how to begin?

[Hero]

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The easiest way to compensate for REX-ing pre-Currency is Gold, Gems, Silver and Fur.
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And don't forget Ivory!

 

[tycoonist]

i am a big fan of building worker/worker/settler by chopping the second worker with th first and then chopping the second settler with both workers. i actually pinched this strategy from a war academy article named "optimum early growth strategy" by ohioastronomy. i would aim for around 6 cities by 1AD.