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Recognizing how the Holy Roman Empire operates is essential when looking to win a match. Playing to a particular civilization’s strengths is important. Luckily, the Holy Roman Empire doesn’t lack advantages when it comes to its economy and military. This guide will give players a general idea of how to lead this faction to glory.

Updated October 3, 2022 by Mark Hospodar: Age of Empires 4 has undergone some changes since its initial release. Rebalancing changes have been implemented that affect several of the game’s units, upgrades, abilities, etc.

This guide focused on the Holy Roman Empire has been updated to include a new chart detailing the Masteries associated with that civilization. Several of the stats have been updated as well to reflect the new state of affairs.

An Overview Of The Holy Roman Empire Civilization

Much of the Holy Roman Empire’s strengths can be derived from their religious units, known as Prelates. These units can perform tasks that go far beyond what monks belonging to other factions can achieve. The Prelate’s ability to aid the economy is highly advantageous in the early stages of a match.

Meanwhile, the power of the HRE’s Men-at-Arms shouldn’t be underestimated either. They can be produced earlier compared to other civilizations, while various potential upgrades make them formidable opponents on the battlefield. Finally, the durability of the HRE’s defenses renders them difficult to destroy quickly. The cost of emplacements on Keeps, Wall Towers, and Outposts is also -25% cheaper compared to other factions.

Unique Holy Roman Empire Units

Prelate

The duties of a Prelate are numerous. They can be produced at a Town Center starting from the Dark Age, whereas most other factions have to wait until the Castle Age for their religious units. This makes early relic hunting extremely easy for the HRE. This civilization can place relics inside Towers, Keeps, and Outposts to increase their damage, armor, sight range, and weapon range.

The Prelate’s Holy Inspiration ability targets Villagers, which makes them gather resources 40% faster for 30 seconds. The fact that Prelates can be produced starting from the Dark Age also allows this faction to capture Sacred Sites much faster than their opponents.

Landsknecht

Another unit unique to the HRE, Landsknecht are lightly-armored infantry that wields massive, two-handed weaponry. Due to their oversized swords, these units are capable of inflicting area-of-effect damage while in the heat of battle.

Unique Holy Roman Empire Technologies & Abilities

Unique Abilities

Army of the Empire: Allows for the recruitment of Early Men-at-Arms in the Feudal Age. Two-Handed Weapons: Increases the Men-at-Arms’ damage by +2. Heavy Maces: Increases Men-At-Arms’ heavy armor by +6. Riveted Chain Mail: Increases the melee armor of Spearmen by +3. Marching Drills: Increases the movement speed of infantry by +10%.

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Emergency Repairs: Gives buildings constructed within the influence of a Keep or Town Center the ability to repair themselves. Religious Zeal: Nets more Gold for relics stored inside a Monastery. Slate and Stone Construction: Gives all buildings an extra +5 fire armor. Reinforced Defenses: Increases the health of Walls, Towers, and Gates by +40%.

Holy Roman Empire Naval Advantages

The HRE faction also possesses a few naval advantages. The Fire Stations upgrade increases the repair rate of Docks by +100%. In addition, relics stored inside Docks boost the attack speed of all ships by +5% per relic (max +25%), which allows this faction to be more competitive regarding naval combat.

Religious Upgrades

Benediction Devoutness Inspired Warriors

The effectiveness of Prelates can be enhanced as well. Benediction makes Villagers inspired by a Prelate construct buildings +15% faster. By a similar token, Devoutness makes inspired Villagers gather resources +10% faster. With Inspired Warriors, Prelates can inspire military units, improving their armor by +1 and damage by +15%.

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Holy Roman Empire Landmarks

Aachen Chapel (Feudal Age, Religious) – Inspires units in a large radius so long as a Prelate is garrisoned. Acts as a dropoff for all resources. Meinwerk Palace (Feudal Age, Military) – Acts like a Blacksmith. Technology researched here -40% and researches +40% faster. Regnitz Catherdral (Castle Age, Religious) – Relics placed within the Regnitz Catherdral generate +100% Gold while garrisoned. Holds 3 relics. Burgrave Palace (Castle Age, Military) – Acts as a Barracks that produces +400% faster. Palace of Swabia (Imperial Age, Economic) – Acts as a Town Center. Produces Villagers +200% faster and -66% cheaper. Cost to build this Landmark is reduced by -20%. Elzbach Palace (Imperial Age, Defensive) – Acts as a Keep with +50% health. All buildings within influence take -33% less damage.

Holy Roman Empire Masteries

Players can complete a series of challenges, known as Masteries, for the Holy Roman Empire (along with the other civilizations). Completing them nets the player 1,000 Experience Points as well as various rewards in the form of fun facts, portraits, etc.

Tips For Playing As The Holy Roman Empire

The Holy Roman Empire is an immensely durable civilization. Aided by Prelates and relics, the troops and buildings of the HRE are difficult to defeat. If players are diligent about collecting relics, their economy can become a juggernaut. Garrison relics everywhere to boost the effectiveness of the HRE’s structures.

With early access to Men-at-Arms, aggressive players can attempt to rush their enemies. If the economy can be kickstarted quickly, the HRE player can outproduce and outgun their opponents with startling efficiency. Erect a few proper defenses in key locations to hold off the enemy long enough while recruiting one’s own army.

Age of Empires 4 is currently available on PC.

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