Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition News

The Last Chieftains introduces three new civilizations: Mapuche, Muisca, and Tupi. Masters of adaptation to the terrain and continuously changing circumstances, the new civilizations will offer Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition players the game’s core unit roster along with several unique and region-specific options representing emblematic features of each civilization.

From ranged cavalryman whose projectiles slow down enemy units to ranged archers that trains in pairs, veterans and newcomers alike will find the new units interesting and approachable, with plenty of flavor for historical enthusiasts!

The Last Chieftains is available for pre-order now and will officially launch on Febuary 17th!

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[h2]The Last Chieftains is available for pre-order now on Steam with 15% off for a limited time![/h2]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3219700/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__The_Last_Chieftains/
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[h2]Kona[/h2]

The Kona is a powerful cavalry unit available to the Mapuche at the Castle.

The Mapuche quickly adapted cavalry tactics from the Spanish invaders, utilizing their elite, strong-willed young warriors to master horse riding and turn the tide in favor of the natives. They acquired their initial mounts through spoils of war and theft, but eventually began breeding their own horses. Armed with long lances and clubs of wood or stone, these Konas frequently carried out malón raids. These deadly surprise attacks, in which the Mapuche would attack and loot Spanish camps and settlements on horseback, aimed to obtain horses, cattle, provisions, and captives. This strategy instilled fear in the Spanish, making the Mapuche resistance extremely effective.

In-game, the Konas mirror this ruthlessness: they are a fast-moving cavalry unit that deals increasing damage to injured targets and counters gunpowder units effectively. However, because they lack cavalry armor upgrades, their role is focused on raiding and map control, making them vulnerable to heavily armored melee units.

[h2]Bolas Rider[/h2]

The Bolas Rider is a swift Mapuche warrior that hurls a bolas from horseback, available at the Archery Range starting in the Castle Age.

The bolas, typically used for hunting, is a simple throwing weapon consisting of three weights connected by a rope. Thrown with force, this weapon can entangle a target’s legs, making them immobile and easy prey. The Mapuche quickly combined this established hunting tool with their new equestrian skills. With little armor and fast movement, they gained a great advantage in ambushing enemies and striking quickly. Because the weapon was cheap to craft and easy to carry, many Mapuche used it effectively, earning the fear of whoever they encountered.

In the game, the Bolas Rider is a mobile raiding unit. Its short-ranged bolas attack deals extra damage to mounted units. Furthermore, they can hurl a stronger bolas shot that temporarily slows their targets, cementing their role in hit-and-run tactics.

[h2]Guecha Warrior[/h2]

The Guecha Warrior is a short-ranged skirmisher available at the Castle for the Muisca.

Known for their toughness and combat skills, Guecha Warriors held a powerful, elite status within Muisca society. They enjoyed great esteem, wearing their hair very short and earning the right to wear jewelry made of gold, emeralds, and feathers. Because they were the civilization’s premier warriors among a populace of farmers and traders, these men were equipped with thick cotton armor, long shields, and various weapons like javelins, spears, or maces.

These warriors relied on powerful knowledge of herbalism and strong religious practices when facing enemies, whether invaders or local rivals. Furthermore, the Muisca honored their dead, leading Guecha Warriors to frequently carry mummified ancestors into battle for inspiration or to intimidate foes.

In the game, the Guecha Warrior functions as a mobile skirmisher boasting high pierce armor. Their short-ranged javelins deal high damage overall and are particularly strong against ranged soldiers. Reflecting their beliefs, Guecha Warriors regenerate health whenever a nearby Guecha Warrior falls in battle. They stand as some of the Muisca’s most durable and strongest units, though they come at a premium cost.

[h2]Temple Guard[/h2]

The Temple Guard is a powerful shock infantry unit available to the Muisca at the Barracks and Monastery.

These humble guardians of the Muisca’s many holy sites did not share the high status of the Guecha Warriors. They kept their temples secure using pole weapons, which resembled a long war pick or a thin hammer made of tumbaga, an alloy of gold and copper.

Temple Guards wore cotton clothing like the Guecha Warriors, but for ceremonies they added ornaments like animal furs, gold, and emeralds. Religious art pieces, such as face masks or delicate animal statues crafted from clay, copper, or gold, were central to Muisca worship.

In the game, Temple Guards channel their fervor and herbal training to increase their attack speed the longer they remain in combat. Because they are trained at both the Barracks and the Monastery, these units give the Muisca flexibility when defending against intruders.

[h2]Blackwood Archer[/h2]

The Blackwood Archer is a unique unit for the Tupi, trained in pairs and costing only half of a population space. They are available at the Castle.

Living in the dense Brazilian rainforests, the Tupi warriors were renowned for their strength in numbers and exceptional archery, relying on their unique skills and deep knowledge of the environment. Dressed in colorful feather dresses, they were famed for using large bows made of black wood, which allowed them to shoot deadly poison arrows with high frequency. European sources highlight Tupi warfare as one of exceptional bravery and short distance archery, establishing Tupi archers as formidable forces in the New World.

In-game, Blackwood Archers are the definition of quantity over quality. Though their individual attack damage is low, their attack speed is high. Once upgraded with the unique tech Curare, which enables them to deal poison damage, their massive numbers become devastating, allowing the Tupi to overwhelm foes with a dense hail of arrows.

[h2]Ibirapema Warrior[/h2]

The Ibirapema Warrior is a strong infantry unit available to the Tupi at the Barracks.

In dense rainforests where archery wasn’t practical, or when close combat was inevitable, the Tupi utilized a unique club made of sturdy black or red wood. This colorful, feather-decorated ibirapema club was carried by frontline warriors and used with brutal efficiency. Due to its weight and ease of use, it was also employed in rituals and religious sacrifice, ceremonies that inspired warriors to be even more effective in battle. Elite warriors, clothed in imposing feather dresses and brave enough to fight up close, would swing these deadly weapons, which were sometimes believed to be able to fell a man in one swing.

Unlike the Tupi’s other units, Ibirapema Warriors serve as an exceptionally durable frontline unit. Their two-handed sweeping attacks deal equal damage to all targets in front of them, making them highly effective against dense formations of melee units.

[h2]Champi Warrior[/h2]

The Champi Warrior, available from the Dark Age, is the starting scout for the Inca and all civilizations in The Last Chieftains.

The champi mace, typically featuring a round or star-shaped head made of stone, copper, tumbaga, or even pure gold, was a popular close combat weapon. It delivered heavy damage but remained small enough to not slow the bearer down. These warriors were swift, inflicting heavy damage during raids and serving reliably on the frontline. Protected by armor and shields made of cotton or llama wool, they were resistant to ranged attacks from common bows or rock slings, making them a versatile and formidable warrior.

Champi Warriors, trained at the Barracks, form the backbone of the South American armies. They are best used against ranged soldiers or for raiding thanks to their high speed, strong pierce armor, and solid attack. While they struggle more than Militia-line units against heavy cavalry, their fantastic mobility, scouting ability, and capacity to build Outposts for additional vision give them a unique strategic advantage.

[h2]War Dogs (Campaign-Exclusive Unit)[/h2]

In The Last Chieftains campaigns, War Dogs serve as ferocious animals used by the Europeans against you.

Bred specifically for warfare, these hounds were deployed with deadly effect by European forces conquering the Americas. To boost their combat effectiveness, they were outfitted with padded coats and spiked collars. Packs of these beasts quickly became a true terror for the native populations. Some of these dogs, such as Becerrillo (meaning ‘Little Bull’), gained a legendary reputation. In one legend, the dog proved more compassionate than the Conquistadors he served when he refused to kill an innocent woman. The Conquistadors, not wanting their Christian reputation to be outshone by the dog’s compassion and forgiveness, were so humiliated that they left the place.

Trained by your enemies at the Barracks, these units excel against ranged and wounded warriors. You must find a swift way to neutralize them, as your enemies will strategically deploy them as a clean-up force to quickly eliminate your struggling troops during the thick of battle.

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[h2]The Last Chieftains is available for pre-order now on Steam with 15% off for a limited time![/h2]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3219700/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__The_Last_Chieftains/

History remembers the conquerors. This is the story of those who resisted.

With Age of Empires II: The Last Chieftains, we bring to life the untold legends of South America’s greatest native heroes—stories of individuals who fought to ensure the survival of their people in the face of a changing world, brought forth by the trampling hooves and thundering cannons of European conquistadors.

Across three distinct campaigns, we follow in the footsteps of Lautaro, Arariboia, and Pacanchique.

[hr][/hr][h2]Pre-Order Now![/h2]
The Last Chieftains is available for pre-order now on Steam with 15% off for a limited time!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3219700/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__The_Last_Chieftains/[hr][/hr]

[h2]Lautaro – The Mapuche Campaign[/h2]


After the Spanish crush the Inca Empire and plunder its treasures, their gaze turns south toward the lands of the Mapuche. At first, resistance seems futile. The Mapuche are overrun and many, including the young warrior Lautaro, are taken prisoner by the invaders.

Motivated by the murder of his parents, Lautaro endures his time in Spanish service, studying their strange weapons and methods of warfare. Once free, he turns these against them.

Though the odds are grim, the Mapuche are a proud and warlike people who will fight for their ancestral lands to their last breath.

Lautaro leading the Mapuche forces in the Araucanian War


[h2]Arariboia – The Tupi Campaign[/h2]


Arariboia and his people are caught in a brutal conflict with their longtime rivals, led by the ruthless Cunhambebe. Forced from his homeland, Arariboia turns to the Portuguese settlers in Rio de Janeiro for aid.

With their support, he sets to reclaim what was lost and defeat his greatest nemesis. But Cunhambebe, recognizing the devastating power of European gunpowder, allies himself with the French—another foreign power eager to carve its own empire on Brazil’s shores.

Caught between empires, the Tupi face a harrowing choice: adapt to the new world or risk fading into the pages of history.

Arariboia and his Portuguese allies fighting the ruthless forces of Cunhambebe


[h2]El Dorado – The Muisca Campaign[/h2]

High in the rugged Northern Andes, the Muisca people are split between two rival confederations, each ruled by its own leader and locked in a bitter, unending war. Amid this turmoil, two young lovers Pacanchique and Azay—divided by the conflict—must defy the odds to survive and reunite.

But their struggle becomes even more perilous when one of the Muisca rulers declares himself the new god-king and begins a ruthless campaign to amass as much gold as possible. His growing hoard does not go unnoticed—especially by European explorers.

Zipa warriors protecting the Temple of the Sun against Zaque forces


[h2]What to Expect?[/h2]

In The Last Chieftains you’ll have access to 15 epic missions, where you play as one of three exciting new civilizations: the Tupi, Mapuche, and Muisca. Throughout the campaigns you will fight in various locations like the pampas of the south, the highlands of the northern Andes, and the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. A series of new graphics were added to the game to re-create these beautiful places and bring a whole new and authentic experience.

Made by an experienced and passionate team, the campaigns provide a well-crafted narrative and action-packed missions where you as a player can make choices that will persist into the next mission. Especially in the El Dorado campaign we have pushed the limits of what was previously possible. Here, you must choose a side in the conflict. Will you remain loyal to the gold-hungry tyrant to protect your loved one, or risk everything to fight for a righteous ruler?

Apart from the nature assets, we also created other new assets only available in the campaigns to help elevate the gameplay and create a unique campaign experience. European War Dogs will strike fear into your warriors, Gunpowder Kegs will help you blast your way through enemy defenses, and the Europeans will construct Wooden Forts to strengthen their hold on your homelands.


All in all, the campaigns will bring the typical Age of Empires II campaign experience you have grown to love in a new setting and with new interesting histories and narratives that will scratch your Age of Empires itch.

On top of that we have updated the Pachacuti campaign to highlight the updates to the Inca civilization and modernize the campaign, giving you an insight in the DLC’s content without actually having to buy it.

We are eager to share this experience with you! Which campaign do you look forward to the most?

- The Forgotten Empires Campaign Team

[hr][/hr][h2]Pre-Order Now![/h2]
The Last Chieftains is available for pre-order now on Steam with 15% off for a limited time!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3219700/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__The_Last_Chieftains/

After listening to the Age of Empires community yearning to experience South American civilizations, stories, and environments, we are thrilled to announce the next DLC for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – The Last Chieftains, launching February 17, 2026! Dive into medieval South America, where history and folklore combine in a vibrant and compelling expansion to present epic battles, riveting narratives, and endless intrigue.

The Last Chieftains introduces three captivating new civilizations, each with their own unique units and technologies: Mapuche, Muisca, and 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 characters, like the cheerful berserker Galvarino, and 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!

We are excited to work with our development partner, Forgotten Empires, to bring you The Last Chieftains. Whether you are a passionate historian, an admirer of compelling narratives, a longtime fan of the Age of Empires franchise, or all of the above – The Last Chieftains will bring you countless hours of joy and fun!

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[h2]Pre-Order Now![/h2]

The Last Chieftains is available now for pre-order on Steam with 15% off for a limited time!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3219700/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__The_Last_Chieftains/
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“Our moment. That’s how he described it. And, in a way, it was. In a single decisive move, Quemuenchatocha burned down the leadership of both the north and south. From the blackened soil, he will forge his empire.”

The Last Chieftains is a DLC set in South America primarily during the late medieval period. Masters of adaptation to the terrain and continuously changing circumstances, the Mapuche, Muisca, and Tupi offer Age of Empires II players the game’s core unit roster along with several unique and region-specific assets representing emblematic features of each indigenous people. Veterans and newcomers alike will enjoy approachable, powerful, and immersive new civilizations!

The campaigns of The Last Chieftains tell the stories of those who fought for their freedom against European incursion. Experience the famous battles of Rio de Janeiro, Chocontá, and Tucapel; fight for justice alongside Lautaro, master realpolitik as the brave Arariboia, and save your beloved as the honorable Pacanchique in El Dorado, a campaign that blends history and Muisca folklore into an utterly unique tale!


[h3]Three New Civilizations![/h3]

• Mapuche – Throw off the yoke of foreign oppression through unconventional cavalry and counter-unit tactics. The Mapuche unique units are the Kona, a melee cavalryman that deals increased damage to injured targets, and the Bolas Rider, a ranged cavalryman whose projectiles slow down enemy units.

The Mapuche

• Muisca – Dominate the Colombian Andes with economic prowess, piety, and deadly ranged soldiers. The Muisca unique units are the Guecha Warrior, a javelineer whose death heals nearby Guecha Warriors, and the Temple Guard, a heavy infantryman that attacks faster the longer it remains in combat.

The Muisca

• Tupi – Master the jungles and coastlines of modern-day Brazil with infantry and ranged soldiers. The Tupi unique units are the Blackwood Archer, an inexpensive ranged soldier that trains in pairs, and the Ibirapema Warrior, a heavy infantryman who deals area damage.

The Tupi

Several region-specific assets for increased immersion in South American history:

• Champi Warriors — fast infantry who can build Outposts and excel at scouting, raiding, and fighting ranged soldiers. Available to the Inca, Mapuche, Muisca, and Tupi.
  
• Slingers — deadly ranged soldiers who spell doom for infantry armies. Slingers serve the Inca, Mapuche, Muisca, and Tupi.
  
• Settlements — buildings that support population and serve as dropsites for all resources. The Inca, Mapuche, Muisca, and Tupi can all build Settlements.

• Lautaro (Mapuche) — After witnessing his village’s destruction, the young warrior Lautaro vows revenge on the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia. Can Lautaro change his people’s fate by mastering Spanish tactics?

Lautaro

• El Dorado (Muisca) — Commander Pacanchique is forced to pick a side between two powerful rulers, yet his true loyalty lies with his beloved Azay. Can Pacanchique protect her while surviving Muisca infighting and European incursions?

El Dorado

• Arariboia (Tupi) — When a rival tribe threatens his people with extinction, chieftain Arariboia resolves to protect them at any cost. Will he be able to secure Portuguese aid and reclaim his people’s lost homeland?

Arariboia

As you venture through these campaigns, you will:

• Relive the legendary search for El Dorado, the foundation of Brazil, and the fabled battles of the Araucanian War!
  
• Choose a side in the Muisca Wars — a level of interactivity never before seen in Age of Empires!
  
• Encounter legendary characters like the grizzled warrior Caupolicán, the industrious Mem de Sá, and the power-hungry god-king Quemuenchatocha.
  
• Make important, interactive decisions with effects that ripple throughout each campaign!
  
• Train your heroes from the Town Center and use their unique heroic abilities — such as Guacolda’s Field Medicine and Pacanchique’s Battle Formation — to strengthen your army.
  
• Earn the loyalty of tribes like the Picunche and the Quimbaya, whose warriors will follow you throughout your exploits.
  
• Marvel at an array of new flora, fauna, and other atmospheric visuals that will fully immerse you in medieval South America.

As always, Forgotten Empires is committed to delivering a product with content for everyone at all levels, styles, spheres, and preferences of the Age of Empires experience. Research and design exploration quickly showed that South American civilizations fielded different armies than the typical medieval model, but could nevertheless stand toe to toe with invaders from across the sea. With familiar technology trees and design concepts, The Last Chieftains civilizations fit easily into ranked gameplay.

With a familiar Age of Empires II feel, plenty of flavor to whet the appetites of historical enthusiasts, and the innovative features that Age of Empires II fans have come to expect from each new addition to our beloved game, The Last Chieftains has something for everyone.

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[h2]Pre-Order Now![/h2]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3219700/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__The_Last_Chieftains/
Experience medieval South America like never before with the latest expansion for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, where history and folklore combine to present epic battles, riveting narratives, and endless intrigue. Blaze a trail across tall mountains, thick jungles, and vibrant landscapes with three new campaigns, commanding the Mapuche, Muisca, and Tupi, each with their unique units, technologies, and stunning new architecture!

The Last Chieftains is available now for pre-order on Steam with 15% off for a limited time!

The Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Ladder Qualifier for Red Bull Wololo: Londinium is LIVE NOW! 🎉

Dream of competing in London? Anyone can participate in the qualifiers by queuing up on the ladder!

The 1v1 Empire Wars RBW: Londinium ladder runs until January 18 at 17:00 UTC. For more information about the tournament and its ladder qualifier, please read the notes from our latest patch and join the RBW Discord for the full rules and event information.

14! Start the game already!

Do you hear what we hear? Those Town Bells might be jingling, but your Villagers will have to wait while you shop the Steam Winter Sale! Jump in now and complete your Age of Empires collection with discounts on your favorites. Don't wait, the Steam Winter Sale ends January 5th!