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With the upcoming release of the
Dynasties of the East expansion on
November 4th,
Age of Empires IV will introduce an all-new singleplayer roguelite RTS experience built from the ground up for replayability:
The Crucible. Players will face unpredictable enemy waves, randomized objectives, and unlockable upgrades – no two matches are the same, and each decision shapes the path forward.
Whether you’re defending your Wonder, unlocking powerful perks or testing your endurance, The Crucible delivers an exciting twist on traditional
Age of Empires IV gameplay.
[/p][hr][/hr][h2]Pre-Order the Newest DLC Now![/h2][p]
Dynasties of the East is available for pre-order now on Steam and receive a 15% discount!
Coming November 4th!
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[/p][h2]Setting Up Your Gameplay[/h2][p]The thunder of hoofbeats descends on your base as you hold against hordes of enemies. Your carefully constructed defenses crumble and burn around you, but it doesn’t matter. You’ve survived long enough against everything they could throw at you, and you’ve won.
Your valiant final stand started 45 minutes ago when you first selected which Crucible mission to play. There are four to choose from:
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- [p] The pirate infested Mediterranean waters of the Byzantine empire in Contested Coastline.
[/p] - [p] Facing down three mighty clans of the Sengoku Daimyo in Daimyo Dynamics.
[/p] - [p] Hunting bandits and dodging man-at-arms of the Holy Roman Empire in Forest Lords.
[/p] - [p] Holding fast against the mounted hordes of the Mongols in Watch Your Steppe. [/p]
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You then selected your civilization. Whether you want to challenge yourself with your favorite civilization or relax while experimenting with a new civilization is up to you.
When picking your difficulty, you have eight options to choose from. All the way from the beginner friendly, Easiest; to more relaxed and casual levels of Easy, Intermediate, and Hard; into the punishing challenges of Hardest, Ridiculous, Outrageous, and finally Absurd. Those looking for further challenge can also unlock the special Conqueror mode on difficulties Hardest through Absurd.
Once in game, you’re greeted by your civilization’s Wonder. These beautiful buildings are your main objective and must be protected at all costs. For the next 45 minutes the enemy will throw everything they have at you in an attempt to tear it down. Even though the enemy civilizations are set per map, the units they throw at you will change every playthrough. Outside the initial militia wave and later boss waves, each wave is randomized as the match progresses. Culminating in hundreds of enemy units all intent on burning your Wonder to the ground.
[/p][h2]Enhance Your Abilities[/h2][p]
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Aside from the innate skill and tactical brilliance you bring to the table you’ll also be gifted Boons throughout the match. These Boons enhance your abilities and range from simple caches of resources, all the way to a brief duration of an unkillable army, and other powerful effects. Which Boons you are offered change every time you play.
[/p][h2]Don’t Forget Side Objectives[/h2][p]
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If you’re bold enough, you can also attempt to clear the optional side objectives and numerous points of interest that populate the maps. These are also randomized each playthrough and are well guarded but offer bountiful rewards. Some examples include Champions held captive who will join you if freed or a powerful Siege Camp with a thundering barrage that can be yours to control.
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[/p][h2]You Win! Now What?[/h2][p]
If you’ve survived all 45 minutes, you’ll be met with victory where you’ll have the choice to return to the main menu and play again or continue in Endless Mode (note: continuing in Endless mode offers nothing more than bragging rights). If you’ve reached one of the medal milestones – Bronze at 25 minutes, Silver at 35 minutes, and Gold at 45 minutes – you’ll be rewarded
with perk points to spend in the Crucible Perks menu. These upgrades, once purchased,
will persist through all your future runs. Some options include faster production, pre-built buildings, more scouts, or even an option to reroll your Boons in-game.
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All in all, this mode aims to blend the joys of single player comp-stomp with the longevity of a randomized experience that gives you unique opportunities and challenges each time you play. Challenge yourself to reach higher difficulties aided with or without perks, and even attempt our hardest challenge, Conqueror mode. All this awaits you in the upcoming battleground of The Crucible, available in the
Dynasties of the East DLC on November 4th.
[/p][hr][/hr][h2]Pre-Order the Newest DLC Now![/h2][p]
Dynasties of the East is available for pre-order now on Steam and receive a 15% discount!
Coming November 4th!
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