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Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition News

What’s Coming in 2026 for Age of Empires and Age of Mythology

[p]As we head towards the close of another year, we’re reflecting on 12 months of expansions, updates, gameplay moments, esports and we’re celebrating you – our players. 2025 has been the most content-rich year in franchise history: From launching 6 expansions across 3 games, to bringing titles to PlayStation 5, becoming the Louvre’s first gaming partner, and meeting players at Gamescom with three playable demos — this year was all about leveling up together.

We’ve not only grown in content but also in players, growing to more than 70 million players.

Let’s  take a closer look at what you helped bring to life in 2025:
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  • [p]Immortal Pillars and Heavenly Spear expanded the stories of Age of Mythology: Retold – introducing new Chinese and Japanese pantheons, innovative myth units, new epic campaigns, and thirteen new maps.
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  • [p]Knights of Cross and Rose and Dynasties of the East added new civs, game modes, maps, and biomes to Age of Empires IV. We’ve also been thrilled to see how much fun you’ve been having with the new Crucible mode. Have you spawned a pink sheep yet?
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  • [p]The Three Kingdoms and Chronicles: Alexander the Great explored new characters, civilizations and tales for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition as the game has continued to grow, more than six years after its debut in 2019.
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  • [p] We created more opportunities for you to engage with the Age franchise wherever you choose to play, welcoming new players  with the releases of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition,  Age of Mythology: Retold, and Age of Empires IV on PlayStation 5.
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  • [p] We made history – literally – by becoming the first gaming partner of the Louvre museum in Paris. We will forever be honored to have had the opportunity to work with them to share the stories of the Mamluk Dynasty.[/p]
[p] While we plan to take an end of year rest, we’re already geared up for 2026. Here’s a preview of what you can expect in the first half of next year from the Age of Empires and Age of Mythology franchises. We remain, as ever, grateful for the love and support you show these games that we all care for so deeply.

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Red Bull Wololo: Londinium is the Biggest Wololo Yet, Coming in 2026
[p]Last week, on December 3rd, we released tickets for Red Bull Wololo: Londinium, taking place in London, April 1st through 6th, 2026. Moving from castles to the city, it will be the biggest Wololo yet, with the grand final taking over the iconic Royal Albert Hall. We couldn’t be more excited!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

We’ll be bringing Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV to the British capital in style. The playoffs will take place at Leicester Square’s ODEON Luxe, the setting for countless glamorous movie premieres, and now the location for fierce Age of Empires competition.

For all the information you’ll need, plus links to secure your tickets, head to the Red Bull website.

The in-game ladder for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition will start January 2nd, 2026. For those of you who dream of taking a coveted place at the top, better get practicing!

With just a few months to go before the event, we’ll continue revealing more details over the coming months, and letting you know how you can get involved.

Playoff and Grand Finals tickets are currently sold out but may become available in limited quantities if refunded tickets are released back into the pool. For ticket availability, please check the ticketing sites regularly and join the Red Bull Wololo Discord for the latest updates! [/p][p][/p]
Age of Mythology Retold Expands Further in 2026
[p]Legends have expanded, heroes have risen and fallen, and you’ve taken on new challenges in 2025 in Age of Mythology: Retold. We’ve loved seeing your passion for the game and your creativity in mod creation, photo mode and more.

With the launch of Heavenly Spear in September, we reached the end of the promised offering outlined for our Premium Edition. We knew this left many of you wondering what would be next for the game and we’re excited to reveal what you’ll be able to get your hands on in 2026.

You’ll be able to own four new mythic releases, with the Expansion Pass content, culminating in the release of the game’s most ambitious expansion, featuring the massively requested Aztec pantheon!

Buy the Expansion Pass and enjoy the next four releases  automatically  on  their respective release dates - no separate purchases, no waiting. As an Expansion Pass holder, you’ll receive exclusive rewards, premium value, and mythic variety across four epic additions. 

Pre-order will start on December 18th with a 15% discount running until the first item releases.

[/p][h3]Included Mythic Releases:[/h3][p] 
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  1. [p]New Gods Pack: Demeter – Become a Force of Nature 
    Command the power of the harvest goddess herself. Unleash new god powers and myth units that reshape the battlefield and bend the will of nature to your strategy. 
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  2. [p]Ultimate Fan Pack – A Golden Mark of Support 
    Show your devotion to  Age of Mythology: Retold with this supporter-themed collection. 
    Adorn your temples and town centers with shimmering gold, display unique pantheon icons, and stand out as one of the faithful. 
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  3. [p]Blood & Bones Pack – Beauty in Battle 
    Witness warfare like never before. This visual overhaul introduces dynamic blood systems, prismatic essence for myth units, and evolving transitions that make each skirmish feel visceral and alive – exclusive to Expansion Pass owners 
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  4. [p]Obsidian Mirror – Rise of the Aztec Gods The centerpiece of the Expansion Pass. One of the most requested pantheons in franchise history finally ascends. 
    Enter the world of the  Aztec gods in a sweeping 12-mission campaign that spans continents and celestial realms. Wield divine monsters, call upon gods like Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl, and lead your civilization through an era of obsidian fire and sacrifice. This is more than an add-on - it’s a full-scale expansion introducing an entirely new culture, pantheon, and divine playstyle. 
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[p]Again, pre-orders start on December 18th, make sure you’re following the Age of Mythology channels to ensure you don’t miss further news and reveals!

For the latest updates and announcements, please visit our social channels!

Age of Mythology on Facebook Age of Mythology on X
Age of Mythology on Instagram


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Age of Empires Mobile: PC Edition Launches Early 2026
[p]Earlier this year we announced that we’ll be bringing Age of Empires Mobile to PC and today we’re excited to say there’s not long to wait. Age of Empires Mobile: PC Edition will arrive on Steam and Windows Store in early 2026.

The game has been available on Google Play and Apple App Store since October 2024 and has seen millions of players from around the world build their kingdoms, taken part in massive battles to control the map and earned rewards in in-game events.

Now optimized for PC, players can experience the game with mouse control, full keyboard navigation, refined UI and enhanced 4K visuals. Seamless Crossplay will allow players who’ve started on mobile to swap between their phone, tablet and/or PC with ease.

Age of Empires Mobile: PC Edition combines familiar Age of Empires Mobile elements with an optimized PC experience.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

To ensure you’re ready to go when the game launches in early 2026, wishlist now on Steam and follow the Age of Empires Mobile community channels to stay in the loop.

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Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is Heading to South America in February 2026
[p]We are thrilled to announce the next expansion for Age of Empires II: Definitive EditionThe Last Chieftains! Launching in February 2026, this exciting new chapter dives into medieval South America, where history and folklore combine to present an epic narrative, dramatic conflict, and our newest exploration of the ancient world!

The Last Chieftains introduces three new civilizations, all of them for play in Ranked, and each with their own unique units, technologies. As well as a new shared architecture for the Mapuche, Muisca, and the Tupi! Challenge your friends in Skirmish matches or battle your way across South America with three new Campaigns, commanding the forces of folk heroes such as Lautaro, Pacanchique, and Arariboia. These Campaigns feature memorable moments and characters like the berserker Galvarino, or Nicolas Durand the swashbuckling adventurer. The Muisca campaign can even be played from two unique perspectives, depending on whether you decide to serve the noble Nemequene or the greedy Quemuenchatocha.

Whether you are a passionate historian, an admirer of compelling storytelling, a longtime fan of the Age of Empires franchise, or all of the above – The Last Chieftains promises countless hours of excitement across Campaign and Multiplayer.

This latest expansion will be available for pre-order in January, and we’ll have more information to share then. So you don’t have to wait, here’s an exclusive first look.

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[p]Mapuche[/p]
[p]Muisca[/p]
[p]Tupi[/p]
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Age of Empires IV Brings Two New Expansions in 2026
[p]After the huge successes of Knights of Cross and Rose and Dynasties of the East this year, we’re excited to share what’s next for Age of Empires IV.

In 2026 we’ll be delivering two new expansions. The first, releasing in Spring, will feature a sweeping story inspired by Chinese history, told via a new campaign.  Later in the year, we’ll bring yet another expansion, introducing two new base civilizations – including The Vikings, which we know you’ve been asking for – and building on our content offering for The Crucible! [/p][p]We’ve heard your feedback around co-op missions for Crucible and this is something the team is looking into alongside their work on the two 2026 expansions. We don’t have specifics to share just yet in terms of timeline, but we’re incredibly happy to see your response to the new mode and excited to expand on it in the future.[/p][p]Thank you for a record-setting year in 2025 – your passion and excitement have made  Dynasties of the East the Age of Empires franchise’s fastest-selling expansion pre-order yet! We look forward to taking the game in more new directions and expanding on how you can play in 2026.

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[p]Thank you for all your support in 2025. We’re excited for what 2026 will bring. We’ll have more information to share on what’s to come so make sure you’re following our official channels to stay up to date!

Age of Empires on FacebookAge of Empires on XAge of Empires on InstagramOfficial Discord[/p]

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Update 162286



Welcome to an exciting update for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition! This patch brings bug fixes, balance changes, plus paves the road for the Empire Wars 1v1 ladder reset that will become the Red Bull Wololo: Londinium ladder from January 2nd to 18th, 2026. Be sure to dig down into the post below to get all of the smaller details before hopping in-game and checking them out firsthand.

This is just a small taste of what is coming in the latest update. For a more complete list, please visit our site and check out our blog. Happy Gaming!

💬 DISCUSS: Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Forum
🗣 JOIN: The Age of Empires Official Discord


Thank you again to our amazing community members, all of whom have helped to make Age of Empires what it is today!

—The Age of Empires Team
[hr][/hr]
◆ Update 162286 ◆
[hr][/hr]
[h2]Build Spotlight[/h2]


[h3]Temporary Reset of Empire Wars 1v1 Ladder During Red Bull Wololo: Londinium[/h3]
This patch is mainly paving the road for the Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Empire Wars 1v1 ladder that will become the Red Bull Wololo: Londinium ladder from January 2nd to 18th, 2026, 17:00 UTC. The rating will be reset, and players may compete for a slot in the main event. The top four players advance into the main event, while 5th-12th place finishers gain an advantage for the last-chance qualifier.

Why is the ladder being temporarily reset?
To ensure an even playing field for all competitors, the leaderboard has to be temporarily reset. The four with the highest ELO rating achieved on the leaderboard on January 18th, at 17:00 UTC, will be directly invited to the Red Bull Wololo: Londinium event taking place in London, UK.

How does this affect you?
Your experience will remain the same; however, you may find that your EW 1v1 rating will require 10 games before being shown on the leaderboard. With this change, you will be able to experience what it’s like to play on the settings and maps of one of the biggest tournaments for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. The ladder holds no restrictions—anyone is free to play on the ladder whether they intend to participate in the tournament or not.

Please be aware, there is a controller-only ladder visible for Red Bull Wololo: Londinium for those playing on Xbox and PS5 consoles. However, this ladder will not be eligible for qualification. Remember to enable cross-play, as qualification will only be available to those on the cross-play-enabled ladder.

This is just a small taste of what is coming in the latest update. For a more complete list, please visit our site and check out our blog. Happy Gaming!

[h3]:alertalert: DISCLAIMER[/h3]This list is subject to change and should not be considered a comprehensive list of all the known issues we’re tracking. The above is to inform you of the team’s current priorities, which will change as other issues arise or take precedence.

For the latest updates and announcements, please visit our social channels.

Server Maintenance - Monday, December 1



WHAT: Server Maintenance (Matchmaking Servers)
WHEN: Monday, December 1 @ 2:00pm PT / 5:00pm ET / 22:00 UTC (Countdown)
EST. DOWNTIME: 1-2 HOURS

[h3]GAMES & PLATFORMS IMPACTED[/h3]
[h3]OBJECTIVES[/h3]
  • Routine server updates and maintenance.

[h3]DETAILS[/h3]This coming Monday, December 1st, 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 between 1 and 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!

Black Friday Sale Is Happening Now!


Get a jump on all your holiday shopping early with the Steam Black Friday Sale. Get discounts on all your favorite Age of Empires games, plus their DLCs! Don't wait - sale ends on December 2nd!

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Minor Update 160062


Welcome to a small update for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition! Today’s patch addresses various fixes focused on polishing the Alexander the Great campaign, including tooltips and UI improvements, lobby and matchmaking fixes for Chronicles civilizations, plus audio and narration, and more. Be sure to dig down into the post below to get all of the smaller details before hopping in-game and checking them out firsthand.

This is just a small taste of what is coming in the latest update. For a more complete list, please visit our site and check out our blog. Happy Gaming!

💬 DISCUSS: Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Forum
🗣 JOIN: The Age of Empires Official Discord


Thank you again to our amazing community members, all of whom have helped to make Age of Empires what it is today!

—The Age of Empires Team
[hr][/hr]
◆ Minor Update 160062 ◆
[hr][/hr]
[h2]Game[/h2]


[h3]Stability & Performance[/h3]
  • Fixed a crash that could occur when opening older save files due to the radial menu initializing.
  • Fixed a crash when launching Chronicles: Alexander the Great campaign on the Microsoft Store platform.
  • Fixed a crash when starting Prithviraj 3, ‘Hand of a Princess,’ on Hard difficulty that occurred immediately after loading into gameplay.


[h3]UI[/h3]
  • Fixed an issue where civilization details would not appear when hovering over civs in the Skirmish Civilization Selection screen.
  • Fixed an issue where civilization icons could persist for removed AI players in Skirmish after changing the civilization set.
  • Fixed an issue where the player icon progress could reset after restarting the game, causing unlocked 10-win icons to be lost.
  • With Extended Stats setting on, fixed an issue where the Build Queue would overlap with the Nearby Enhancement Count icon on the Achaemenid Town Center and Georgian Fortified Church.
  • Fixed an issue where using the arrow keys in certain text boxes could cause the UI to become unresponsive.


[h3]Xbox[/h3]
  • Fixed an issue where menu narration on consoles failed to announce required button prompts across multiple menus, impacting accessibility.
  • Fixed a hotkey / input related crash affecting Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X players.


[h3]PlayStation[/h3]
  • Fixed an issue where menu narration on consoles failed to announce required button prompts across multiple menus, impacting accessibility.
  • Fixed a memory related crash affecting PS5 users.
This is just a small taste of what is coming in the latest update. For a more complete list, please visit our site and check out our blog. Happy Gaming!

[h3]:alertalert: DISCLAIMER[/h3]This list is subject to change and should not be considered a comprehensive list of all the known issues we’re tracking. The above is to inform you of the team’s current priorities, which will change as other issues arise or take precedence.

For the latest updates and announcements, please visit our social channels.