May 16, 2023

Return of Rome DLC Now Available for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Age of Empires: Definitive Edition - Lady Eridani

Rome is calling, will you answer? The Return of Rome DLC is now available for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition on PC! This DLC offers an incredible 17 civilizations, 3 new campaigns, a new game mode, plus an additional civilization (the Romans) added to the base game.

Inspired by the 1998 expansion for Age of Empires “The Rise of Rome”, the new Return of Rome expansion delivers familiar and brand new content for both established and new players.

What Is Included in Return of Rome?

Return of Rome is a completely new type of DLC for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, bringing classic Age of Empires gameplay, style and key experiences as a brand-new self-contained experience. When launching Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, simply select the Return of Rome icon on the Main Menu to transition your game into the Return of Rome DLC.

Purchasing Return of Rome will also grant you access to the bonus Romans civilization while playing in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition mode. The Romans will begin as a civilization for single player and unranked lobbies, then graduate to ranked play in the near future.

New Civilization, New Campaigns, and New Game Mode

Included in Return of Rome are all 16 original Age of Empires civilizations from the Assyrians to the Yamato, allowing players to get to grips with the civilizations that started the Age of Empires journey.

Joining the ranks as the newest ancient civilization will be the Lac Viet. The Lac Viet is a fast-paced archer civilization from ancient Southeast Asia that will be exclusive to Return of Rome.

We’re also introducing 3 brand new campaigns created specifically for Return of Rome: Sargon of Akkad (Sumerians), Pyrrhus of Epirus (Macedonians) and Trajan (Romans). With new missions to tackle and stories told through the familiar AoE II: DE style, you’ll be able to live more moments from history.

The D3 Game Mode will challenge players with a new way to play. D3 is an homage to a fan favorite rule set, made popular in the Age Vietnamese professional scene, that is now fully integrated into the game.  This rule set reduces rush tactics and allows players to start their early game more robustly, only allowing fighting with a single unit until entering the Bronze Age, ensuring players reach later Ages for equal battles.  This rule set also bans walls and towers, making for exciting match ups later in the game.

[h5]New Achievements List![/h5]
[expand type=details]

Name

Description

The God of War

Complete the Sargon campaign.

Not Cutting Corners

Subdue both Sippar and Borsippa in "The Chosen One".

Expedited Delivery

Bring the Artifact to each city-state before 30 minutes have elapsed in "Divine Will".

Ur Out of Here

Destroy Ur's Wonder before it is completed in "The Prophecy".

Back to Square One

Complete the Pyrrhus campaign.

What Would Alexander Have Done?

Win with all allied Town Centers remaining in "A Second Alexander".

Greece'd Lightning

Win before Demetrius arrives in "The Many Kings of Macedon".

The Best Defense...

Defeat all enemies in "Sisyphus".

Optimus Princeps

Complete the Trajan campaign.

Are You Not Entertained?

Win "Legates and Legions" in less than 10 minutes.

I Am Legion

Defeat the Dacian Army in "Heads Will Roll".

You Have No Power Here!

Lose less than 5 units to conversion in "An Old Enemy".

Roman Victory

Win a game as the Romans.

Assyrian Victory

Win a game as the Assyrians in Return of Rome.

Babylonian Victory

Win a game as the Babylonians in Return of Rome.

Carthaginian Victory

Win a game as the Carthaginians in Return of Rome.

Choson Victory

Win a game as the Choson in Return of Rome.

Egyptian Victory

Win a game as the Egyptians in Return of Rome.

Greek Victory

Win a game as the Greeks in Return of Rome.

Hittite Victory

Win a game as the Hittites in Return of Rome.

Lac Viet Victory

Win a game as the Lac Viet in Return of Rome

Macedonian Victory

Win a game as the Macedonians in Return of Rome.

Minoan Victory

Win a game as the Minoans in Return of Rome.

Palmyran Victory

Win a game as the Palmyrans in Return of Rome.

Persian Victory

Win a game as the Persians in Return of Rome.

Phoenician Victory

Win a game as the Phoenicians in Return of Rome.

Roman Victory

Win a game as the Romans in Return of Rome.

Shang Victory

Win a game as the Shang in Return of Rome.

Sumerian Victory

Win a game as the Sumerians in Return of Rome.

Yamato Victory

Win a game as the Yamato in Return of Rome.

Ride for Ruin!

Kill 15 units with Scouts in the Tool Age in Return of Rome.

Calm, Cool, and Collected

Win 3 games in a row in Return of Rome.

Agile as a Sparrow

Win a game without losing a single unit in Return of Rome.

I Wonder Why I Did That?

Win a game by constructing a Wonder in Return of Rome.

Forged in Iron

Reach the Iron Age before 20 minutes of game time have elapsed in Return of Rome.

Chariotable Numbers

Train 60 Chariot Archers in Return of Rome.

[/expand]

Explore Creator Content

There’s so much to explore, enjoy, and play in Return of Rome! We’re grateful to our community for the continued support, our players who helped us shape this innovative DLC and our Creator Community who’ve been showcasing the exciting additions that Return of Rome brings via our Creator Preview.

Available Now!

Return of Rome is available now on Steam!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2141580/Age_of_Empires_II_Definitive_Edition__Return_of_Rome/

For those loyal Age of Empires players, we have a special bundle that we created just for you which includes Age of Empires II: DE and the Return of Rome DLC at a discounted price.

https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/31630/Age_of_Empires_II_Definitive_Edition__Return_of_Rome_Bundle/

Want More?

Want to further expand your Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition experience? Check out the other available DLC’s that will add further civilizations and campaigns to your game.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1389240/Age_of_Empires_II_Definitive_Edition__Lords_of_the_West/ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1557210/Age_of_Empires_II_Definitive_Edition__Dawn_of_the_Dukes/ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1869820/Age_of_Empires_II_Definitive_Edition__Dynasties_of_India/

Apr 25, 2023

Celebrate the Return of Rome By Pre-Ordering Now!

Age of Empires: Definitive Edition - Lady Eridani

Where were you in 1998? Perhaps listening to Cher’s Believe, watching Titanic, playing with your Tamagotchi and relaxing on your inflatable couch? Or were you playing the Age of Empires DLC The Rise of Rome? This beloved evolution of the first Age of Empires game has taken on a new form and joined the Definitive Edition era in the Return of Rome DLC for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition.

Yes, you read that correctly, Age of Empires content available in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Bringing the civilizations and action of ancient worlds to AoE II: DE. Purchasers will be able to switch to Return of Rome in the game’s main screen and take on fresh challenges.

What can you expect from this new and innovative DLC?

3 new campaigns created specifically for Return of Rome. Sargon of Akkad (Sumerians), Pyrrhus of Epirus (Macedonians) and Trajan (Romans). With new missions to tackle and stories told through the familiar AoE II: DE style, you’ll be able to live more moments from history.
All 16 original Age of Empires civilizations from the Assyrians to the Yamato. Get to grips with the civilizations that started the Age of Empires journey.
One new civilization, the Lac Viet. In honor and recognition of Rise of Rome’s phenomenal popularity in Vietnam, we’ve added a new civilization with Return of Rome. Adding something new for established and beginner players.
New D3 Game Mode. D3 is an homage to a fan favorite rule set that is now fully integrated into the game.  This rule set reduces rush tactics and allows players to start their early game more robustly, only allowing fighting with a single unit until entering the Bronze Age, ensuring players reach later Ages for equal battles.  This rule set also bans walls and towers, making for exciting match ups later in the game.
The Roman civilization will be playable in the main AoE II: DE title. If you’ve ever wondered how the Romans might fare against the Aztecs, now’s your opportunity to find out.

Catch a glimpse of what Return of Rome has to offer in our teaser trailer:

How to Pre-Order

Return of Rome is available to pre-order now on Steam! This innovative DLC is available as a standalone purchase, or as a bundle with Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Rome is calling. It’s time to return.

Pre-order the Return of Rome today and be ready to conquer your opponents and forge a new Roman Empire on May 16, 2023!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2141580/Age_of_Empires_II_Definitive_Edition__Return_of_Rome/

https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/31630/Age_of_Empires_II_Definitive_Edition__Return_of_Rome_Bundle/

Mar 15, 2023

Large Infrastructure Server Update - Wednesday, March 22

Age of Empires: Definitive Edition - Lady Eridani

***IMPORTANT***
This coming Wednesday, March 22nd, the platform team will be taking the multiplayer servers down for a large infrastructure update.
Downtime is expected to be 6 hours.

WHAT: Large Infrastructure Server Update (Matchmaking Servers)
WHEN: Wednesday, March 22 @ 12:00p PT / 3:00p ET / 19:00 UTC (Countdown)
EST. DOWNTIME: 6 HOURS

GAMES & PLATFORMS IMPACTED

Age of Empires: Definitive Edition (Steam / Microsoft Store)
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (All Platforms)
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition (Steam / Microsoft Store)
Age of Empires IV (Steam / Microsoft Store)

OBJECTIVES

Large Infrastructure Server Update

DETAILS

This coming Wednesday, March 22nd, the platform team will be taking the multiplayer servers down for a large infrastructure update. Please note:

Ranked matchmaking will disabled exactly one hour before the maintenance window to prevent disruption to newly-formed matches.

Any matches still in progress at the start of the maintenance window will be disrupted when it begins.

DURING THE MAINTENANCE WINDOW, YOU WILL STILL BE ABLE TO LAUNCH THE GAME, BUT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MATCHMAKE OR ACCESS ANY ONLINE FEATURES.

To prevent any interruptions, we recommend wrapping up any games at least 10 minutes before the maintenance window. The downtime is expected to last 6 hours. You can watch this thread with any changes to the schedule as they arise, as well as the all-clear when the maintenance is complete.

Thank you for your patience!

Oct 17, 2022

Three Games, Three Events, and One Giant Anniversary Celebration!

Age of Empires: Definitive Edition - Lady Eridani

Hello Age fans and welcome to the giant celebration for the Age of Empires Anniversary extravaganza! We’re so excited to share everything we have in store for you over the next few weeks, but for now, here’s a sneak peek at all the in-game events with unique challenges and rewards starting on October 25th. Don’t miss out on all the fun in Age of Empires IV, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, and Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition with celebratory cakes, castles, capybaras, and more!

Age of Empires IV

Season Three: Anniversary Event
🎉October 25 – November 28🎉
This October marks the 25th Anniversary for Age of Empires! Come celebrate with us and enjoy everything we love about Age!

Challenges and Rewards highlight units from across the franchise, including an iconic cheat! You won't want to miss out in earning these spectacular Age-aversary rewards! As always, Wololo!

Part II is now live!

Ranked Season Three: October 26 - February 15

Ranked Season Three is almost here -are you ready? The party starts on October 26 and runs until February 15. Grab your swords, garrison your castles, and bring all your friends, it’s time!
Plus, for the first time ever, you can earn Ranked Team rewards too!

Also included are unlockable taunts!
Earn taunts for achieving the rank of Bronze or higher in either Solo or Team Ranked when you participate in Season Three.

Rank Achieved (Solo or Team)
Taunt
How to Earn
Bronze+ (Solo or Team)
OP.
Granted for participating in Solo or Team Ranked in Season 3.
Bronze+ (Solo or Team)
Nice sheep.
Granted for participating in Solo or Team Ranked in Season 3.
Bronze+ (Solo or Team)
Remember when you had an army?
Granted for participating in Solo or Team Ranked in Season 3.
Bronze+ (Solo or Team)
Well that escalated quickly.
Granted for participating in Solo or Team Ranked in Season 3.
Bronze+ (Solo or Team)
STRAEEELBOOORRAAAA!
Granted for participating in Solo or Team Ranked in Season 3.
Bronze+ (Solo or Team)
Behold! My amazing army!
Granted for participating in Solo or Team Ranked in Season 3.
Bronze+ (Solo or Team)
This is fine...
Granted for participating in Solo or Team Ranked in Season 3.
Bronze+ (Solo or Team)
You know, this game has a good tutorial.
Granted for participating in Solo or Team Ranked in Season 3.
Bronze+ (Solo or Team)
It has been a pleasure.
Granted for participating in Solo or Team Ranked in Season 3.
Bronze+ (Solo or Team)
I ... did not see that coming.
Granted for participating in Solo or Team Ranked in Season 3

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

The 25th Age of Empires Anniversary Event
🎉October 25 – November 8🎉

Huzzah! This October marks the 25th Anniversary for Age of Empires! Join us as we celebrate everything we love about Age!

Challenges and Rewards highlight units from across the franchise, including a very famous Town Bell. If you haven’t tried playing the other Age games, now’s a great time to check them out!

And of course, a big Birthday thanks to all for making Age of Empires so special, including you!

New Rewards!

October 25th through November 8th, complete the in-game tasks within the time limit to unlock exclusive rewards!

[h4]Keep it Forever![/h4]
Remember: if you sign in to Xbox Live at any point during the event, you get to keep all the mods and profile icons you unlock! Sign in, earn your rewards, and enjoy!

—The Age of Empires Team

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition

Ageiversary Event
🎉October 25th – November 20th🎉

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is celebrating 25 years of Age of Empires with the coming of the new community event, Ageiversary! For a limited time, you can unlock new portraits and explorer customizations by completing the community challenges!

New Rewards!

October 25th through November 20th, complete the in-game tasks within the time limit to unlock exclusive rewards!

[h4]Keep it Forever![/h4]
Remember: if you sign in to Xbox Live at any point during the event, you get to keep all the mods and profile icons you unlock! Sign in, earn your rewards, and enjoy!

—The Age of Empires Team

Join the 25th Anniversary Fun!

More announcements and fun coming as we lead up to our 25th Anniversary Celebration Broadcast on October 25th! While you prepare for the big day, here are more ways to join the 25th Anniversary Celebration!

Remember, all the fun starts on October 25th!