French Master Class With Kaiserklein | Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition

Summary

In this masterclass video, Kaiser Klein shares expert tips for playing *Age of Empires 3*, focusing on the French civilization. He emphasizes the importance of mastering Age 1 macro to ensure a strong start, discusses various Age-up strategies for France, and advocates for aggressive play in Age 2 to seize map control and outmaneuver opponents. Kaiser also highlights the flexibility of French builds and the benefits of adapting strategies depending on the game. For players seeking to improve, he recommends studying high-level gameplay to fully grasp advanced techniques and strategies. The video provides valuable insights for players of all skill levels.

Takeaways

• 😀 Consistently work on improving your Age 1 macro to avoid delays, which can lead to slower progression throughout the game.
• 😀 Proper scouting is essential for France, particularly focusing on finding wood and food treasures to optimize Age 1 setups.
• 😀 The flexibility of France in Age 2 allows for various strategies like rushing with crossbows or cavalry, which can catch opponents off guard.
• 😀 The French should focus on avoiding a rigid, cap-heavy build, as it may limit their strategic potential and flexibility in early-game fights.
• 😀 Mastering France requires a deep understanding of adapting your build depending on the situation—it's not a one-size-fits-all approach.
• 😀 Early aggression with France can be very effective, as you can quickly age up and put pressure on opponents who aren’t expecting it.
• 😀 Even with France’s strong economy, don't be afraid to shift strategies and adapt your army composition to counter your opponent's build.
• 😀 The ability to age quickly and attack with well-timed pushes is a hallmark of successful French gameplay, especially in Age 2.
• 😀 A standard French meta build involves aggressive Age 2 pressure followed by a strong transition to Age 3, optimizing both units and economy.
• 😀 Watching professional tournament games and analyzing recorded matches can provide deeper insights into advanced strategies and build orders for France.

Q & A

What is one of the most important general tips for improving in Age of Empires 3?

A key general tip is to properly manage your Age 1, especially in terms of timing. If you queue your first villager even five seconds late, it can result in a significant setback. Ensuring a smooth Age 1 will help with faster aging, better resource collection, and ultimately a stronger economy throughout the game.

Why is it important to manage Age 1 properly when playing France in Age of Empires 3?

France has a unique Age 1 with different strategies depending on whether you're going for a 12/10, 13, or 14 age-up. Managing Age 1 well is crucial because if you don't scout treasures effectively or collect wood treasures, it can delay your aging and overall economy.

What is a useful strategy when playing as France in the early game?

One effective strategy for France is to use the native scout efficiently, keeping it close to your town center to find nearby treasures quickly. Gathering wood treasures allows you to build your house without chopping much wood, speeding up your Age 2 transition.

What are the key differences between the three different French Age 1 strategies (12/10, 13, and 14)?

The 12/10 strategy involves aging up quickly without building a house, saving wood for a TP and an earlier age-up. The 13 strategy includes building a house and aging earlier, while the 14 strategy is more conventional but usually slower, which may not be ideal unless you're behind.

How does flexibility in strategy benefit French players in Age of Empires 3?

France offers a lot of flexibility in the early game. You can adjust your approach by sending 700 wood to quickly build additional military buildings or adapting to your opponent's actions. Flexibility allows you to switch between aggression or defensive play depending on the situation.

What is a common mistake that new French players often make in Age of Empires 3?

A common mistake is relying too heavily on the standard cavalry-focused build and failing to adapt. French players can perform better if they vary their strategies, such as focusing on infantry or building a more balanced army in Age 2 rather than sticking to predictable cavalry spam.

Why is being aggressive an important strategy for French players in Age of Empires 3?

Being aggressive is vital because it allows you to take map control and pressure your opponent. By going for early Age 2 pushes or using aggressive unit compositions like crossbows and pikemen, French players can disrupt their opponents' plans and gain an economic advantage.

What are some key timings that French players should aim for in Age 2?

French players should aim for strong Age 2 timings, such as aggressive pushes with crossbows and pikemen or fast aging to Age 3 while maintaining pressure. The timing of these pushes is crucial to disrupt your opponent's transition or prevent them from booming freely.

What is the benefit of watching recorded games to improve as a French player?

Watching recorded games from top players, such as those by Kaiser Klein or Mito, is valuable because it allows you to see how they implement advanced strategies and adapt to various situations. It's important not to just watch live casts but focus on the actual gameplay and decisions made by high-level players.

Can you provide an example of a fun but unconventional French build in Age of Empires 3?

A fun and unconventional French build involves rushing to Age 3 with a 'fast industrial' strategy, focusing on getting grenadiers out quickly. While it might not be effective in all situations, it can be fun and surprising for opponents, especially when you can deploy grenadiers for devastating pushes.