Age of Empires 4: Release Date and Everything We Know

Age of Empires fans are eagerly waiting for the new game to come out, while also worrying that Age 4 might not capture the same old feel. Let's take a look together at everything we expect from the game, down to the smallest detail.

If we asked real-time strategy fans to name the best strategy game, it wouldn't surprise us if Age Of Empires was the first name that came up. The first game, released in 1997, focused on human history from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, while the second game focused more on the Middle Ages. Age Of Empires 3 tells the story of the European invasion of the Americas before the founding of the United States. In the game, you try to prevent the invasion by building colonies with the Native Americans, or try to carry out the invasion as the Europeans.

What Kind of Game Will Age Of Empires 4 Be?

Age Of Empires involves managing workers and military units belonging to historical civilizations. Starting with a small population, you gather resources, advance through the ages, and plan attacks on your rivals, all while also needing to defend your own territory. You can enjoy long campaigns, either against the AI (the machine) or head-to-head with friends. Simple strategies can get you through a normal match, but you may need to take a few extra steps to gain an edge against stronger opponents.

Age Of Empires 4 wants to offer something different for both veteran and brand-new players, while also hoping to bring back the magic of the older games.

The game promises us a visually richer, more enjoyable version without straying from the old game's dynamics.

In the trailer, we see an English city under siege by the Mongols. In the city, we spot buildings and units that will look familiar, mills surrounded by farms, and Pikemen marching in formation. We see villagers rushing to work or carrying resources. We also see trebuchets marching alongside soldiers, firing at various roads, fountains, and other points (unlike in older games). It's also an open question whether roads and other city improvements will affect a city's population and gameplay dynamics.

The trailer also shows a Falcon flying high over the countryside to spot the invading Mongols. It looks like this falcon will take on the scouting role that's been an integral part of Age of Empires games, spotting enemies. We also notice cavalry and infantry on the battlefield seemingly being led by a captain. Archers can build temporary defensive structures. Elevation will no doubt still play an important role in combat mechanics.

In the photo, you can see that the "Trebuchets" operate unmanned, unlike in older games. This device, which brings down buildings once it's dealt enough damage, also looks much more realistic than in older games in terms of firing visuals and unit scale.