[Bug] Unable to start custom maps if not all human player slots are filled

Age of Mythology: Retold Report a Bug
1

  • Game Version: Standard / Premium

  • Build Number: v.100.18.46960.0 (571248r)

  • Platform: Steam

  • Operating System: Windows 11/ Windows 10…

Issue:

When creating a custom scenario map in the editor, the game cannot be started unless all Human Player slots are filled with real players.
This prevents scenarios designed for flexible player counts (solo, 2, 3, or 4 players) from being launched.
Random Maps are not affected — they work as expected.

This limitation blocks certain types of custom game modes and reduces the creative freedom of the modding community.

Trigger Event:

Trying to launch a custom scenario map from the editor in the game’s multiplayer host mode with less than the maximum number of human players assigned in data player.

Repro Steps:

  1. Open the scenario editor.
  2. Create a custom map and set 4 Human Players as available.
  3. Save the map and try to launch it with only 1–3 human players.
  4. The game will not start unless all Human Player slots are occupied.

Expected Result:

The game should allow starting the scenario with fewer than the maximum number of human players, treating unfilled slots as “disabled” or AI.

2 Likes
2

The restriction makes no sense in the first place. The amount of human players should not dictate whether a scenario starts or not, beyond any limitations the mod creators have set for balance or other reasons.

1 Like
3

There is a mod called dummy AI by which you can get around this issue.

But yeah it should have been supported officially. People have been complaining about it since game release. The current custom scenario system in the game is not so convenient and an update on it is much needed.

1 Like
4

This limitation is really frustrating. Especially since it doesn’t exist in Age of Empires 3 (the game that uses the same engine).
I have to generate the same scenario several times for X number of players. It’s a nightmare to manage, especially when I’m doing updates.
This bug really discourages me from creating multiplayer scenarios. Which is a shame, because the AoM editor is excellent otherwise.

I reported it earlier in the year. And nothing has been done since. Despite a response from a developer…
https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/impossible-to-replace-player-slots-with-ais-in-multiplayer-scenarios/276076/1

Thank you very much for the information! But indeed, it’s a shame to have to rely on a mod for that… (Especially since there is ‘May break in future game updates’ in the mod description. :sweat_smile:

1 Like