View source for Getting Started

= Getting Started =

'''Disclaimer''': This guide is intentionally vague about some concepts because the game is currently in beta. Being too specific may cause this article to become outdated quickly as mechanics evolve. For more information, refer to the Discord.

= First steps =

== The interface ==

Once you have joined the game, you should familiarize yourself with the interface. At this stage, the following sections are most relevant:

* Left side panel — displays current resources and hourly production
* Advisor (bottom-left) — access tasks: [[Tasks|Tasks]]
* Village view — upgrade resource fields: [[Village|Village]]
* Town view — upgrade buildings: [[Buildings|Buildings]]
* Map — view your position in the world: [[Map|Map]]

A special mention goes to the [[Aether#Aether store|Aether Store]], where spending your Aether can provide a significant boost.


{{Note|'''Important:''' [[Aether]] is an in-game currency. It '''cannot''' be purchased and can only be earned through gameplay. Real money '''does not''' provide any gameplay advantage.}}

== First upgrades ==

Your initial goal is to complete tasks quickly to earn Aether. This can then be used to buy resources and accelerate your development.

It is recommended to purchase ''all'' resources from the Aether Store. You may choose between focusing on a specific resource for higher individual rewards or distributing across all resources for a greater total. Excess resources can be used in trading events or at the [https://{{GameServer}}.aetherkingdoms.com/village/logistics/exchange Exchange].

A basic upgrade path:

# Warehouse level 1
# Food Cellar level 1
# Archery Range level 1
# Marketplace level 1
# Theater level 1
# Claim first tile at 40 population
# Library level 1
# Barracks level 1
# Upgrade Warehouse and Food Cellar to level 3 (provides net positive resources with Aether rewards; helps reach 80 population)
# Town Hall level 3
# Other level 1 buildings (except Water Mill) to reach 80 population
# Claim second tile at 80 population

You can [[Village#Resource fields|claim a tile]] from the Village view by clicking ''"Claim Tile"''. It is recommended to prioritize Hills, Mountains, or Forest tiles.

== Events ==

Participating in [[Events]] is one of the most effective ways to grow your kingdom.

There are three types of events:

* '''Trading''' (yellow background)
* '''Offensive''' (red background)
* '''Defensive''' (green background)

To do combat events, you'll need [[army]].

=== Trading events ===

Require sending a specified amount of resources (any type). You may send resources in multiple steps, but failing to complete the event will result in losing the invested resources.

Rewards may include Aether, culture, or science. Aether events are especially valuable and should be prioritized when you have excess resources (often food).

=== Defensive events ===

Types:

* '''Shield''' — troops wait until the timer ends before fighting (rewards: resources and Aether)
* '''Swords''' — progressive combat against increasing enemies (rewards: resources)
* '''Palisade''' — immediate combat (rewards: resources and Aether)

=== Offensive events ===

Types:

* '''Swords''' — enemies gathering; immediate combat for resources
* '''Palisade''' — enemies developing; immediate combat for resources and Aether (based on stage)

It is recommended to prioritize Aether events at the highest stage.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Event Strategy
|-
! If you joined a new server
! If you joined an ongoing server
|-
|
* Focus on offensive events
* Send 3–4× militia compared to enemy size
* Add 1× lancers once unlocked

Example: Event size 15 → send ~45 militia
|
* Focus on resource events to catch up
* Build spearmen and longbows
* Send 10x spearmen + 10x longbows to defensive events
* Once available, send 5–7× lancers per event
|}

= Empire =

Aether Kingdoms is fundamentally a team-based game. While PvP can be avoided early on, joining an [[Empire]] is strongly recommended. An empire is also necessary to gain [[prestige]] and compete for the win.

To choose an empire:
* Check the map and look for nearby players
* Contact them directly, their leader, or via Discord

{{Warning|'''Important:''' Joining an empire is critical. There is no early raiding advantage, so you are generally safe at the beginning. Later, you may become a target due to expansion and conquest. Make sure to team up and build enough army! }}

= Explore! =

These are the core basics of the game. Additional mechanics and strategic decisions—such as balancing village tiers, research priorities, or army composition—are more subjective and are covered in other wiki articles.