5. Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition Civilization Masteries

Civilization Masteries

This section of the walkthrough will focus on each civilization's mastery.

They are rather easy and often self explanatory challenges that you have to complete with each of the eight civilizations. Every civilization has a total of 15 challenges, which are mostly about their unique features and units. Sadly, only one of these challenges can be completed per game and they also have to be in order, which means you have to load into 15 skirmish or custom multiplayer games for each civilization.

Overall, I would estimate this section of the game to take about 15-25 hours with around 2-4 hours per civilization.

Few notes before starting the guide:

1. Use the same general settings as in the previous section. You can play with an ally AI or by yourself for most challenges.
2. For challenges that require defeating a certain difficulty AI, use the Wonder-Island strategy to win. You can always use a different method if you feel comfortable beating them faster.
3. For challenges that involve gathering resources, start the game with "High" instead of "Maximum" resources to easily keep track of them. Note that resources will not get past the 100,000 mark so if you started with "Maximum", spend some or sell them in the Market if you are in the correct age.
4. Always surrender the match and do not quit as that will void any challenge progress.
5. Challenges that involve killing enemy units should be done with a boosting partner if possible, otherwise use an easy AI as your opponent. Doing these challenges with another player will once again save multiple hours in this section of the game.
6. Once you think you have successfully completed a challenge, simply surrender but make sure you advanced all the way to Age IV first.

By the end of this walkthrough, you should be done going Through the Ages. If you happen to unlock the achievement earlier, then you can just jump right into the correct Age for any challenge to save yourself some extra time.

Click on Single Player > Skirmish OR Multiplayer > Custom > Create Game. Before starting any game, check which challenge you are currently on by clicking the little crown icon on the bottom right of the screen. You might already be done with a few of these from earlier but we will still guide you about each and every challenge.
Keep in mind you can only do one challenge per game and only in the correct order!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Settings for most games:

Game Setup:
- Win Conditions: All 3 enabled
- Starting Resources: Maximum
- Starting Age: AGE I
- Map Status: Revealed

Map Setup:
- Dry Arabia
- Map Size: Micro
- Team Starting Location: Teams Together

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Settings for Wonder-Island strategy AI wins:

General Settings:
- AI Civilization: English
- Difficulty: Whatever needed

Game Setup:
- Win Conditions: Landmarks and Wonder enabled, DISABLE Sacred Victory
- Starting Resources: Maximum
- Starting Age: AGE IV
- Map Status: Revealed

Map Setup:
- Warring Islands
- Map Size: Gigantic

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The English

Once again it is possible to start a game with no AI in the opposite team if they aren't needed, so make use of this whenever possible and games should always be played until Age IV to get progress on your achievement. I will not mention this again after each Challenge in this walkthrough so please do not forget to age up whenever possible.
Challenge 1: Kill an enemy Scout in the Dark Age (I)
If done with a boosting partner, simply kill each other's Scouts. If done against AI, take all Villagers and the Scout and kill the enemy Scout immediately after the game started.
After completing your first ever Challenge, you will unlock Quick Study (if you haven't already)

Challenge 2: Produce 30 Longbowmen from the Council Hall in the Feudal Age (II)
You can start a game on your own with no AI. Select all Villagers and choose the "Council Hall" Landmark to reach Age II. Then simply produce 30 Longbowmen from it. Don't age up before you produced at least 30 of them.

Challenge 3: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Easy A.I.
For all the AI Wins either use the Wonder-Island strategy for an easy and safe win or any other way you feel comfortable with. Each civilization has 4/15 challenges just about defeating the AI in all of its difficulties so get ready to fight them a lot.
Challenge 4: Build the King's Palace and produce 10 Villagers from it in the Castle Age (III)
The "King's Palace" is the second Landmark you can choose while going to Age III. It acts as a Town Center and can create Villagers. Produce 10 from the Landmark itself for this challenge.
Challenge 5: Reach the Castle Age (III) with 16 Farms influenced by Mills
Before building your Age III Landmark, simply build 2 Mills and fully surround them with 8 farms each.
Challenge 6: Heal 10 Longbowmen with the Setup Camp ability
Build an Archery Range or Council Hall as your Age II Landmark and produce 10 Longbowmen. Next buy the "Setup Camp" (Z) technology in either of these buildings. Select Longbowmen and get them hurt by enemy units or even just Wolves and heal them back up by using their new "Setup Camp" (R) ability.
Challenge 7: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Intermediate AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.
Challenge 8: Produce 20 units from Keeps
Reach Age III and build a Keep. From this Keep simply create 20 units of any kind.
Challenge 9: Defeat 50 enemies with units affected by the Network of Castles
"Network of Castles" is a passive buff that triggers when enemies are close to specific buildings of The English. All nearby units will get a buff when enemies are close by.
Buildings with the Network of Castles effect are Town Centers, Outposts, The White Tower Landmark (Age III), Stone Wall Towers, Keeps, and the Berkshire Palace Landmark (Age IV).
Kill 50 enemy units near any of these buildings using your units.

Challenge 10: Defeat 20 enemies with Longbowmen affected by the Arrow Volley upgrade
The "Arrow Volley" (X) ability can be bought from the Council Hall Landmark (Age II) or from any Archery Range after reaching Age IV. After researching it, select a few Longbowmen and use the ability manually or with (W). Kill 20 enemy units while under this affect.
Challenge 11: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hard AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 12: Accrue 5000 Gold from Enclosures
Enclosures are little fences around Farms that will allow them to generate infinite Gold if being worked by a Villager. To buy them, build a Mill and reach Age IV. The technology can be bought from within the Mill (Z) and once researched, Farms will produce Gold. Wait until 5000 Gold are earned this way for this challenge.

Challenge 13: Produce 5 Wynguard Armies from the Wynguard Palace
The Wynguard Palace is the Age IV Landmark and has the ability to produce a "Wynguard Army". Produce 5 of them to complete the challenge.
Challenge 14: Destroy 20 enemy units with Trebuchets affected by the Shattering Projectiles technology
Counterweight Trebuchets can be created from within the Siege Workshop after reaching Age III. The necessary technology is also from within the Siege Workshop but available in Age IV. Research it (C) and start killing enemy units with your Trebuchets. The effect will be applied automatically.

Challenge 15: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hardest AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

You are now Master of The English.

The Chinese

Challenge 1: Accrue 1500 resources and have a population of 15 before the Feudal Age (II)
Simply start collecting any resource (Wood, Gold, Stone, and/or Food) while also producing more Villagers until you have 15 units before advancing to Age II.
Challenge 2: Collect 250 Gold in tax with an Imperial Official before the Castle Age (III)
Start by building the "Imperial Academy" Landmark for Age II and then don't age up any more. Select the Town Center and create 4 Imperial Officials. These units will show as idle but don't worry about it, they will do their job fully automatically. Next, build a few Mills and a bunch of Fields around the Imperial Academy Landmark. Each time a villager delivers Food from the Fields to the Mill now, it will generate a little Gold Tax that will then be automatically collected by the Imperial Officials and delivered to the Town Center. Additionally, you can use one Imperial Official to "Supervise" (E) your Mill to make it produce taxes faster. It is also possible to upgrade the Imperial Officials once with the Landmark. Buy the upgrade "Imperial Examinations" (Z) so they carry twice as much Gold per trip to the Town Center. Once you gained 250 Gold this way, this challenge should be completed.

It could look something like this:

Challenge 3: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Easy AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 4: Produce 20 Zhuge Nu and use them to defeat 30 enemies
Reach Age II and build an Archery Range. From within it, produce Zhuge Nu units once you meet one of two requirements. Build both Age II Landmarks; the "Imperial Academy" and the "Barbican of the Sun" to reach the Song Dynasty. Afterwards, recruit 20 Zhuge Nu and defeat at least 30 enemies with them.

Challenge 5: Construct 2 Villages and achieve a Population of 100 before the Castle Age (III)
Reach the Song Dynasty by building both Age II Landmarks so you can construct 2 Villages (they increase max population by 40). Do not go to the Castle Age yet but start producing Villagers and Military units until you reached a total population of 100 or more.

Challenge 6: Supervise the production of 30 Military units with an Official
Select the Town Center and get some Imperial Officials. These can then "Supervise" (E) Barracks or Stables, which will drastically reduce the time it takes them to produce units. Now simply create 30 units from these supervised buildings to finish this challenge.

Challenge 7: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Intermediate AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 8: Generate 500 Gold in tax at buildings affected by the Imperial Academy's increased tax revenue
Check Challenge 2 as its the same setup shown in the picture.

Challenge 9: Construct 6 buildings affected by the Spirit Way Landmark's reduced dynasty unit cost
Build the Age IV Landmark "Spirit Way" then build 6 Archery Ranges next to it.

Challenge 10: Defeat 40 enemies with siege engines from the Astronomical Clocktower before you lose 20 of your Clocktower siege engines
Build the Age III Landmark "Astronomical Clocktower". This lets you produce special Siege Engines. Create a couple of Clocktower Nest Of Bees and then kill enemy units with them. Pay attention not to lose any of the Siege Engines. Doing this with a boosting partner should take away all the risk of that. Simply make some fodder units like Spearmen and kill them with these Siege Engines which you created from the Landmark.

Challenge 11: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hard AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 12: Defeat 50 enemies with Infantry or Cavalry units equipped with Gunpowder weapons
The Chinese have two Infantry one Cavalry units that use gunpowder weapons. Advance to Age IV and build either Archery Ranges or Stables and get Handcannoneers, Grendariers, or Fire Lancers and use them to defeat 50 enemy units.

Challenge 13: Generate 1500 of each resource type (Food, Wood and Stone) from your Pagodas
Pagodas building is a category IV building that you can only build once per game. Start a game with "Very High" resources or spend at least 1500 of each. Advance to Age IV and reach the Ming Dynasty and then build the Pagodas and a Monastery so you can produce a Monk. Use the Monk to get a Relic, then place it into the Pagodas building. This will generate 50 Food, Wood, Gold, and Stone per 30 seconds. Wait 15 minutes and the challenge should be completed

Challenge 14: Achieve a Landmarks Victory while in the Ming Dynasty
Get to Age IV and build all Landmarks to reach the Ming Dynasty and then destroy the enemy's Landmarks for a Landmark Victory.

Challenge 15: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hardest AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

You are now also Master of The Chinese.

The French

Challenge 1: Construct 4 resource drop-off buildings in the Dark Age (I)
These buildings are Mills, Lumber Camps and Mining Camps. Build 4 of any of them (doesn't matter which one) while still in Age I.
Challenge 2: Research Horticulture, Double Broadax and Specialized Pick before reaching the Castle Age (III)
Advance to Age II and build a Mill, Lumber Camp and Mining Camp. From the Mill get "Horticulture" (Q), from the Lumber Camp "Double Broadax" (W), and "Specialized Pick" (Q) from the Mining Camp.
Challenge 3: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Easy AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 4: Construct the School of Cavalry Landmark and then produce 20 Cavalry units
"School of Cavalry" is an Age II Landmark that acts like a Stable. Simply build it and create 20 Cavalry units.
Challenge 5: Accrue 2000 Food, Wood or Stone from Traders in the Feudal Age (II)
Build the "Chamber of Commerce" as an Age II Landmark and stay in Age II. You can also build a Market and connect it with a rally point (G) to a Trade Post on the map then produce a bunch of Traders. After a while you will have accrued 2000 resources.

Challenge 6: Produce 40 Royal Knights from a Stable under the influence of a nearby Keep
Reach Age III and build a Keep. Build a couple of Stables next to the Keep then produce 40 Royal Knights from them. Archery Ranges and Stables that are located close to a Keep will produce units at a reduced cost.

Challenge 7: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Intermediate AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 8: Research Crossbow Stirrups and defeat 20 enemy units with Arbalétriers
The necessary technology "Crossbow Stirrups" can be researched in the Archery Range (X). Arbalétriers are also found in the Archery Range. Use them to kill 20 enemy units to finish this challenge.

Challenge 9: Construct the Red Palace Landmark and use it to kill 30 enemies
The "Red Palace" is the first Age IV Landmark. It acts similar to a Keep and can therefore kill enemy units. Let it kill 30 units.

Challenge 10: Accrue 2000 Food, Wood, Gold, or Stone from the Guild Hall Landmark in the Castle Age (III)
The "Guild Hall Landmark" is one of Age III Landmarks. Build it and select one of the resources to be generated by it, or leave it on the default that is Food. Wait until it generates 2000 resources then press Q or click Collect Resources.

Challenge 11: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hard AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 12: Win the match with a surviving army of 25 Cavalry
Use Wonder-Island Strategy again and create at least 26! Cavalry units and keep them alive until the game is over. Having 25 only does not count!

Challenge 13: Kill 10 enemy units with Galleasses affected by the Armored Hull technology
Reach at least Age III to research "Armored Hull" from the Dock. This means playing on a map with water so you can build one and then also produce a Galleasses ship. With the ship, kill 10 enemy units after the research for Armored Hull is done.

Challenge 14: Achieve a Wonder victory while 20 Traders are active
Build a few Markets and connect them to Trade Posts on the map and produce at least 20 traders while building your Wonder. By the time the timer for the Wonder is over you should have 20+ active Traders.

Challenge 15: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hardest AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

You are now Master of The French as well.

The Holy Roman Empire

Challenge 1: Gather 500 resources with Villagers affected by Holy Inspiration in the Dark Age (I)
From within the Town Center it is possible to recruit Prelates who act as the holy unit for the Holy Roman Empire. Send your Villagers to gather any resource like Wood and have the Prelates stand next to the Villagers. You will notice a yellow aura around Villagers that are affected by the "Holy Inspiration" buff. After you gathered 500 resources while staying in Age I this challenge should be done.
Challenge 2: Construct 20 buildings within the range of influence of a Town Center
Simply build 20 Houses around the Town Center. This will give them the "Emergency Repairs" ability. You can check if buildings are in the influence of the Town Center by clicking on them and checking if they have a little orange + icon above their HP. This would in this case say "Town Center Influence".
Challenge 3: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Easy AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 4: Defeat 15 enemy units with Men-At-Arms affected by the Two-Handed Weapons technology
Build Barracks and get to Age III to research the "Two-Handed Weapons" (C) technology from the Barracks, then simply build a few (Early) Men-At-Arms units and defeat 15 enemy units.
Challenge 5: Research Marching Drills and produce a force of 30 Infantry in the Castle Age (III)
Get to Age III first and build either a Blacksmith or the "Meinwerk Palace" Landmark for Age II to research "Marching Drills" (Z) from either of the two. Produce 30 of any units from Barracks or Archery Ranges.

Challenge 6: Research Herbal Medicine and produce 5 Prelates from the Monastery in the Castle Age (III)
Reach Age III and build a Monastery from which you can research "Herbal Medicine" (A) then produce 5 Prelate units.

Challenge 7: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Intermediate AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 8: Construct the Regnitz Cathedral, place a Relic within it and accrue 3000 Gold from it
The "Regnitz Cathedral" is one of the Age III Landmarks. Produce a Prelate from either the Town Center or the Monastery to pick up a Relic and place it inside the Cathedral. Place the maximum number of 3 Relics and then just wait until you gained 3000 Gold from it.

Challenge 9: Defeat 50 enemies with Landsknechte
Build Barracks and produce Landsknechte then kill 50 enemy units. Stay in Age III and DON'T upgrade the unit at all or this won't work!

Challenge 10: Accrue 1000 Gold from Relics placed within Monasteries, Keeps, Docks, Stone Wall Towers or Outposts
Just like Challenge 8 but this time use a normal Monastery.

Challenge 11: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hard AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 12: Construct the Elzbach Palace and then construct 3 Keeps within influence
The "Elzbach Palace" is the second Age IV Landmark. Build 3 Keeps next to it for this challenge.

Challenge 13: Convert 10 enemies with a Prelate
Get a Prelate from the Town Center and pick up a Relic. Then get close to 10 enemies and convert them by clicking "Conversion" (T).

Challenge 14: Research Reinforced Defenses and then achieve a Wonder Victory
Reach Age IV and build a Keep to research "Reinforced Defenses" (X) from within it, then win by Wonder Victory.

Challenge 15: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hardest AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Woho! You are now Master of The Holy Roman Empire.

The Mongols

Challenge 1: Use the Improved Production ability to produce 6 Villagers before the Feudal Age (II)
Stay in Age I and build an Ovoo on top of a Stone Source. Unpack your Town Center next to the Ovoo and then use the 2x Villagers option a total of 3 times to produce 6 Villagers.

Challenge 2: Defeat 5 enemies with Cavalry before the Feudal Age (II)
Stay in Age I and build a Stable to recruit Horsemen to kill 5 enemy units with.
Challenge 3: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Easy AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 4: Produce 30 Sheep from Pastures that are influenced by an Ovoo
Build an Ovoo on top of a Stone Source and then build Pastures from the Age I category in its influence. This building will produce Sheep automatically. Wait until 30 Sheep are produce and this challenge is done.
Challenge 5: Accrue 500 Stone by igniting enemy buildings
Start with High resources. Build an Ovoo then research "Stone Bounty" (Z). After that, simply destroy a bunch of enemy buildings like Houses to get resources including Stone.

Challenge 6: Produce 40 Cavalry units using improved production buildings influenced by an Ovoo
Find a Stone Source and place an Ovoo building on top of it and surround it with Stables. Produce 40 Cavalry from the Stable using the 2x option on the right side.

Challenge 7: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Intermediate AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 8: Construct the Silver Tree Landmark and 5 outposts and gain the Yam speed aura 40 times with your Traders
The "Silver Tree" Landmark is from Age II and acts as a Market that produces Traders faster and cheaper. Connect it to a Trade Post on the map and then build 5 Outposts between your Market and the Trade Post that you connected the Traders to. While the Traders walk between them, these Outposts will give them a buff which is called "Yam". Produce many Traders to speed this up until the Yam buff is applied 40 times on your Traders.

Challenge 9: Construct the Kurultai and heal 500 health on your units via the Kurultai
The "Kurultai" is the Landmark for Age III. Make a bunch of units and get them hurt either by enemy units or wild animals, then go back to the Kurultai while your Khan is nearby. This will start healing the units. Heal a total of 500 health this way.

Challenge 10: Research the Yam Network, then defeat 30 enemies with your troops unit affected by the Yam speed aura
The "Yam Network" (Z) can be researched from Outposts after reaching Age III. This will apply the "Yam" speed buff to units and not just Traders that are close to the the Outpost. Kill 30 enemies next to your Outposts with any unit that is affected by this Yam buff for this challenge.

Challenge 11: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hard AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 12: Defeat 50 enemies with units affected by the Khan's Signal Arrow and do not lose your Khan during the match
Just like in the Campaign, the Khan has the ability to use signal arrows. It does not matter which one you use (Maneuver, Attack speed, or Defense Arrow). Defeat 50 enemy units while your units are affected by signal arrow. Pay attention to the duration of the buff and stop killing when it ran out. Also don't let your Khan die!

Challenge 13: Accrue 2000 Stone using your Traders
Connect the Silver Tree Landmark (Age II) or Markets to the Trade Post on the map and produce Traders. Reach Age IV to research "Stone Commerce" (V) from within one of the Markets. Now you will gain Stone from each Trade as long as you have at least 9 active Traders. Building Outposts between your Market and the Trade Post will make this challenge faster. Gain 2000 Stone this way and you are done.

Challenge 14: Research the Improved Siha Bow Limbs technology, then defeat 40 enemies with Mangudai and achieve a Landmarks Victory
The "Improved Siha Bow Limbs" (press Y then V) technology needs to be researched from within the Archery Range while it is influenced by an Ovoo. The normal "Siha Bow Limbs" technology won't work! After researching, recruit a few Mangudai from within the Archery Range and kill 40 units with them and then win by destroying all enemy Landmarks for a Landmarks Victory.

Challenge 15: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hardest AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

You have now become the Khan and Master of The Mongols. Good work!

The Rus

Challenge 1: Accumulate 50 bounty by hunting Sheep, Deer or Boar in the Dark Age (I)
Bounty is displayed as a little Sack above your villager count in the bottom left corner. Killing certain animals will give points towards it. You can hunt animals using Villagers, Scout, or any Military units. Sheep reward 5 points, Deer 10 points, Wolves 25 points, and Boars 75 points. Wolves do NOT count for this challenge for some reason so get your 50 points from the other 3 sources while still in Age I.
Challenge 2: Construct 4 Lumber Camps within the range of influence of a Wooden Fortress
The Wooden Fortress, which is the Wooden Tower of the Rus, has a passive ability that influences nearby Lumber Camps and Town Centers and as a result, Wood dropped off at these buildings will yield 20% extra Wood. Simply build a Wooden Fortress and 4 Lumber Camps around it for this challenge.
Challenge 3: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Easy AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 4: Accrue 250 Gold from Hunting Cabins in the Dark Age (I)
Stay in Age I and build Hunting Cabins next to Trees. These will automatically generate Gold depending on the number of Trees around them. Build them far away from each other all across the map for higher Gold generation.
Challenge 5: Construct 25 Fortified Palisade Walls with Villagers in the Dark Age (I)
Simply stay in Age I and build 25 Fortified Palisade Walls (wooden ones).

Challenge 6: Use the Golden Gate Landmark to make 5 trades in the Feudal Age (II)
The "Golden Gate" is an Age II Landmark which acts similar to a Market and allows a certain number of exchanges/trades. You get one trade per minute. Trade a total of 5 times in Age II for this challenge. Available trades are shown inside the building next to a little barrel icon. This Golden Gate doesn't need walls by the way.

Challenge 7: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Intermediate AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 8: Defeat 15 enemies with Early Knights in the Feudal Age (II)
In Age II, build a Stable and recruit some Early Knights from within and kill 15 enemy units with them.

Challenge 9: Defeat 30 enemies with units affected by Saint's Blessing
Build the Age III "Abbey of Trinity" Landmark or a Monastery and recruit a few Warrior Monks from within. Research "Blessing Duration" (Z), "Saint's Reach" (X), and "Improved Blessing" (C) to make life easier. You now need a bunch of other units that actually do the killing while your Monks buff them. This buff will apply as soon as the Warrior Monk gets into the fight and hits an enemy. Kill 30 enemy units while your units are affected by the Warrior Monks' Saint's Blessing.

Challenge 10: Research Boyar's Fortitude and Mounted Precision and then defeat 30 enemies with Cavalry
Reach Age IV and build a Blacksmith. From within, research "Boyar's Fortitude" (Z), and then "Mounted Precision" (V) from an Archery Range. Then produce a bunch of Cavalry units from the Stable and kill 30 enemy units with them.

Challenge 11: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hard AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 12: Research two upgrades from the High Armory and produce 20 siege engines in the Imperial Age (IV)
Advance to IV by building the "High Armory" Landmark then research any 2 upgrades in it. Next, build a Siege Workshop and produce any 20 Siege Weapons.

Challenge 13: Research Double Time from the Archery Range and defeat 30 enemies with Streltsy
Reach Age IV and build an Archery Range and research "Double Time" (C) then produce a few Streltsy units from within and kill 30 enemy units with them. You do not have to use the skill Double Time when killing enemies.

Challenge 14: Achieve a Sacred Victory with fully upgraded Warrior Monks
This challenge requires building the Age III Landmark "Abbey of the Trinity". Next, research the following upgrades: "Herbal Medicine" (A), "Piety" (S), "Blessing Duration" (Z), "Saint's Reach" (X), and "Improved Blessing" (C). This will fully upgrade your Warrior Monks. Then simply capture all Sacred Sites on the map, which will give you a Sacred Victory.
Challenge 15: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hardest AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.
Congrats on becoming Master of The Rus!

The Delhi Sultanate

Challenge 1: Increase the yield of 6 or more Berry Bushes before reaching the Feudal Age (II)
Building a Mill close to a spawn of 6 or more Berry Bushes will automatically build little fences around the Berry Bushes and increase the amount of food available in each bush by 100%. No need to gather any berries, just build the Mill and the challenge should complete.
Challenge 2: Construct 10 Palisade Walls during the Dark Age (I) without using Villagers
Start the game and immediately build a Barrack from which you recruit one Spearman. In this civilization, Spearmen are able to build Wooden Walls (Palisade Walls).

Challenge 3: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Easy AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 4: Spend no more than 500 Gold to produce 5 Scholars
Build the Age II "Dome of the Faith" Landmark and produce 5 Scholars from within. Each Scholar costs 75 Gold using this Landmark.
Challenge 5: Defeat 40 enemies with melee units affected by the Tower of Victory attack increase
The "Tower of Victory" is an Age II Landmark that buffs units permanently if they moved past it at least once. Recruit a bunch of melee units and kill 40 enemy units after getting the effect from the Landmark.

Challenge 6: Research 20 technologies in buildings influenced by Mosques or Madrasas
Build a few Mosques and get one Scholar per building. Placing a Scholar in a Mosque will influence nearby buildings and reduce the technology costs. Now build all available buildings around these Mosques with Scholars inside and research a total of 20 technologies.

Challenge 7: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Intermediate AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 8: Produce 20 Military units from buildings you have garrisoned Scholars in
Reach Age II and build a Mosque. Research "Efficient Production" (Z) from within and get a Scholar. Place the Scholar inside a Barrack then produce 20 units using this Barrack.

Challenge 9: Use you Military units to construct 1000 Stone's worth of structures
Build the Age III Landmark "Compound of the Defender". This will make Military units able to construct Stone Walls, Towers, and Gates. Use up 1000 Stones to build either of the three.
Challenge 10: Use Mosques to heal 1000 total health on your units
Build the Age III Landmark "House of Learning" to research "Tranquil Venue" (W). Then simply build a Mosque and stand close to it with units that lost HP and the building will heal each unit for +1HP per second. Consider using War Elephants from Stables as they have 1400 HP.
Challenge 11: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hard AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 12: Produce 20 units from your Keeps
Get to Age III and build a few Keeps then research "Village Fortress" (X). Once the research is complete, produce any 20 units from these Keeps like Villagers or Scouts.

Challenge 13: Construct the Palace of the Sultan, produce 10 elephants, and destroy 10 enemy buildings
Reach Age IV by building the "Palace of the Sultan", which will automatically produce War Elephants. Have 10 Elephants (they don't have to be from the Palace) then destroy 10 enemy buildings with them.

Challenge 14: Research Swiftness and then achieve a Sacred Victory
Advance to Age III then build a Mosque and research "Swiftness" (V). Produce some Scholars and use them to capture Sacred Sites and achieve a Sacred Victory.

Challenge 15: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hardest AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

You have now become the Sultan and Master of The Delhi Sultanate.

The Abbasid Dynasty

Challenge 1: Accrue a sum total of 1000 resources before the first wing of your House of Wisdom is complete
The "House of Wisdom" is the Abbasid Dynasty's way of aging up by buying the "Economic, Military, Culture, and/or Trade Wing" upgrades from within. Before building any of them collect a total of 1000 resources.
Challenge 2: Research the first technology available from a wing in your House of Wisdom, before reaching the Castle Age (III)
Build the "House of Wisdom" and start researching the Economic Wing. After the research is done you will reach Age II and unlock the ability to buy a few of the green technologies in the House of Wisdom. Research one of them like "Fresh Foodstuffs" and that should finish the challenge.
Challenge 3: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Easy AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 4: Defeat 30 enemy units with Infantry who are receiving support from Camels
Build the House of Wisdom and research the Military Wing to research "Camel Support". Then advance to Age III and build a Stable and Barracks or Archery Ranges. Get Camel Riders to buff the Infantry units. Kill 30 enemies with the Infantry units while the Camels are with them.
Challenge 5: Research 30 technologies discounted by the Preservation of Knowledge
Build your House of Wisdom and then research the Culture Wing upgrade. After that, research the "Preservation of Knowledge" technology. Next, build every single building including Military ones and buy all technologies and upgrades from each one. This should amount to over 30, so as long as you get most you should finish this challenge.

Challenge 6: Accrue 5000 gold from your Traders after researching Spice Roads
For "Spice Roads" you need to research the Trade Wing from the House of Wisdom. Afterwards, build Markets and connect them to a Trade Post on the map and make as many Traders as possible run between. Do this until 5000 Gold is earned by them.

Challenge 7: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Intermediate AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.
Challenge 8: Produce 100 Military units after achieving Tier 3 of the Golden Age
Build the House of Wisdom and surround it with at least 60 other buildings, like Houses. This will unlock Tier 3 of the Golden Age. Now produce 100 Military units from Barracks, Archery Ranges, or Stables. You can check your current Golden Age tier by clicking on the House of Wisdom and hovering over the symbol next to the Wing upgrades.

Challenge 9: Defeat 30 enemy Cavalry units with your Camel Riders
Research the Military Wing and one other Wing to reach Age III from within the House of Wisdom to gain access to Camel Riders. Build Stables and produce a few then kill 30 enemy Cavalry units with your Camel Riders.
Challenge 10: Heal 3000 health on friendly units using your Medical Centers
"Medical Centers" is a technology from within the House of Wisdom available in Age III by building the Culture Wing. Once researched, all Keeps will heal nearby units by +2 HP per second. Let your Keeps heal your units for a total of 3000 HP.
Challenge 11: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hard AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.

Challenge 12: Increase the yield of 18 Berry Bushes and accrue 9000 Food
To Increase the yield on Berry Bushes, build a Mill next to the bushes and make sure all of them are in the area of influence. Once you built Mills around 18 bushes, start gathering them until they deplete and you will have accrued 9000 Food.
Challenge 13: Construct 10 ranged siege units with your melee Infantry
Advance to Age III and build a few Barracks and produce Spearmen. Use these to construct 10 ranged Siege Weapons like Springalds or Mangonels.
Challenge 14: Win a Wonder Victory after achieving Tier 3 of the Golden Age
Advance to Age IV, build a Wonder, then build a total of 60 buildings (Houses) surrounding the House of Wisdom. This will make you reach Tier 3 of the Golden Age and get a Wonder Victory.
Challenge 15: Win a 1v1 Custom or Skirmish match against the Hardest AI
Use Wonder-Island Strategy for safe win or rush them on your own.
You are now also the Khalifa and Master of The Abbasid Dynasty.

Congratulations on becoming Master of The Ages after finishing all Masteries!

If you are still missing the achievement for aging up a total of 500 times you will need to boost it in a Single Player Skirmish match. Choose the Chinese as they build significantly faster and repeat this until the achievement unlocks. At this point, you can just Restart the game after you are done advancing and you can see your progress in the Achievement window (WINKEY + G)

We are now done with the grindy part of this game.

Art of War Challenges are next up and will be the last category we have to finish to complete Age of Empires 4.