of Empires II cheats that players can use to dial up the fun even more.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings Summary
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, first released in September 1999, is a real-time strategy game that lets players lead one of more than a dozen civilizations through various historical campaigns and battles. Developed by Ensemble Studios, the game’s rich blend of resource management and warfare presents players with the challenge of building and expanding their empires while navigating intricate wartime campaigns. Set in medieval times following the fall of the Roman empire, players engage in epic battles, build awe-inspiring structures, and command armies to conquer their foes. The game’s success led to the launch of expansion packs, mods, and a legacy that continues to influence the RTS genre.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings Premise
In Age of Kings, players take on the role of a leader guiding their chosen civilization through various military campaigns. Players must gather resources, build structures, train armies, and command troops to succeed. The game blends resource management, building, and real-time combat to create a complex and immersive experience. Players advance through epochs, unlocking new tech trees and units, and must strategically balance their military and economic efforts to achieve victory. With great attention to detail and impressive historical accuracy, the game offers a fun (and sometimes even educational) journey through the Middle Ages.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings Main Characters
The game doesn’t revolve around specific individual characters but rather the leaders and heroes of the various playable civilizations. For example, Joan of Arc represents the French, Saladin leads the Saracens, and Genghis Khan commands the Mongols. Each leader embodies the spirit of their civilization, with unique traits and bonuses that influence gameplay. Players can develop their leaders’ skills and direct their actions on the battlefield. The characters’ attire, mannerisms, and worldly significance all add to the game’s authentic feel and historical depth.
Age of Empires: Video Games in the Series
The Age of Empires series has expanded well beyond its initial 1997 installment, with new games and expansions offering diverse experiences across various historical eras. The franchise has spawned a number of spin-offs and remakes, but these are the most notable main titles in the series:
- Age of Empires (1997)
- Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings (1999)
- Age of Mythology (2002)
- Age of Empires III (2005)
- Age of Empires IV (2021)
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings Cheat Codes
Age of Empires II features cheat codes that can speed up certain parts of the game or just provide some extra fun. You can enter these cheats during gameplay within the chat box. A few cheat codes may have slightly different effects depending on which version you’re playing, as we’ve noted below.
Here are some of the most notable Age of Empires II cheat codes:
- robin hood: Receive 1,000 gold (10,000 in the HD and Definitive Editions).
- lumberjack: Receive 1,000 wood (10,000 in the HD and Definitive Editions).
- cheese steak jimmy’s: Receive 1,000 food (10,000 in the HD and Definitive Editions).
- rock on: Receive 1,000 stone (10,000 in the HD and Definitive Editions).
- marco: Reveal the entire map.
- polo: Remove the fog of war.
- aegis: Instantly build structures, recruit units, and research technology.
- black death: Destroy all enemy units.
- torpedo: Destroy the selected enemy unit.
- i r winner: Instantly win the game.
- to smithereens: Spawn a powerful saboteur unit.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings Cheat Code FAQs
How do I enter cheat codes in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings?
Press the “Enter” key during gameplay to open the chat box, then type in the desired cheat code and press “Enter” again.
Can you use cheat codes during multiplayer games?
As with most games, cheat codes are unavailable in multiplayer sessions to maintain a fair and balanced experience.
Can you use cheat codes in campaigns or scenarios?
Cheat codes can be used in both campaign missions and custom scenarios.
Do cheat codes affect achievements or progress in campaigns?
Using cheat codes may disable achievements and could impact campaign progress, so we recommend using them in custom scenarios or for casual games. If you’re going to use them during a campaign, it’s a good idea to create a separate save file first.
Decades after its original release, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings remains a beloved RTS among strategy gamers thanks to its engaging play and historical depth. Whether you’re looking for a strategic challenge or simply want to explore the game’s mechanics, Age of Empires II offers a rich (not to mention addictive) journey through the medieval world that continues to delight seasoned fans and newcomers alike. These cheat codes can add an extra layer of entertainment to that journey, letting players experiment, enhance their fun, and skip the resource grind.