Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is the modernized version of the historical real-time strategy classic. The Definitive Edition combines the familiar campaigns and battles with 4K graphics, a re-recorded soundtrack and continuously expanded content.

At its core, the series stays true to its classic formula: you build an economy, gather resources, develop your civilization through several ages and lead armies in real time against rival empires.

The Definitive Edition was first released on Nov 14, 2019 for Windows PC. On Jan 31, 2023, native Xbox versions for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S followed, and on May 6, 2025, the PlayStation 5 version.

Since May 28, 2026, the Steam version also supports macOS natively on Apple silicon hardware. Windows and macOS together make up the PC version, while the console releases remain separate native versions.

Native versions are available for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. On PC, the Steam version supports Windows and, since May 2026, modern Macs with Apple silicon.

The console versions have been adapted for controller play. Cross-platform multiplayer is also part of the Definitive Edition's features.

Age of Empires II remains classic real-time strategy: villagers gather food, wood, gold and stone, you build a base, advance through the ages and adjust your army and economy to the map and opponent. Different civilizations change units, technologies and economic strengths.

Alongside the historical campaigns there are random battles, online multiplayer and cooperative content. The scenario editor and mod support extend its lifespan further, while crossplay brings together players on different platforms.

The Definitive Edition has been supplemented over the years with numerous major expansions. The base package now includes Lords of the West, Dawn of the Dukes and Dynasties of India, among others; other standalone expansions such as Return of Rome, The Mountain Royals, Victors and Vanquished and the Chronicles series have also been released.

These expansions add new civilizations, campaigns, units and, in some cases, their own historical scenarios, without turning the base game into a separate successor product.

On Windows, the current Steam version requires at least Windows 10 64-bit, 4 GB RAM, DirectX 11 and an older dedicated or integrated GPU of the GeForce GT 420, Radeon HD 6850 or Intel HD Graphics 4000 class or better. 8 GB RAM and a GeForce GTX 650 or Radeon HD 5850 or better are recommended.

The native Mac version requires Apple silicon hardware. The Steam listing calls for at least macOS 15.7, 8 GB RAM and an Apple M1 or comparable newer Apple chip.

The Viking Sagas is a major expansion released on Sep 22, 2026. It adds three new playable civilizations, the Danes, Saxons and Varangians, while also reworking the existing Vikings civilization.

At the center is Harald Hardrada: three linked campaigns with 15 single-player scenarios in total follow his path from Scandinavia via Constantinople to the 1066 invasion of England. Added are regional units such as the Varangian Guard, mounted crossbowman and longship, plus additional assets for the scenario editor.