Age of Empires II: DE Tournament Rules

1. Game Overview

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a real-time strategy game where players collect resources, develop their civilization, and create armies to defeat their opponents. This tournament will focus on 1v1 competition using the official tournament rules.

Players will compete in a single elimination bracket format with matches taking place at the Golden Oldies LAN event. The tournament emphasizes fair play, strategic thinking, and competitive spirit.

2. Competition Format

2.1 Tournament Structure

• Format: Single elimination bracket
• Match Type: 1v1 (one-versus-one)
• Tournament Start: 10:00 PM, Friday, November 21, 2025
• Registration: Players must register at the LAN event prior to the tournament start
• Bracket Seeding: Random seeding determined before the tournament begins

2.2 Match Format

• Round of 16 & Semi-finals: Best-of-1 (single game)
• Finals: Best-of-3 (first to win 2 games)

3. Game Settings

3.1 Standard Game Settings

• Game Version: Latest version of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition on Steam
• Game Mode: Random Map
• Starting Age: Standard (Dark Age)
• Resources: Standard
• Population Limit: 200
• Game Speed: Normal
• Reveal Map: Normal
• Starting Units: Standard
• Victory Condition: Conquest
• Team Together: N/A (1v1 format)
• All Techs: Off
• Treaty Length: None

3.2 Additional Rules

• Spectators: Only tournament officials may observe matches
• Recorded Games: All games must be recorded
• Pausing: Only allowed for technical issues, must notify opponent

4. Equipment and Setup

4.1 Hardware Requirements

• Players must use their own computers at the LAN event
• Players must bring their own keyboards, mice, and mousepads

4.2 Software Settings

• Game version: Latest version of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition on Steam
• Players are responsible for their own in-game settings (hotkeys, resolution, etc.)
• Players will be given time to configure their settings before matches

5. Player Conduct

5.1 General Rules

• Players must arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled match time
• Players must follow the instructions of tournament officials
• Sportsmanlike conduct is expected at all times
• Players must report match results to officials immediately after completion

5.2 Prohibited Actions

• Using any form of cheats, hacks, or exploits
• Deliberately disconnecting from a match
• Interfering with opponents physically or verbally
• Receiving coaching during active gameplay
• Stream sniping or obtaining information outside the game

6. Match Procedures

6.1 Map Selection Process

• Map Pool: Arabia, Arena, Islands, Gold Rush, Nomad, Highland, Black Forest, Baltic
• Best-of-1 Matches: Both players ban two maps alternately, then random selection from remaining maps
• Best-of-3 Matches:
  • Each player bans one map
  • Each player picks one home map
  • If necessary, third map is random from remaining maps

6.2 Civilization Selection

• For each game, players select civilizations before map is revealed
• Each player may only use a specific civilization once per match series
• Hidden civilization picks (both players submit picks to referee)

6.3 Technical Issues

• In case of disconnect, the game may be saved and restored if before 10 minutes of game time
• After 10 minutes, referees will determine if a remake or win should be awarded
• Intentional disconnects may result in forfeiture of the match

6.4 Post-Match

• Any disputes must be raised immediately after the game
• Players must save and submit recorded games

7. Civilizations and Maps

7.1 Civilization Rules

• All civilizations are allowed
• Players may not use the same civilization twice in a series
• Both players may select the same civilization

7.2 Map Pool

• Arabia
• Arena
• Islands
• Gold Rush
• Nomad
• Highland
• Black Forest
• Baltic

8. Tiebreaker Rules

8.1 Match Ties

• In the unlikely event of a tie (simultaneous elimination), the match will be replayed
• All competition settings will remain the same for the replay

8.2 Technical Tiebreakers

• If a match cannot be completed due to technical issues, tournament officials will determine the winner based on game state at time of interruption
• Officials may consider resource count, military units, and technological advancement

9. Rule Modifications

The competition committee reserves the right to modify these rules at any time. Any changes will be communicated to all registered participants prior to the beginning of the tournament.

Tournament officials have the final say in all matters regarding the tournament, including any situations not covered by these rules.