Standard Post for Info for incoming Starcraft 2 Players.

Im gonna grab questions and thoughts and plot them here that concern with the title. I would appreciate it if you would link those with these questions to this. Also If you have anything to add just comment below.

A plat 3 random in SC2 asks : Where to get started on mechanics and builds for this game?

Answer: Slightly modified from u/Kanye_TWest

Aoe2 is very different. There are certainly differences among the various civilizations, but they aren't nearly as profound as are the differences among SC2 races. Rather than learning civilizations, you should learn strategies. The basic strategies can all be executed by pretty much every civilization with notable exceptions. While small differences in execution based on the innate differences in civs the basics of them are largely the same, especially when you are starting to learn. Common build orders like "22 population scouts" is typically the build I would recommend players learn first. Games are mostly played with random civilizations, so you'll need to learn how to play with all of the civs if you want to play lots of multiplayer games.

What does Aoe2 do better than modern RTS games such as Starcraft 2?

Answer : From u/Steggy_Dinosaur & u/Scrapheaper

AoEs biggest strength is at the same time its biggest weakness: Random generated maps (so literally every single match is different). Otherwise it's an quite different RTS than SC2, being rather slow at the start (I would call it relaxing, others might call it boring) with an unusual heavy focus on economy management. A lot people might also say it's important to note that all AoE2 civs are rather similar to each other, while SC2 has very unique civs. Randomly generated maps mean scouting is even more important than in starcraft. 2v2-4v4 are also taken seriously as competitive modes, Emphasis on macro play, 'maining' a civ isnt advised but learning all is. Community is different.

A SC2 player feeling stale: Should I wait for DE?

My Answer:

Yes, Aoe2 HD is no longer being supported and the population is getting ready to migrate to a new platform unless you want HD because its cheap & on sale at some point. Also core differences between the games will arise as the newer version has many QOL features that the original lacked. If you join now you risk just confusing yourself even more. Also you get everything that HD & its expansions offer altogether in one package + new civs exclusive to HD. Save yourself the trouble.

SC2 (Plat/Dia) Is there a ladder system? Details?

Answer: u/Sinapellido94 (Yes I read it too but its still relevant here)

Aoe2 doesnt have a ranked queue system like sc2 (it will though in the upcoming aoe2 definitive edition). On voobly where competitive play takes place you can open a lobby for people to join, you can see their elo and win rate there.