As AoK Outpost, it is only fitting to do a spotlight one of the most underrated buildings in Age of Kings, the Outpost. Why don't you see a whole lot of outposts around the map? That is because they cost stone. 25 stone to be exact, along with a insignificant 25 wood. Stone is a precious commodity in Age of Kings. There is only a set amount on the map from the beginning. The only way to get more is through rather pricey resource trades at the market.

An outpost has a huge range of sight allowing you to keep an eye on areas. However, houses at a cheap 30 wood can do something somewhat similar with Town Watch and Town Patrol researched.

An outpost, however, has superior range to see units before they see it. They can be used to keep an eye out for forward builders and soldiers. While a house can do something similar, its view range is too short to escape destruction. An interesting side effect too is its ability to spot fleets massing off your shores. Consider it as radar for those lovely demolition ships.

Of course in many multiplayer games(and single-player ones too), this doesn't help much. Stone is just too precious. Stone is often much better invested in walls, towers, and castles. Besides, outposts don't fight back. But remember, they do look nice. They make perfect addition to scenarios with their looks and view range.

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