Not to disagree with the first few statements of this thread, but ...
It is true you will rank up very quickly in the later [Age's] 3 and 4 mostly, not just Age-4 but....
I don't think that it is really the place for a
new player .
Why?
Because a new player for one will be lost, confused and more frustrated at the newr Age-4 rule set.
You didn't mention the rule set or provide even a link here so players can see the new rule set OR inform players of how the game works ...
To all new players reading this, Please read the official wiki on SHK Age rule sets particularly the [leader board] section and player placing
http://help.strongholdkingdoms.com/inde ... eaderboard
Realize the head start most players in a World-Server into Age-4 have, most players there will have MAX researchs and MAX villages,
These are the things to consider and if a server is even worth the TONS of time a player goes through building.
Not to say you won't find help on a later server, im just saying your chances of ever seeing REAL Fame or a place in ANY of the top 100 spots on the leader board is NULL and VOID ...
If you don't care about Fame or actually playing for points, and just like a great start and more than enough research skill points and to just unlock quests in the game, by all means play a Age-4 world, BUT BEWARE, the AI attacks are non-stop, extremely Crusader styled , if your familiar with the actual StrongHold series .. and i mean close to the HD-Extreame version , than this would be a AGE for you!
Hope this helps.