Games

Every Age Of Empires Game, Ranked

Published

4 weeks ago

October 27, 2024

Christoph Rediske

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

Age of Empires
franchise has been going strong for 25 years, with fans excited for the new
AoE 4
release.
Console variant announced, sparking excitement for Xbox players eager to enjoy the popular series.
Age of Mythology: Untold
remake anticipated by fans, promising to deliver a fresh twist on familiar gameplay.

It’s hard not to refer to the Age of Empires franchise when talking about great RTS titles. Originally released in 1997, the series has been going strong for almost twenty-five years. The release of Age of Empires 4 has once again reignited interest in the popular series, with most fans still finding it hard to believe that they could finally enjoy another new AoE game after what felt like the longest time. While it has been a while since the latest Age of Empires game graced most PCs, the announcement of a console variant is definitely exciting for Xbox players who were interested in this title but didn’t have a platform to play it on.

15 Pro Tips For Age Of Empires Players

If you want to get good at Age of Empires, these pro tips will take you to master level in no time.

But which entry in the franchise is the best? With so many excellent mainline entries, it can be difficult to decide which ones deserve the top slots. However, particular titles often possess that “special something” that sets them above the rest. After all, there’s a reason why fans and critics alike love these games so much. While players are bound to have their own subjective preferences, most of them would agree that there are some games in the series that are technically superior to others for a whole host of reasons.

Updated on October 27, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition – Chronicles: Battle for Greece providing players with added strategic depth to their gameplay courtesy of more naval mechanics, fans of the RTS may be able to enjoy more dynamic gameplay now that even the seas can be a part of their strategy against other players. And while titles like Age of Empires 2 maintain a status of being an iconic Age of Empires title, fans might wonder just what other Age of Empires games are worth exploring if they’re eager to spice their gameplay with an RTS experience. In this regard, fans may be interested to learn just what each Age of Empires title offered the franchise, especially with most of the titles getting their own HD and Definitive Editions.

Special Mention – Age Of Mythology: Retold

Age of Mythology Retold June 2024 Xbox Games Showcase trailer screenshot 6

Released: September 4, 2024
Developer(s): World’s Edge , Forgotten Empires , Capture Age , Tantalus Media , Virtuos

Age of Mythology is a game that took things in a bold and interesting direction for the AoE series, letting players enjoy a familiar gameplay loop with some mythological twists that really made the formula feel fresh. What wowed players in this title was the story mode, with Arkantos being a riveting protagonist who interacts with numerous mythological heroes across Greek, Egyptian, and Norse cultures before facing off against a god whom he idolized for the longest time.

With the reveal of Age of Mythology: Untold, fans can’t wait to “prostagma” all over their enemies once again as they replay this campaign and check out this tried-and-tested gameplay loop. Given that this game will be a remake from the ground up, players can only wait and see whether the gameplay is completely overhauled, or just has some minor tweaks sprinkled throughout the otherwise tried-and-true Age of Empires mechanics.

14 Age Of Empires: World Domination

Uptodown Score: 1.6/5

Platforms	iOS, Android
Release Date	December 2015 Advertisement
Developer	KLab
Publisher	Microsoft

There’s no denying that the free-to-play label has a bad reputation. Many players assume any game that’s free has negative qualities for many reasons. However, there are times when these free games wow players with how technically excellent and fun they are to play. Some can feature a strong core gameplay loop without compelling players to purchase in-game microtransactions. Unfortunately, Age of Empires didn’t translate well to a free-to-play model.

Age of Empires: World Domination ended up being discontinued just a year after its release, despite featuring a steady stream of updates and unique civilizations that are a staple of this series. However, the game itself launched after numerous delays that pretty much killed any hype it could have generated. It didn’t help that the gameplay was a shallow imitation of the popular RTS series. It failed to entice any long-time AoE fans to play the game for more than a few days. Many quickly grew bored and dejected, seeing the title as a soulless cash grab.

Age Of Empires: World Domination: What Made It Unique?

Although shut down in 2016, World Domination was an interesting take on converting the RTS gameplay of Age of Empires for handheld smartphones. The game features a “home world” component that is managed with gameplay akin to Clash of Clans, with structures that are constantly upgraded and units unlocked and improved. The RTS component of the game comes in its Campaign missions and Conquest multiplayer component, where players are thrust into faster-paced versions of the RTS complete with resource gathering, building, and upgrades, as well as unit deployment.

13 Age Of Empires: Castle Siege

TapTap Score: 7.1/10

Platforms	PC, iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Release Date	September 2014 Advertisement
Developer	Smoking Gun Interactive Inc.
Publisher	Xbox Game Studios

The gameplay of the Age of Empires series is well-known for its blend of resource management and tactical, military strategy. Due in part to its own popularity, the franchise has experimented with alternative styles of gameplay in order to appeal to an even wider audience.

Best Units In Age Of Empires 3, Ranked

These units in Age of Empires 3 are some of the strongest the game has to offer. Here’s how they rank up.

Enter Age of Empires: Castle Siege. This online multiplayer tower defense game discards many familiar features of the mainline entries. Like most tower defense games, most of the gameplay boils down to one objective: Destroy the enemy’s keep while defending the player’s settlement. It’s an unusual departure from the detailed, historical immersion that most fans are accustomed to.

Age Of Empires: Castle Siege: What Made It Unique?

Unlike other games, Castle Siege emphasizes the development of a Castle with surrounding buildings, a la mobile tower defense titles. Players develop and maintain a Castle and its structures, training units in order to attack the Castles of other players. Structures are upgraded to fend themselves from enemy attack more efficiently, and tech upgrades now include ways of “buffing” the city’s defensive capabilities such as lessening the amount of resources looted should their Castle be pillaged.

12 Age Of Empires 2: HD Edition

Metacritic Score: 68

A Base From Age Of Empires II HD Edition

Age Of Empires 2: HD Edition

Systems

Platform(s): Microsoft Windows , PC
Released: April 9, 2013
Developer: Ensemble Studios
Publisher: Ensemble Studios
Engine: Genie Engine
ESRB: t
How Long To Beat: 140 hours

By 2013, Age of Empires 2 was showing its age. Nevertheless, fans refused to give up on it. Spearheaded by Hidden Path Entertainment, the game was given a fresh coat of paint. In addition to the visuals, the HD Edition also included The Forgotten expansion, which originally existed as a fan-made project. Mod support through the Steam Workshop was another welcome addition.

The HD Edition, although it didn’t exactly reinvent the wheel, reinvigorated the franchise’s most beloved title. Capitalizing on its success, the developers later released two brand-new expansions for the HD Edition, The African Kingdoms and Rise of the Rajas. A game that is old and still getting official expansions says something about its enduring adoration.

Age Of Empires 2: HD Edition: What Made It Unique?

As a high-def edition of AOE 2, the Age of Empires 2: HD Edition’s major features focus on updating the classic game for modern hardware. On top of graphical improvements and AI improvements, this edition of the game introduces new maps, quality-of-life features, a 500 Population cap, as well as a Spectator Mode that was likely built to accommodate its multiplayer lobbies and leaderboards.

11 Age Of Empires: Definitive Edition

Metacritic Score: 69

Age of Empires

Systems

Platform(s): PC , Microsoft Windows
Released: October 13, 1997
Engine: Genie Engine
ESRB: t
How Long To Beat: 46 hours

The 1997 version of Age of Empires is a nightmare to play on modern systems. In 2018, Microsoft decided to blow the dust off this ancient relic. Although the release was a bit rocky, Age of Empires: Definitive Edition is the best way to revisit this blast from the past.

Graphically, the game receives the HD treatment with 4K support added for good measure. In addition, the quality of the sound is much crisper and more satisfying to hear. The pathfinding, an essential element in any Age of Empires game, is also given some desperately needed tweaking, along with other small quality-of-life improvements.

Age Of Empires: Definitive Edition: What Made It Unique?

Being the most “modern” version of the classic, Age of Empires: Definitive Edition is known for revamping the overall graphics of the game alongside new features such as Achievements and even a Classic Mode that brings players back to the 1997 original. In terms of major changes, players now have access to mixed tech and unit queues, UI changes, unit stances and an Attack move, as well as automated functionalities for some units.

10 Age Of Empires Online

Metacritic Score: 70

Platforms Advertisement	PC
Release Date	August 2011
Developer	Robot Entertainment, Wargaming Seattle Advertisement
Publisher	Xbox Game Studios

Age of Empires Online is another departure from the original formula. Instead of focusing on a single-player experience, this particular entry establishes an online multiplayer component. Players select a civilization and can partake in a variety of PvE and PvP content.

Age Of Empires 4: 10 Beginner Tips For Skirmish Mode

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In 2014, the game’s official servers shut down. However, Age of Empires Online was revived by an independent group of developers under the name Project Celeste. It seeks to continue Microsoft’s initial vision and is currently free-to-play. It serves as a fun, if not particularly memorable, diversion from the more established entries.

Age Of Empires Online: What Made It Unique?

Although it officially shut down in 2014 (but resurrected as Project Celeste), Age of Empires Online was an interesting addition to the franchise. In terms of overall gameplay, Online seemed like a slower version of Age of Empires 2 with a more defined multiplayer matchmaking mechanic. However, the game introduces a Capital City that players can tinker with and customize as a “hub” area for quest and tech management. Its introduction of unique mechanics further expands the scope of Age of Empires gameplay at the time.

9 Age Of Empires 3: Definitive Edition

Metacritic Score: 75

Troops From Age Of Empires III Definitive Edition

Age Of Empires 3: Definitive Edition

Systems

Platform(s): PC , Microsoft Windows
Released: February 1, 2020
Developer: Forgotten Empires, World’s Edge, Tantalus Media
Publisher(s): Xbox Game Studios
Multiplayer: Local Multiplayer
Engine: genie engine
ESRB: t
How Long To Beat: 20 hours

Whenever something uses the title “definitive edition,” it usually means that a particular version is the best when compared to all the others. Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition improves upon many of the lingering flaws inherent in the original release. Features that were previously absent are now also available in the new version.

In addition to the graphics, which receive the 4K treatment, the Definitive Edition includes new civilizations, sounds, assets, and animations. The AI, in particular, is much sharper on the draw, challenging the player on more even ground without relying on cheating. Despite some bugs, the whole package is by far superior to its 2005 counterpart.

Age Of Empires 3: Definitive Edition: What Made It Unique?

Similar to other Definite Editions, the upgraded Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition upgrades the game with better graphics, a remastered soundtrack, and overhauled multiplayer and cross-network options. The AI received an upgrade, while Home Cities received alterations to their overall mechanics for streamlined gameplay. Explorers can now Auto Scout, while buildings can be rotated easily for more customization. In speaking of the latter, players can now customize their UI to toggle between Default, Definitive, and Classic options.

8 Age Of Empires: Mythologies

Metacritic Score: 78

Age Of Empires: Mythologies

Systems

Released: November 24, 2008
Developer: Griptonite Games, Glu Mobile
Multiplayer: Local Multiplayer
Engine: Genie Engine
ESRB: t
How Long To Beat: 21 hours

Age of Empires tried its hand at many handheld titles. At this time, most major releases were accompanied by various alternate titles made for varying platforms, a trend that has almost completely died out. However, what most people don’t know about Age of Empires: Mythologies is that the game isn’t a real-time strategy title at all. Instead, it utilizes turn-based gameplay, which is certainly different.

The manner in which this game captures the classic Age of Mythology gameplay in a turn-based setting should be lauded. These efforts are commendable and do a great job of letting players without access to the PC release enjoy a different version that has its own merits. Of course, given how niche this title was, it’s a shame that more people don’t talk about this DS release. It deserves to be way more than just a simple footnote in the history of the Age of Empires franchise.

Age Of Empires: Mythologies: What Made It Unique?

The Nintendo DS title is heavily based on Age of Mythology, although this time with a turn-based element instead of RTS. Units take one action each turn, where players task them to build units or attack enemies – all while building up their reserves to advance to the next Age. Each available Civilization – Greeks, Egyptians, and the Norse – provide players with one of three gods they can access before the start of each match.

7 Age Of Empires: The Age Of Kings

Metacritic Score: 80

Age Of Empires: The Age Of Kings

Systems

Released: February 14, 2006
Developer(s): Backbone Entertainment
Publisher(s): Backbone Entertainment
Multiplayer: Local Multiplayer
Engine: Genie Engine
ESRB: t
How Long To Beat: 71 hours

The Age of Empires has tried to break into the portable market time and again. The Age of Kings was a release of this popular RTS title on the Nintendo DS that was pretty impressive despite the limited strength of the console’s hardware. Despite having a limited number of civilizations and no online multiplayer, The Age of Kings was an excellent translation of the series’ patented gameplay loop on portable hardware.

Age Of Empires 2 Definitive Edition: 10 Tips For Console Players

Playing an Age of Empires game on console can be a different experience than on PC. Here’s what players should know for AOE2: Definitive Edition.

The game does have its fair share of technical issues, but players who look past this problem will enjoy a solid strategy game that deserves way more popularity than it currently does. The campaign may not be as detailed or lengthy as the mainline entries, but that is to be expected in a portable title with limited space.

Age Of Empires: The Age Of Kings: What Made It Unique?

Although it had the same subtitle as Age of Empires 2, the Nintendo DS title is a unique take on a handheld experience courtesy of its turn-based gameplay. Surprisingly enough, the game isn’t simplified but rather had “condensed” mechanics to fit its new turn-based format. Instead of units just being able to move and attack, certain units have Powers or Build commands. Meanwhile, terrain now have special properties that indicate what buildings can be built there, or which units have advantage. Tech trees are just as complex, but are made more manageable with arrows and convenient tooltips.

6 Age Of Empires 3

Metacritic Score: 81

Battle From The Original Age Of Empires III

Systems

Released: October 18, 2005
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer
Engine: BANG! Engine
ESRB: T For Teen due to Blood, Violence

Age of Empires 3 ushered in a new historical era for the series. Moving away from ancient and medieval Europe, Age of Empires 3 instead focuses on colonial America. Its campaign chronicles the exploits of the Black family, a story that spans three generations. Two expansion packs, The WarChiefs, and The Asian Dynasties added additional civilizations and story content.

One of Age of Empires 3‘s most striking features at the time was its graphics. That, along with a new physics system, makes the combat much more fun. The “Home City” concept also adds an extra layer to resource management. Players can deploy useful shipments at strategic moments to help tip the scales in their favor. All of these features were welcome, even if some people felt there was a spark missing in this title that prevented it from being just as iconic as its predecessors.

Age Of Empires 3: What Made It Unique?

Compared to Age of Empires 2, the overall gameplay of Age of Empires 3 introduced fairly radical concepts that made it seem like a totally different game compared to its predecessors. The most unique change to the game would be the concept of Home Cities and Cards, where the player’s chosen Civilization has a “separate” home base that can be customized with effects. Whenever players achieve certain milestones in a match, the Home City can send a “shipment” with a card effect that can give players a specific feature or advantage – focusing long-term and short-term foresight. Players can now be made in batches, facilitating faster-paced combat.

5 Age Of Empires 4

Metacritic Score: 81

Systems

Released: October 28, 2021
Publisher(s): Xbox Game Studios
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer , Local Multiplayer
Engine: Essence Engine 5.0
ESRB: T For Teen due to Mild Blood, Mild Violence
How Long To Beat: 30 Hours
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

Age of Empires 4 represents yet another solid addition to the franchise. For fans looking to experience even more medieval action, Age of Empires 4 is a great choice. As far as controls and accessibility are concerned, it’s easier than ever to manage a sprawling base. The civilizations themselves are given a lot of depth in terms of their units, special abilities, structures, and how they advance through the ages. The campaigns are engaging, covering familiar flashpoints of medieval history in a manner that’s more informative than previous entries.

Of course, Age of Empires 4 has its drawbacks as well. The graphics are nothing special, and the combat mechanics remain formulaic. Although the intro presentations in the campaigns are enlightening, they lack a certain degree of creativity that made the campaigns in Age of Empires 2 so memorable. Hearing the same voice in a storybook-style narration becomes dull after a while. It’s the lack of little, inventive details that makes this game a bit inferior to the next entry.

Age Of Empires 4: What Made It Unique?

Compared to its predecessor, Age of Empires 4 blends mechanics from across previous installments for a more unique experience. Drop-off buildings are now in charge of collecting resources and are the source of their own upgrades (instead of the Market), forcing players to be strategic where to place these buildings as the wrong setup can hurt their supply lines. This is exacerbated by the Influence system, as structures built within a range of specific other buildings get particular bonuses. Units are now queued individually, placing more emphasis in the creation and management of military structures. Landmarks are now mandatory to age up, with two choices (and bonuses) offered each, and the unchosen Landmark being unavailable in the subsequent age. Wonder Victories return from AOE 2, where players in the Imperial Age can win the game by defending their base for 15 minutes after building a Wonder – which can be challenging, as the game notifies all enemies if they are currently constructing the said structure. Meanwhile, holding all Sacred Sites in a map for 10 minutes will grant a Sacred Site Victory.

4 Age Of Empires

Metacritic Score: 83

Age of Empires

Systems

Platform(s): PC , Microsoft Windows
Released: October 13, 1997
Engine: Genie Engine
ESRB: t
How Long To Beat: 46 hours

This game got the ball rolling. The original Age of Empires allows players to control one of twelve civilizations, overseeing its development from a hunter-gatherer society to Iron Age sovereigns. It also features four single-player campaigns that focus on the Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek, and Yamato civilizations. The Rise of Rome expansion pack focuses on the trials and tribulations of the ancient Roman Empire.

Winning A Sacred Victory In Age Of Empires 4

Age Of Empires 4: How To Get A Religious Victory

Getting a Religious, aka Sacred, Victory in Age of Empires 4 is easier said than done. Follow these tips to secure this path to dominance.

The 1997 Age of Empires is a champion well past its prime. Future entries improve upon its antiquated and laborious control scheme in almost every way. The graphics, obviously, are an eyesore. Nostalgia may be the only element that keeps fans coming back to this inaugural title. But sometimes, nostalgia is all it takes for players to fall head over heels for a video game, and the first Age of Empires has this in spades.

Age Of Empires: What Made It Unique?

As the game that jumpstarted the franchise, Age of Empires is known to combine the more long-term strategic nature of grand strategy titles and the faster-paced gameplay of traditional strategy games. It’s Age of Empires that introduces the Age Advancement mechanic that slowly unlocks new technologies and better units, as well as limited Resources that force players to be strategic in settlement placement. Trading is emphasized but a bit technical for players, while units are standardized with little differences between each other. AI is emphasized here, with the enemy being able to use actual strategy and tactics to slowly overwhelm players.

3 Age Of Empires 2: Definitive Edition

Metacritic Score: 84

A Battle Scene From Age Of Empires II Definitive Edition

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition

Systems

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

It’s no secret that Age of Empires 2 is regularly touted as the best of the bunch. The release of Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition was a dream come true for fans of the series. Finally, one of the gold standards of the RTS genre was brought up to par with more contemporary games.

One of the best features the developers emphasized was AI improvements. In the Definitive Edition, the player and the AI compete on more equal footing, without the latter having to cheat to remain aggressive. Humorously, fans breathed a huge sigh of relief when they discovered an “auto-replenish” feature had been added to farms, thus eliminating a frustrating annoyance from earlier releases. All the expansions are present, including new ones that continue to be developed. It’s without a doubt the best way to experience this classic juggernaut.

Age Of Empires 2: Definitive Edition: What Made It Unique?

The AOE 2: Definitive Edition technically brings over HD Edition and all its expansions into the game with vastly improved graphics, effects, and additional features. Quality-of-life improvements include better iconography, main menu functionality, progress bars, overall HUD, and toggling various options for convenience. Civilizations also got new architectural sets for visual distinction and more streamlined campaign modes. The game now has server-based multiplayer and a scenario editor for custom content.

2 Age Of Mythology

Metacritic Score: 89

Age of Mythology

Real-Time Strategy

Tactical

Systems

Released: October 30, 2002
Franchise: Age of Mythology
Multiplayer: Local Multiplayer
Engine: BANG! Engine
ESRB: t

Not every Age of Empires game is a history simulator. Age of Mythology is actually a spin-off title that swaps out the knights and musketeers for monsters and legendary deities. The core gameplay remains the same but includes a fantastical twist. Who wouldn’t want to call upon the gods of Mount Olympus to smite one’s enemies?

Age Of Mythology: Every Cheat Code

Age of Mythology is a ton of fun but it’s even more entertaining when you toss useful and hilarious cheat codes into the mix. Here’s all of them.

Age of Mythology proved immensely popular. Two expansion packs were eventually released, The Titans and Tale of the Dragon. Similar to other games in the franchise, Age of Mythology was given an Extended Edition release, which included much-needed HD upgrades for the graphics. The game was a mix of the classic AoE RTS gameplay with a heavy dose of fantasy, making it a great middle-ground for players to check out if actual historical scenarios were too boring for them.

Age Of Mythology: What Made It Unique?

While Age of Mythology retains much of the gameplay formula in the core Age of Empires setup such as age progression and the emphasis on build orders, the “myth” aspect is heavily taken into account. Stone is now replaced by Favor, which can be used to improve a Civilization’s standing with various gods to research Myth Technologies that lead to the creation of Myth Units, as well as the creation of Hero Units and access to God Powers.

1 Age Of Empires 2

Metacritic Score: 92

Units From The Original Age Of Empires II

Systems

Released: November 14, 2019
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer
Engine: Genie Engine
ESRB: t
How Long To Beat: 80 Hours
X|S Optimized: Yes
File Size Xbox Series: 28 GB (November 2023)
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Age of Empires 2 looms large in the minds of fans and critics as the powerhouse of the franchise. The popularity of this entry never abated, even after twenty years. It’s quite telling that the game technically received not one, but two remakes throughout its lifetime. It’s also been ported to other platforms over the years, even mobile. In 2000, The Conquerors expansion was released, which added new campaigns such as Attila the Hun and El Cid.

The original release is great, but there’s no denying that its own re-releases have overshadowed it. The controls, much like the original Age of Empires, are clunky by today’s standards. Numerous quality-of-life improvements, as well as upgrades to the overall presentation, have been made since the 1999 release. The mere fact that this game is still being updated shows just how popular Age of Empires 2 really was. Many people still religiously play this game and experience either the campaigns (both old and new) or the multiplayer mode that’s still fairly active to this day.

Age Of Empires 2: What Made It Unique?

While Age of Empires 2 has a lot of similarities with AoE – especially with its core gameplay mechanic – their subtle and major differences transform the former into an enjoyable classic. This sequel introduces a starting Scout for exploration, as well as pre-defined starting zones with basic resources that give pre-defined (but challenging) build orders per map. The Town Center is now a defensive unit in AOE 2, as it can launch defensive arrows and hide units. The expanded defensive options in AOE 2 encourage longevity and better strategic plays – an important distinction as buildings are easier to destroy in the game with the right firepower. Lastly, formations provide players with an easier way of micromanaging units.

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