Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition News

The Age of Empires 3 Definitive Edition changelog is 75 pages long

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is the last of the 'remasters' that have been rolling out for the iconic RTS game series ever since Age of Empires II's original 'HD' release back in 2013. This was the same year that Age of Empires III got its 'complete' collection offering, and we have been waiting patiently ever since for this entry to get its own makeover treatment.

Reading our review of the Definitive Edition, you wouldn't think the newer, shinier Age of Empires III is that mind-blowing, but then that's because so much of what's gone into this remaster is subtle or behind the scenes. What you really need to do to appreciate the full scope of this release is read the changelog. All 75 pages of it.

According to the official update post marking the release of Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, the team at Forgotten Empires (one of the two studios involved in the project) sent a changelog for the new edition that spanned 75 pages. What you can read on the Age of Empires website is a neater, more digestible version although it's still not been made fully readable to laymen or casual players.

Read the rest of the story...

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition — Release Day Gameplay Changelog

Hello Explorers! We hope that you're enjoying the release of Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition as it continues the story that began 15 years ago while writing an all-new chapter in the Age of Empires saga!

Leading up to today's launch, we received questions about all the things that changed since the release of the Complete Collection in 2013. Well, the short answer is: quite a lot!

It's likely you've already heard about the upgraded graphics, new UI configurations, new campaign missions, and new gameplay modes—such as the Historical Battles and Art of War series. While these capture several of the most visible new features and systems we've added to the game, there have also been a multitude of balance and gameplay changes which long-time fans of the series will have begun to notice during the recent Streaming Event. In fact, of the 133,000+ individual changes and additions made over the course of remastering the Age of Empires III: Complete Collection, the team over at Forgotten Empires has (very kindly) curated a list of the notable gameplay additions you'll discover as you once again venture forth into Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition.

Here are some of the highlights:

New Civilization: The Inca!
New Civilization: The Swedes!
New Revolutions
New European Politicians
Definitive Politician Rebalance
Authentic and Respectful representation of the Native American and First Nations Civs
Grenadier Rebalanced and Firing Animation Reworked
Added a New ‘Grenade Launchers’ Card for Grenadiers
Naval Unit ‘RNG’ Removed
Added Naval Formations
Greatly Expanded Legacy Hotkeys and added ‘Grid Layout' Keybindings
Information Such as Gather Rates and Rate of Fire are Now Displayed on the UI
Light Infantry ('Coyote Runner' style units) renamed to Shock Infantry
Rebalanced Maps
Added More Maps
Definitive Consulate Rebalance
All Cards Definitively Unlocked
Added Premade Decks and ‘Copy’ Deck Button
Definitive Adjustments to ‘Lackluster’ Cards and Units
Definitive Improvements to Native Warriors
Supremacy, Treaty and Deathmatch Balance Changes
Many, many Bug Fixes

While we can't fit the more than 75 pages of notes here, you can read the full list of changes over on the official website:

[h3]:AOECannon: Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition — Release Day Gameplay Changelog[/h3]

Thank you for joining us on the launch day of the game; we'll see you on the battlefield!

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is NOW AVAILABLE!

Available Now!

Good news, Age fans—the wait is over: Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is now available on the Microsoft Store, Steam, and Xbox Game Pass for PC! Grab your copy today and immerse yourself in the empires of the past, rebuilt for a new age:

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https://store.steampowered.com/app/933110/Age_of_Empires_III_Definitive_Edition/
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition brings all new 4K graphics, 3D assets, and a modernized UI to the classic RTS game beloved by Age of Empires fans. It also features cross-play multiplayer and a fully enhanced soundtrack! These are just a few of the things you'll enjoy:

New to Definitive Edition is two new game modes: Historical Battles and the Art of War!
You'll also be able to play two new civilizations added to the game: the Incas and the Swedes!
Play on new multiplayer maps, including the official integration of several community favorites!
Play new, never-before-seen campaign missions!
Play with new Revolutions, Politicians, Cards, and Units!
Enjoy dedicated online servers for your multiplayer matches!
...and so much more!

See you on the battlefield! ⚔

Join the Discussion!

Grab your copy today and come join the discussion of everything Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition on our official social channels:

A look at the HUD & UI Changes of Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition

The Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition launch is just days away! Ahead of the October 15th release date, we're here to dive into the all new, completely overhauled and updated UI options that Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition has to offer!

Both new and veteran players of Age will appreciate the option to select from distinct HUD layouts based on their preferences. After extensive feedback from our community, we landed on three HUD layouts that will be familiar and welcoming.

The Definitive HUD

The Definitive HUD closely resembles what fans of previous Definitive Editions are used to: with the mini-map on the bottom-right and the resources along the top of the screen.

The Classic HUD

Not just a clever name, the Classic HUD closely resembles the original layout of the classic Age of Empires III: with the mini-map on the bottom left and resources adjacent.

The Default HUD

The Default HUD combines both the Definitive and Classic HUD layouts to provide a new, streamlined presentation with the mini-map on the bottom right and resources adjacent.

Built for You!

Veterans of the original Age of Empires III will immediately pick-up on the extensive work that went into designing the above options. The HUD is less obtrusive overall, appearing and disappearing as you select different units and buildings. Unit and building stat-blocks have been overhauled, presenting a clean, streamlined look. Stats are presented on one panel, with the player no longer needing to toggle between the Hammer / Paper icons to see unit stats. The HUD even offers scaling options in the settings menu!

These UI upgrades were made with usability and visibility in mind, allowing you to pick the look and feel that best fits your style of gameplay—whether you are a seasoned veteran of Age of Empires III or joining in fresh with this new Definitive Edition. We invite you to experiment with each layout and let us know which you like best in the comments below.

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition — PRE-LOAD NOW!

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Pre-Load Now!

Players who pre-ordered Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition on the Microsoft Store, Steam, or via Xbox Game Pass for PC can begin PRE-LOADING the game NOW to ensure that you can begin playing right away on release day!

[h3]DOWNLOAD SIZE:[/h3]
~40 GB

[h3]HOW TO:[/h3]
If you already own the game:
Open Steam.
Click on Library to see your games list.
Find Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition in the list.
Select the game, then press the PRELOAD button to download all of the files to play Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition.

[h3]WHEN CAN I PLAY?[/h3]
Done downloading? Great; you'll be able to launch the game on October 15 (see below for times)!

Need help? Visit our support site for resources and assistance: Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition Support

Be Ready on October 15!

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition releases on the Microsoft Store and Steam this OCTOBER 15, and is available to play at the same time WORLDWIDE:

Download the game ahead of time and set an alarm to be the first to play!

Pre-order now!

Join the Discussion!

Pick up your copy of the game, then join the discussion on our official social channels: