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The Holy Roman Empire is one of eight civilizations players may select inAge of Empires 4. Relying on the strength of their religious units as well as a solid pool of infantry, the Holy Roman Empire is a powerhouse just waiting to be unleashed. For players already familiar with the game mechanics, this faction represents an ideal choice.
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Recognizing how the Holy Roman Empire operates is essentialwhen 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 June 11, 2025 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 asPrelates. 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’sMen-at-Armsshouldn’t be underestimated either. They can be produced earlier compared to other civilizations, while various potential upgrades make themformidable opponents on the battlefield. Finally, thedurability of the HRE’s defensesrenders them difficult to destroy quickly. Thecost of emplacementson Keeps, Wall Towers, and Outposts is also-25% cheapercompared to other factions.
Unique Holy Roman Empire Units
Prelate
The duties of aPrelateare numerous. They can beproduced at a Town Centerstarting from theDark 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 canplace relics inside Towers, Keeps, and Outposts to increase theirdamage, armor, sight range, and weapon range.
The Prelate’sHoly Inspirationability targets Villagers, which makes themgather resources 40% faster for 30 seconds. The fact that Prelates can be produced starting from the Dark Age also allows this faction tocapture Sacred Sitesmuch 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 ofinflicting area-of-effect damagewhile in the heat of battle.
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Holy Roman Empire Naval Advantages
The HRE faction also possesses a few naval advantages. TheFire Stations upgradeincreases the repair rate of Docks by +100%. In addition,relics stored inside Docksboost theattack speed of all ships by +5% per relic(max +25%), whichallows this faction to be more competitiveregarding naval combat.
Religious Upgrades
The effectiveness of Prelates can be enhanced as well.Benedictionmakes Villagers inspired by a Prelateconstruct buildings +15% faster. By a similar token,Devoutnessmakes inspired Villagersgather resources +10% faster. WithInspired Warriors, Prelates can inspire military units, improving theirarmor by +1 and damage by +15%.
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Holy Roman Empire Landmarks
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.
Reward
Bestirred
Gather 500 resources with Villagers affected by Holy Inspiration in the Dark Age
Portrait: Scythe Fun Fact: Renovatio Imperii Romanorum
Safety In Numbers
Construct 20 buildings within the range of influence of a Town Center
Coat of Arms-Sigil: Straight Swords
Test Of Strength I
Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Easy A.I.
Fun Fact: The Empress Matilda Portrait: Holy Roman Empire Shield
Resupply
Defeat 15 enemy units with Men-at-Arms affected by the Two-Handed Weapons technology
Portrait: Holy Roman Empire Citizen Fun Fact: A Fearsome Hedgehog
Fleet Of Foot
Research Marching Drills and produce of force of 30 infantry in the Castle Age
Coat of Arms-Pattern: Single Stripe Banner Pattern Fun Fact: The Edict of Salerno
Ray Of Hope
Research Herbal Medicine and produce 5 Prelates from the Monastery in the Castle Age
Portrait: Mace Fun Fact: The Shifting Empire
Test Of Strength II
Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Intermediate A.I.
Fun Fact: Emperor of Falconry Monument: Landsknecht
Safeguard
Construct the Regnitz Cathedral, place a Relic within it, and accrue 3000 Gold from it
Defeat 50 enemies with Landsknechte
Coat of Arms-Sigil: Sailing Ship Fun Fact: Cologne Cathedral
Holy Tithes
Accrue 1000 Gold from Relics placed within Monasteries, Keeps, Docks, Stone Wall Towers, or Outposts
Portrait: Beguine Sister Fun Fact: Relics of the Holy Roman Empire
Test Of Strength III
Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hard A.I.
Portrait: Holy Roman Empire Prelate Fun Fact: A Court of Science and Art
Thou Shalt Not Pass
Construct the Elzbach Palace and then construct 3 Keeps within influence
Convert 10 enemies with a Prelate
Research Reinforced Defenses and then achieve a Wonder victory
Test Of Strength IV
Win a Custom or Skirmish match against the Hardest A.I.
Fun Fact: End of the Empire Coat of Arms-Pattern: Diamond Pattern
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 arediligent aboutcollecting relics, their economy can become a juggernaut.Garrison relics everywhereto 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 canoutproduce and outgun their opponentswith startling efficiency. Erect a few proper defenses in key locations to hold off the enemy long enough while recruiting one’s own army.
