The primary challenge faced by European nations during the Age of Exploration was navigating and establishing secure trade routes and colonies. As European powers sought new goods, such as spices and precious metals, they encountered resistance from indigenous populations and competition from other colonizing nations. Additionally, advancements in navigation, shipbuilding, and military technology were crucial in overcoming challenges posed by vast oceans and unfamiliar territories. The quest for wealth and resources often led to conflicts and exploitation of native peoples, shaping the dynamics of global trade and colonization that would last for centuries.