The Castle Age is when things really get interesting in Age of Empires II. Defenses improve and you have access to more powerful offensive units. If you wisely lay the groundwork for a robust economy in the Dark and Feudal Ages, then you'll be really able to get things humming in the Castle Age. In fact, it is vital that you do...

If you haven't already, research all of the production bonus technologies (e.g. stone mining, handcart, etc.). You really need to speed up resource collection, because building up your army and defenses over the next two ages will be very costly.

If you haven't built a stable yet, do so now. It will give you access to knights which are a pretty strong unit. Next build a university - doing so will give you access to a number of offensive and defensive technologies. Once the university is constructed, have it begin research on fortified walls. This will help keep your village safe from serious harassment - your towers will be stronger and it will be some time before your enemies can put together a serious complement of siege weaponry.

Determining what to build next will depend on how you would like to try to achieve victory...

Three Paths to Glory »