Can You Pause in Age of Mythology: Retold?
Age of Mythology: Retold introduces a much-appreciated pause system, including both standard and tactical pause options, making gameplay more accessible and flexible.
Whether you're diving into intense campaigns or experimenting in skirmishes, the ability to pause—especially with tactical features—ensures you can strategize and manage units effectively without the pressure of constant real-time demands.
This addition aligns Retold with modern real-time strategy (RTS) game standards, offering more control over the flow of the game.
What Is Standard Pause?
The standard pause is a simple feature that completely halts gameplay, allowing you to assess the situation on the battlefield.
This option is especially handy during single-player matches, giving you time to examine objectives, survey the map, or even step away from the keyboard.
How to Use Standard Pause
On PC: Press the Pause/Break key or assign a custom hotkey via the settings menu.
On Xbox: Use the designated pause button on your controller.
This function is straightforward and works across campaigns, skirmishes, and multiplayer modes. However, multiplayer pauses are limited and require cooperation from all players.
What Is Tactical Pause?
Tactical pause goes beyond merely halting the game—it allows you to issue commands and adjust strategies while the game is paused. This feature is a game-changer for RTS fans who enjoy meticulous planning.
Whether it’s assigning units to target specific enemies, queuing commands, or setting formations, tactical pause gives you control like never before.
Using Tactical Pause
Activate the pause function using the Pause/Break key (PC) or the pause button on Xbox.
While paused, select units, assign tasks, or rearrange your base.
Resume the game, and all commands will execute seamlessly.
Tactical pause is especially valuable in challenging campaign missions, where precise unit control can make the difference between victory and defeat.
Pausing in Multiplayer
Standard Pause in Multiplayer
Multiplayer matches in Retold allow for limited use of the standard pause function. Players can initiate a pause, but the system notifies all participants, and any player can unpause at any time. Additionally, there’s usually a cap on the number of pauses allowed per player to prevent misuse. This ensures that the feature remains helpful without disrupting the competitive nature of the game.
No Tactical Pause in Multiplayer
Unlike single-player modes, multiplayer does not include tactical pause. The absence of this feature ensures a level playing field, as pausing to issue commands would undermine the real-time nature of multiplayer RTS gameplay.
Why Is Tactical Pause Important?
Tactical pause is a feature that benefits players in several ways:
Strategic Control
It allows you to carefully manage units in complex scenarios. For example, you can assign archers to target enemy myth units while directing your cavalry to flank their siege weapons.
This level of precision is difficult to achieve in real time, especially during high-pressure moments.
Accessibility
Not every player has lightning-fast reflexes or years of RTS experience. Tactical pause levels the playing field, making the game more approachable for newcomers or players with slower reaction times.
Campaign Depth
The intricate campaigns in Age of Mythology: Retold often require multitasking. Tactical pause lets you focus on strategic planning, enhancing the immersive storytelling experience.
Community Feedback on Pausing in Age of Mythology: Retold
The addition of tactical pause has been widely praised by the Age of Mythology community. Fans on forums like Steam and Reddit have noted that the feature adds depth to single-player gameplay and makes challenging scenarios more manageable.
Many players compare it to similar mechanics in other RTS titles, like Age of Empires IV, and applaud its inclusion as a long-overdue improvement.
Tips for Maximizing Pause Features
Assess the Map: Use tactical pause to scan for resources, enemy positions, or vulnerabilities in your base.
Queue Commands: Assign tasks to multiple units and structures during the pause to streamline your strategy.
Plan Battles: In combat-heavy scenarios, pause to identify priority targets or reposition units for optimal engagement.
Customize Controls: Adjust the pause hotkey in the settings menu for quicker access during tense moments.
Future of Tactical Pause in RTS Games
The inclusion of tactical pause in Age of Mythology: Retold reflects a growing trend in modern RTS games to offer more flexibility. As developers at World’s Edge continue to refine the game post-launch, it’s possible that additional customization options for pausing and controls could be introduced.
This feature sets a precedent for future RTS titles, where tactical depth and accessibility are increasingly valued by players.
Conclusion
The ability to pause in Age of Mythology: Retold, particularly with tactical features, is a game-changing improvement. It enhances strategic gameplay, makes campaigns more accessible, and caters to both seasoned players and newcomers.
While multiplayer maintains its real-time intensity by limiting pausing options, the tactical pause in single-player modes adds a layer of control that elevates the experience.
Whether you're meticulously planning your next move or simply taking a moment to regroup, the pause system ensures that you can enjoy the mythical battles at your own pace. For more insights and gameplay tips, visit the official Age of Empires website.
