This coming Wednesday, November 3rd, the platform team will be taking the multiplayer servers down for regular maintenance. Please note:
Ranked matchmaking will disabled exactly one hour before the maintenance window to prevent disruption to newly-formed matches.
Any matches still in progress at the start of the maintenance window will be disrupted when it begins.
DURING THE MAINTENANCE WINDOW, YOU WILL STILL BE ABLE TO LAUNCH THE GAME, BUT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MATCHMAKE OR ACCESS ANY ONLINE FEATURES.
To prevent any interruptions, we recommend wrapping up any games at least 10 minutes before the maintenance window. The downtime is expected to last 2 hours. You can watch this thread with any changes to the schedule as they arise, as well as the all-clear when the maintenance is complete.
Thank you for your patience!
Age of Empires IV is Available Now
Emma Bridle, Director of Customer Voice, World’s Edge
The day is upon us, the sun has risen on a new Age. The whole team is so proud to announce that Age of Empires IV is now available on Steam.
This is the first new numbered Age of Empires title in 16 years, and we’re honored to have added a chapter to this globally beloved franchise. Players all over the world have been engaging in fierce battles, building expansive empires, and wololo-ing for close to 25 years and it’s thrilling to give our players more to enjoy.
To celebrate the launch of Age of Empires IV, we are taking over Times Square in NYC by spanning multiple city blocks of large digital screens, a living diorama, and an AR experience. Please share your experiences if you happen to be in NYC. For those in London, heading to Piccadilly Circus from November 2nd could be an experience for the ages.
Age of Empires IV has something for every strategy gaming fan. With eight diverse civilizations, four captivating campaigns, multiplayer, skirmish, maps, unlockable videos, Art of War challenges, masteries and more, we’re excited to see what you play first.
If you’re new to Age of Empires: first of all, welcome! Now that you’re with us, there’s plenty of ways for you to get started:
If this isn’t your first voyage onto the battlefield, there’s plenty of new features for you to enjoy in Age of Empires IV. Try positioning your archers on top of walls to literally take your strategy to new heights. Place your units in stealth forests to ready the perfect ambush, your units will even whisper to evade discovery by your enemies. Move your entire civilization across the map whilst playing as the Mongols and choose your landmarks to age up and gain additional bonuses.
There’s so much to enjoy with Age of Empires IV and we can’t wait to hear from you as you get started. The team is ready and waiting to hear your feedback! Need support? Head to our dedicated Support Site to get you back to battle.
Get ready! Only three days remain before the launch of Age of Empires IV– the long-awaited return of one of PC gaming’s most iconic strategy franchises.
We also have some exciting announcements for you today:
First, the official launch trailer for Age of Empires IV is available to watch now!
[previewyoutube="_NZ30dtNv78;full"]
Secondly, as of today, selected press and content creators will start publishing their thoughts on this long-awaited title. Now is a great time to check out some of the content from some of our favorite creators!
Age of Empires IV Min Spec Mode: More Opportunities to Play
For nearly 25 years, the Age of Empires series has been delighting millions of real-time strategy fans around the world. With a focus on real historical events dating all the way back to the Stone Age, the series tasks players with determining how those events played out, allowing them to experience history as it was or create a new history of their own. It’s clearly resonated with fans, selling over 25 million copies over the years.
With that in mind, our developer teams at World’s Edge and Relic Entertainment knew that we had big shoes to fill in developing the upcoming Age of Empires IV. However, we knew it wasn’t enough just to create a game that not only checked all of the requisite real-time strategy boxes but also delivered an experience that exceeded our fans’ expectations. We knew that we needed to go above and beyond to let more people than ever play.
Enter Min Spec mode, which will allow players on older and lower-powered machines to experience Age of Empires IV.
Queue up some Archers, get those Farms quickly constructed, and find that dang Idle Villager who’s just been hanging out taking up space. Today we’re excited to give an early look at some of the key Shortcuts you’ll need to help build up your village, manage your army on the battlefield, and in general help you become a better player with Age of Empires IV.
You can see the list below, helpful to keep open as an extra tab or to print out and stick on your wall for even easier referencing (we recommend double-sided tape). We should also note that should you choose to mess with a good thing, all these keys are remappable in Age of Empires IV, allowing you to update and adjust as needed for your optimal gaming experience.
On October 28, one of the most acclaimed and iconic real-time strategy game series will return with the release of Age of Empires IV, ushering in a new era of kings, queens, empires, and heroes. Age of Empires IV invites players to make history their story with eight unique civilizations and four epic campaigns that cover nearly 500 years of history, from the Dark Ages all the way through to the Renaissance.
In true Age of Empires style, you’ll harvest resources, construct massive cities, assemble epic armies, and lead your troops to battle across land and sea as you’re immersed in a highly detailed historical setting. You can also hop online and experience a robust multiplayer feature set, competing against skilled players online or cooperating with up to seven of your friends across a variety of PVP or PVE modes.
And what better way to show off your strategic prowess than with achievements! Shared here today is your first look at every achievement you can unlock in Age of Empires IV - save for some of the most secret achievements you’ll have to discover for yourself (no spoilers here). Learn new skills in the Art of War challenges and earn the title of “Record Breaker” and +10 to your Gamerscore by receiving five Gold medals. Emerge victorious from battle against A.I. to test your strength as a strategist and earn one of four achievements, based on the difficulty level of the A.I. Or challenge yourself as the French to win a match without producing infantry for the “Who Needs Infantry?” achievement for 20 points. In all there’s nearly 90 achievements here for you to unlock – which ones are you going to go for first?
With innovative new ways to expand your empire across vast landscapes in stunning 4K, Age of Empires IV is set to bring real-time strategy to a new generation of PC gamers. We hope you’ll join us October 28 when a new age dawns with the release of Age of Empires IV.
Relive the march of history! Join the many generations of players who have experienced one of the most beloved franchises, spanning twenty years and leaving a legacy of historical adventures. Remember where it all started with your favorite civilizations and relive the campaigns you know and love. Add the ultimate compilation in the next installment of real-time strategy gaming. With high-fidelity graphics and featuring recently released content, the new Age of Empires Anthology delivers it all. It not only includes titles from the past, but gamers can battle it out in new game modes, discover new civilizations, and enjoy the updated graphics.
In addition to your favorite titles from the past, also included in the anthology is the new Age of Empires IV – Digital Deluxe Edition, with special access to the official Age of Empires IV soundtrack, Unit Counters Chart, an art compilation from digital painter Craig Mullins, and exclusive in-game content. With both familiar and innovative new ways to expand your empire in stunning 4K visual fidelity, Age of Empires IV brings an evolved real-time strategy game to a new generation. Play eight diverse civilizations, four distinct campaigns with legendary historical figures, 8-player multiplayer modes, and a tutorial system designed for first-time players.
Age of Empires Anthology titles included:
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, plus the new “Dawn of the Dukes” and “Lords of the West” expansions
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, plus the new “The African Royals” expansion
Age of Empires IV – Digital Deluxe Edition
*Please note: the Anthology does not include the Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition – United States Civilization.
This unforgettable anthology is an unrivaled compilation with hundreds of hours of real-time strategy fun that will stand the test of time, and is available NOW on the Steam Store!
Age of Empires IV at gamescom 2021: Hands on History and New Updates
Hands on History
Today during the gamescom 2021 Xbox Stream, the Age of Empires team revealed an exciting storytelling element from the upcoming Age of Empires IV, Hands on History. This series of twenty-eight unlockable videos was filmed on location with experts around the world, and give players a deeper look into the way people lived, fought and ruled in the past. Age of Empires IV will bring history to life like never before, with Hands on History telling more stories as players build, battle and Age up!
Fans got an exclusive first look at one of the videos today, highlighting everyone’s favorite medieval weapon – the trebuchet! Shot on location at Warwick Castle in England with Mechanical Engineer Dr. Shini Somara, players saw a full-scale trebuchet in action with insight into how this weapon of war worked.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNAp-SO6CvQ
Gamescom 2021 Trailer
As part of gamescom Opening Night Live, the Age of Empires IV team gave a first look at the remaining launch civilizations and campaigns; The Rus, The Holy Roman Empire, The Rise of Moscow and The Mongol Empire.
At launch, players will get to build and expand Moscow over time. The Rus’ skills in hunting, trade and construction combined with a battle-ready cavalry will see them become more powerful as they expand to new frontiers through the Ages. The Opening Night Live trailer showcased two unique units, the Streltsy and Warrior Monks (wololo!). The Streltsy’s combination of axe and gunpowder partnered with the conversion capabilities of Warrior Monks will make a Rus army a force to be reckoned with.
The Holy Roman Empire’s civilization is shaped by a powerful infantry army and early access to religious units. Seen in today’s trailer, their Prelate unit supports and heals, inspiring nearby armies to grant benefits. The two-handed sword of the Landsknecht will be an asset to any battle.
Relic Entertainment will be going live later on Friday to recap the week, chat with the Age of Empires team and answer community questions. Tune in at https://www.twitch.tv/relicentertainment on August 27, 2021 at 4:15 PM PDT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUKSBTeJ7bs Want to learn more about Age of Empires IV? Head to the Age of Empires website to deep dive on the civilizations, learn more about the campaigns and join the conversation. The game is available for pre-order now on Steam and will be playable starting October 28! Pre-order NowLearn More
Age of Empires Anthology Bundle
This week we also released the newest Steam bundle: the Age of Empires Anthology! Age of Empires Anthology titles included:
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, plus the new “Dawn of the Dukes” and “Lords of the West” expansions
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, plus the new “The African Royals” expansion
Age of Empires IV – Digital Deluxe Edition
*Please note: the Anthology does not include the Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition – United States Civilization. Buy Now
Gamescom Award
Congratulations to the Age of Empires IV team on a win for the Best Strategy Game award at Gamescom! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUKSBTeJ7bs
Age of Empires IV launching October 28th Available for Pre-order Now
The global Age of Empires community doesn’t have long to wait for the franchise’s next chapter! Age of Empires IV is launching on October 28 on Steam.
After April’s Fan Preview event where we showed the game in detail for the first time, we revealed even more at the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase about the latest chapter in the Age of Empires franchise, with two new launch civilizations, a newly-revealed campaign, naval combat and the appearance of Joan of Arc.
So far, the teams at both Relic and World’s Edge have shared that players will have the choice of the English, Mongols, Chinese and Delhi Sultanate at launch, and today’s trailer revealed two more civilizations—the Abbasid Dynasty and the French!
The Abbasid Dynasty’s focus on technology, powered by their unique landmark—the House of Wisdom—will allow players to choose unique upgrade opportunities. Their unique units include Camel Archers and Riders.
The French were revealed alongside the 100 Years War campaign, allowing players to place themselves in the battles fought between the English and French in the 14th and 15th centuries. The French thrive in trade, with the Chamber of Commerce and Royal Institute landmarks helping strengthen a player’s late game. Royal Knights are one of the civilization’s special units with a fearsome charge ability.
Making a heroic appearance in the trailer is French heroine and icon Joan of Arc, who also has a starring role in the game’s key art. Teenage Joan rallied her country and led armies into battle against the occupying English. Age of Empires II fans fell in love with Joan in the title’s campaign and the development teams are excited to see her return.
Back in April, we teased the appearance of ships as the Fan Preview event ended, and today, fans saw naval combat in action. Taking the battle to the water adds a whole new dimension to player strategy and adds new meaning to “sink or swim”!
Pre-orders are now open for Age of Empires IV! Head to Steam to reserve your copy. A Digital Deluxe Edition is available on Steam for fans who want even more, including a digital copy of the game’s epic soundtrack as well as other exclusive in-game items. Can’t wait until October 28? Head to ageofempires.com and become an Age Insider to be considered for beta opportunities as well as find more information on the announced civilizations and campaigns. Make history your story with Age of Empires IV, coming October 28 on Steam.
We’ve vacated the Town Center (for now) and our Age Fan Preview broadcast has come and gone! We hope you enjoyed the show and have plenty of new news to talk about and share with the community.
In case you missed some of the excitement or information in the whirlwind, here’s a quick breakdown of everything we shared today.
IV | New Civ: The Delhi Sultanate
[previewyoutube="uHESFQ8LBfk;full"] First we revealed one of the civilizations you’ll be able to play in Age of Empires IV: the Delhi Sultanate! This first look showed off buildings, units and…elephants!
If you’d like to learn more about what makes the Delhi Sultanate unique, you can visit our Virtual Village for a closer look.
IV | The Norman Campaign
[previewyoutube="qojnBjUYzUU;full"] We took a deep dive into the Norman Campaign coming to Age of Empires IV. We previewed the documentary-style storytelling that will carry you through missions, as well as some of the gameplay captured straight from the campaign: beginning with William of Normandy’s battle for the English throne. Age of Empires IV will have four playable campaigns, and we’re excited to share more as we get closer to its release.
IV | Behind-the-Scenes at Relic Entertainment
[previewyoutube="PmwuI9vdFi8;full"] Age of Empires IV is being developed by Relic Entertainment, who offered us a behind-the-scenes look at their Vancouver studio and work on the game. Their history with real time strategy games, their passionate team, and their love for the franchise shone through in our chats with them, and we hope you enjoyed getting to know the people behind the project!
IV | New Civ: The Chinese
[previewyoutube="hvuOQ84VrRw;full"] Our trip to Vancouver to visit Relic was followed by another special civilization reveal for Age of Empires IV: the Chinese! Their reveal video gave us a taste for their units, unique buildings, and even the first notes of their musical theme.
Learn more about the Chinese civilization in the Virtual Village.
II | New Expansion: The Dawn of the Dukes
[previewyoutube="ATBsKnkabkk;full"] As Fan Preview is a celebration of ALL things Age of Empires, we also wanted to feature our Definitive Editions. We’ve been so thrilled to remaster these classic titles for new and old players alike, and to continue evolving them alongside the community’s feedback!
Today we announced some big additions coming to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition:
The second official DLC—Dawn of the Dukes—is coming with an Eastern European setting!
Some of our existing campaigns will be playable in two player co-op, with more information about the feature coming soon!
III | New Civ: The United States
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is getting more content too! On April 13, you'll be able to experience the United States civilization.
A new civilization, new customizable home city, distinct units, and unique mechanics are on the horizon!
You’ll be able to earn the United States civ for FREE by completing the Fifty States Challenge, or by purchasing and unlocking it immediately via Steam or the Microsoft Store.
We’ll also be expanding the civ roster in the future as we head to Africa. More information to come!
♥ | A Community Tribute
[previewyoutube="0d_SwlRazco;full"] One of the best things about Age of Empires is the vibrant, creative, welcoming community. A celebration of the franchise wouldn’t be complete without all of YOU, so the Relic and World’s Edge Community Teams got together to pay tribute to you and your love of the games. It’s been a fantastic journey with you all so far, and we can’t wait to see you in Age of Empires IV.
IV | Age of Empires IV Gameplay: An Exclusive Look!
[previewyoutube="0EU0AHLkHFA;full"] You’ve been asking to see more of Age of Empires IV, so we pulled a little something together! This epic look at the gameplay of Age IV showcases all of our revealed civilizations as they build and battle across the Ages. There are so many great moments, and we’re excited to hear what stands out to you!
IV | A Final Look...
[previewyoutube="Q1pEnd41eJA;full"] Just when you thought we were done, our host hinted at one final look at the game...
...But Wait, There's More!
And with that, our show was done! A big thank you to our host Zak (AKA ZeroEmpires) and to the entire team who worked so hard to put the show together.
But this is just the beginning! Fan Preview isn’t finished just yet; there are a few more activities for you to enjoy over the next week:
You can head to our Virtual Village to catch more exclusive content, learn more about the Age of Empires IV civilizations we've revealed thus far, and take part in some activities built exclusively for this celebration.
An Age of Empires IV Closed Beta is on the horizon! If you want a chance to take part, you’ll need to be an Age of Empires Insider. Go sign up if you haven’t already; we’ll have more to share about the Beta in the near future, so stay tuned to our social channels and website.
There’s also an opportunity to win a one-of-a-kind, Age of Empires-branded, Dell Alienware Aurora R11 Desktop.Enter for a chance to win!
Age of Empires IV is coming this Fall 2021 as our Definitive Editions continue to evolve month after month. There’s never been a better time to be an Age of Empires fan, and we’re excited for what comes next.
So, to everyone joining us, whether new or for the twentieth (or more) years: WO-LO-LO!
