Console Competitive

AOE2 Nations Cup — Official Rules

Start Date: October 10th  ·  Duration: 2-3 weeks

This tournament is focused on the top players from each nation to see which nation reigns supreme. Each nation will play each other in a round robin style — a play-all format with a 1v1, a 2v2, a 3v3, and a 4v4. Each team will have between 4 and 6 players; players can be used more than once per round. There will be a civ draft and a map draft — civs and maps cannot be repeated during each round. A 1v1 is worth 1 point, 2v2 worth 2, 3v3 worth 3, and 4v4 worth 4. The two nations with the highest scores after the round robin phase face each other in the finals; 3rd and 4th place face each other for a 3rd place match.

1) Eligibility & Platform Rules

• Controller only — keyboard and mouse gameplay is not allowed.
• Players may not be in a party with anyone other than their teammates during official games.
• Players must appear online while playing tournament matches (must be verifiable).
• Discord nickname must closely match Gamertag for scheduling clarity.
• At least 1 person per team must be in the Discord.

2) Conduct & Fair Play

• All participants must maintain respectful and cooperative behavior.
• Griefing is not allowed (hiding units, excessive pausing, intentional AFK, artificial delays).
• Coaching from third parties during games is not allowed.
• Admins reserve the right to disqualify players for cheating or unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Sling — in order to sling, both the slinger and the recipient must be in Imperial Age.

3) Sign-ups

• Participants sign up individually. If more than 6 players sign up for a nation, that nation's own players decide who makes the final cut.
• Teams may use any number of players multiple times per round, to facilitate swift games and scheduling.
• Player timezone, average play time, and prior tournament participation are taken into consideration. A player who stops actively participating can be replaced.
• Substitutes are allowed if judged of equal or less skill than the player they're replacing — judged by the admins, who have full control of what's chosen.

4) Format

• Round Robin. Games are played on weekends starting the weekend of October 10th, 2026 — can be played during the week if both teams are willing and able.
• Tournament should run for a total of 2-3 weeks.
• Teams that don't make a concerted effort to play their games will be disqualified pending admin review.

5) Scheduling

• Starting schedules are released by admins once signups are complete.
• It's up to the teams to schedule the specific date and time of their set.
• Teams must be available during the day at least 2 weekends during the tournament period, with 1 week identified at the beginning — to allow scheduling with overseas players.
• Cancellations within 24 hours must be rescheduled within 7 days.
• Cancellation notice must be given 8h prior to playtime to avoid forfeiting (unless the other team agrees to reschedule) — exceptions at admin discretion.
• If rescheduled into a new week, two sets need to be played that week.
• Admins may award full points to a team if the opposing team doesn't show scheduling effort.

6) Maps & Civilizations

• Map pool: Arabia, Arena, African Clearing, Pilgrims, Frontline, Migration, Glade, Black Forest.
• A map draft and civ draft are held by a chosen representative from each team — maps and civs cannot be repeated during a set.
• Game 1: Admin map. Game 2: chosen by Game 1's loser. Game 3: chosen by Game 2's loser.

7) Prize Pool

• Starts at $200. Donations are encouraged and sent out by Old Peenuts to the winning team — reach out to Old Peenuts directly to donate.

8) Disconnects & Restarts

• Teammates must pause immediately on disconnect.
• Before minute 5 → full restart. After minute 5 → restore from save.
• Maximum pause: 5 minutes (can be longer if both teams agree).
• Two disconnects by the same team = game loss.
• Restored games require at least one POV stream per team.

9) Game Settings

• Game mode: Random Map. Settings standard with ranked online play. Civilizations hidden in lobby setup.

10) Spectator Settings

• Games must be public, spectators enabled, exactly 2-minute spectator delay required.
• If not public/visible when detected by an admin → immediate restart.

11) Admin Authority

• Admins have final say in disputes. All decisions prioritize fairness and simplicity.

Standings

Series

Every set goes to whichever side has the better odds, so favorites sweep and the standings look more lopsided than a real tournament would. The odds above are the better guide. Head-to-head is 1v1 Console games between the two 1v1 leaders (alt accounts included); the odds do not use it, and with so few games it is only context.