The Age of Empires franchise has been incredibly influential in the world of real-time strategy, and that's especially true for the series' second entry. Age of Empires 2 hit store shelves back in September 1999 and while it certainly wasn't the first RTS game, it refined a lot of the core mechanics laid out in genre-defining titles like 1992's Dune 2 and 1994's Warcraft. It's no wonder, then, that Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition has done so well.
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Released in November 2019, Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition has just had its 5th birthday. To celebrate the remaster's impressive milestone, the game's developers are rewarding both new fans and old with an offer that's far too good to refuse.
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New Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition Players Can Claim Three Free DLCs
To celebrate Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition's fifth anniversary, new players are being given three DLCs for free when they purchase the base game. These DLCs are 'Lord of the West,' 'Dawn of the Dukes,' and 'Dynasties of India,' and all three will be automatically enabled and downloaded for new players who have just bought and installed the game.
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Age of Empires 2: Definitive Editions' Lords of the West Free DLC Explained
Released in January 2021, Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition's Lord of the West DLC adds two civilizations to the game: the Sicilians and the Burgundians. While the Burgundians focus on cavalry attacks with their unique Coustillier units, the Sicillians focus on infantry with their exclusive heavily-armored Serjeant unit. Three campaigns were also added with this DLC, letting players control the Dukes of Burgundy, the Hautevilles, and Edward Longshanks.
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Editions' Dawn of the Dukes Free DLC Explained
Released in August 2021, Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition's Dawn of the Dukes DLC brings another two civilizations to the game, this time being the Poles and the Bohemians. The Poles share some similar mechanics, strengths, and weaknesses with their Lithuanian historical allies, such as the Winged Hussar cavalry unit. But the Poles also have a unique Obuch infantry unit that reduces an enemy unit's armor.
The Bohemians are a particularly tough civilization to come up against, with its strength being gunpowder units and monks. The Bohemians' Hussite Wagon is a powerful siege unit, and its Houfnice is an even sturdier version of the powerful bombard cannon. This DLC also comes with three exclusive campaigns, featuring the likes of Algirdas, Jadwiga, and Kestutis.
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Those who already own Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition can also claim these three DLCs for free. If they're not automatically enabled, players can head to the link here to find out how to install them.
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Editions' Dynasties of India Free DLC Explained
The third and final expansion that new players will get for free with their purchase of Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is the Dynasties of India DLC. This DLC adds three civilizations to the RTS, bringing the elephant and naval-focused Bengalis, the light cavalry and camel-focused Gurjaras, and the naval and infantry-focused Dravidians to the table.
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition's Dynasties of India DLC also adds another three campaigns to the game, featuring historical figures like Babur, Devapala, and Rajendra. This means that new players will be able to experience a whopping total of 38 campaigns the first time they load into Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition.
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition celebrates the 20th anniversary of one of the most popular strategy games ever, now with stunning 4K Ultra HD graphics, and a fully remastered soundtrack. Age of Empires II: DE features “The Last Khans” with 3 new campaigns and 4 new Civilizations. Frequent updates include events, additional content, new game modes, and enhanced features with the recent addition of Co-Op mode!
Explore all the original Campaigns and the best-selling expansions like never before. With over 200 hours of gameplay and 1,000 years of human history, improved experiences await. Head online to challenge other players in your quest for world domination with 35 different Civilizations. You can also experience new Civilizations and Campaigns with the Lords of the West DLC! Recent updates include a Battle Royale game mode, ongoing support for the Scenario Editor, Quick Play for easy social games, enhancements to the game UI, and more!
Choose your path to greatness with an eye-catching and engaging remaster to one of the most beloved strategy games of all time.
Real-Time Strategy
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:85/100 Critics Recommend:91%
- Franchise
- Age of Empires
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- November 14, 2019
- Developer
- Forgotten Empires, Tantalus, Wicked Witch
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Engine
- Genie Engine
- ESRB
- t
- How Long To Beat
- 40 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
