How Do I Download an Age of Empire Map?
- You can find Age of Empires maps online on a variety of different sites. Many fan communities, such as Age of Empires Heaven, allow their members to upload custom maps they've built. Other players can download and install them in the Age of Empires directory so they will appear in the game.
Once you've found a website with Age of Empires maps, you can browse the site for downloadable maps. These are usually located in a "Downloads" section. Many sites will have this section set up as a forum, where players can post and upload maps. Download sections in this format will also tend to have a rating function, and allow you to organize maps by player rating. - After you find a map you might like, click "download" from the map's page or forum post (depends on the website). Note that maps will either come as part of a campaign or a scenario. You can find out which section the files belong in by looking at the file format when you download them. Campaign files for Age of Empires will end in .cpn, and scenario files will end in .scn.
Files will usually be downloaded in ZIP format. This means you will need a program that can extract ZIP files, such as WinZip, or WinRAR. Use your ZIP program to extract campaign files to the "Campaign" folder located in the "Age of Empires" folder (this folder's location will depend on where you installed the game). Scenario files should be extracted to the "Scenario" folder. - Many sites will also have "mods" or "utility packs." These may include maps as well, but will also change the game mechanics in some way. Mods and utility packs often can do a variety of things, such as change how computer-controlled civilizations behave, add new units and buildings to the game, change population limits to the game or change the number of map sizes that can be selected. If you want to retain the original mechanics of the game, you should avoid downloading and installing mods or utility packs.