Mastering the Iron Age in Forge of Empires
The Iron Age is a pivotal era in Forge of Empires, marking the transition from ancient to medieval times. It's a period of significant advancements in technology, warfare, and culture. This guide will walk you through the intricacies of the Iron Age, helping you to build a prosperous and powerful civilization.
Understanding the Iron Age
The Iron Age begins at Era 6 and spans 10 ages, from Iron Age I to Iron Age X. Each age brings new challenges, technologies, and rewards. To progress, you'll need to research new technologies, build structures, and train units. Here's a brief overview of what to expect:
- New Technologies: Advancements like Iron Working, Masonry, and Siege Weapons will help you strengthen your city and army.
- New Structures: You'll gain access to new buildings like the Iron Foundry, University, and Siege Workshop.
- New Units: The Iron Age introduces powerful new units like the Legionary, Catapult, and Ballista.
Key Technologies to Research
Researching the right technologies is crucial for a smooth progression through the Iron Age. Here are some key technologies to prioritize:

| Technology | Era Unlocked | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Working | Iron Age I | Allows the production of iron, a key resource for many Iron Age units and structures. |
| Masonry | Iron Age II | Enables the construction of stone buildings, which provide more housing and production than wooden ones. |
| Siege Weapons | Iron Age III | Unlocks powerful siege units like the Catapult and Ballista, essential for conquering fortified cities. |
Building an Effective Army
In the Iron Age, your army will start to look very different from what you've seen before. Here are some unit types to focus on:
- Legionaries: These are your primary melee fighters. They're strong, well-armored, and have a good attack range.
- Catapults: These siege units can destroy buildings and deal heavy damage to enemy units. They're crucial for taking down fortified cities.
- Ballistas: These are anti-cavalry units that can also deal significant damage to other units. They're particularly useful against enemy archers and cavalry.
Expanding Your City
As you progress through the Iron Age, you'll need to expand your city to accommodate your growing population and production needs. Here are some tips for city planning:
- Upgrade your residential buildings to stone as soon as possible. This will provide more housing and increase your population growth rate.
- Focus on increasing your production capacity. This will allow you to train more units and build more structures.
- Consider using the 'City Planning' feature to optimize your city layout. This can significantly increase your production and happiness.
Quests and Events
Throughout the Iron Age, you'll encounter various quests and events that can reward you with unique items, units, or even Great Buildings. These can provide significant bonuses to your city, so make sure to participate in them whenever possible.

Remember, the Iron Age is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, plan your city carefully, and enjoy the process of building a powerful medieval civilization. Good luck, Governor!