At its heart, AoE4 follows the classic RTS loop: gathering resources (Food, Wood, Gold, Stone), building an economy, and training a military to defeat opponents.

Added in expansions like The Sultans Ascend and Dynasties of the East , these are reimagined versions of base factions:

An Abbasid variant with a stronger emphasis on camels and adaptable House of Wisdom choices.

A Chinese variant focused on long-term economic efficiency and philosophy. Civilization (Age of Empires IV)

A French variant focused on a powerful hero unit that levels up through combat.

Centered on the for aging up; excels in camel units and siege. Delhi Sultanate

Gains Gold from hunting wild animals; features unique "Hunting Cabins" and Horse Archers.