Oct 16, 2023

Pre-Order Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – The Mountain Royals!

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Lady Eridani

We are excited to introduce the The Mountain Royals DLC for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition! Unlock the rich history and untold stories of two remarkable civilizations, available now to pre-order with a 15% discount! Here are some of the new features you can expect:

Two new civilizations – The Georgians and The Armenian
Three new new fully voiced campaigns – Tamar, Thoros the Great, and Ismail
Plus, a newly updated Persian civilization

The Mountain Royals will release on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 on Steam!

Two New Civilizations

The Georgians

Carve out a sturdy kingdom in the shadow of the Caucasus Mountains and use the rugged terrain to your advantage as you repulse countless foreign invasions. The Georgian unique unit is the Monaspa, a brawny cavalry unit whose strength increases in numbers.
🢂 History[expand type=details]
During the early medieval period, the regions south of the Caucasus Mountains were divided among numerous petty kingdoms that eluded foreign dominance largely through geographical isolation. Although the Byzantine Empire occasionally attempted to extend its influence into these polities, no significant lasting gains were made. However, the constant threat of foreign invasion catalyzed a gradual shift towards unity. In the early 11th century, Bagrat III finally succeeded in gathering these formerly squabbling states into the Kingdom of Georgia.

Despite prior tensions, the young Georgian kingdom and the Byzantine Empire made common cause when the Seljuk Turks poured into the regions south of the Caucasus, threatening both realms. Although the Byzantines suffered a catastrophic defeat at Manzikert in 1071 and abandoned many of their eastern possessions, the Georgian kingdom endured – albeit while suffering severe damage from the constant pillaging of its infrastructure. One particularly notable Georgian player in these conflicts was Gregorios Pakourianos, an officer who entered Byzantine service and became a high-ranking commander, eventually being placed in charge of most of the Empire’s Balkan provinces.

Georgia experienced a resurgence during the early 12th century under David IV the Builder, who – as his cognomen suggests – reformed Georgia’s infrastructure and restored much of its political stability while increasing its military might. This trend was continued by Georgia’s first ruling queen, Tamar (1160-1213), who elevated the kingdom’s power to new heights. Tamar’s power and aptitude was such that by the latter years of her reign she had transformed her realm from a minor kingdom threatened by its neighbors to a kingmaker on the verge of participating in future Crusades.

Medieval Georgia flourished largely due to the ingenuity and resilience of its people. Adaptation to the mountainous landscape permitted the Georgian people to build a thriving and defensible economy that sat on one of the many crossroads between empires. Formidable fortifications – from mountain castles to the towers of Svaneti – protected the realm against hostile incursions, while Georgian armies used the terrain to their advantage in parrying enemy attacks and striking back shrewdly. The Georgian armies were led by the Monaspa, an elite cavalry force that directly served the ruling king or queen. Heavily armored, meticulously organized, and well trained, they were known to annihilate an enemy front line with a devastating shock charge.

Georgia’s golden age ended abruptly in the 13th century when successive waves of Mongols cascaded into the regions surrounding the Caucasus Mountains. Unable to hold off the invaders, the Georgians were unwillingly reduced to vassals of the Mongol khanates. Although the realm briefly recovered from this servitude under George V the Brilliant (1286-1346), further misfortune ensued as the Bubonic Plague swept through most of Europe and Asia, claiming millions of lives. Some decades later, the armies of Tamerlane flooded through Georgia on several occasions, carrying out despicable campaigns of destruction and slaughter. Limping into the 15th century, the Kingdom of Georgia finally collapsed in the face of Turkoman invasions.[/expand]
Defensive and Cavalry Civilization
🢂 Civilization Bonuses:[expand type=details]
Start with a Mule Cart, but -50 food
Fortifies Churcers provides Villagers in a 10 tile radius with +10% work rate
Units and buildings receive -15% damage when fighting from higher elevation
Cavalry regenerates 5 HP per minute in Feudal, 10 in Castle, 15 in Imperial Age
[/expand]
🢂 Unique Units and Technologies:[expand type=details]
Unique Unit:
Monspa: Georgian unique cavalry that becomes stronger when other Monaspas or Knight-line units are nearby.
Unique Technologies:
Svan Towers: Defensive buildings receive +2 attack. Towers fire arrows that pierce multiple units (Castle Age)
Aznauri Cavalry: Cavalry units take 15% less population space (Imperial Age)
[/expand]

The Armenians

Rebuild your ancestral kingdom in the mountainous terrain near Lakes Van, Sevan, and Urmia. The Armenian unique units are the Composite Bowman, a skilled archer capable of piercing even the sturdiest armor, and the Warrior Priest, an infantry unit that can fight and heal allied units.
🢂 History[expand type=details]
By the beginning of the medieval period, Armenia, a state whose history stretched back nearly a millennium prior, was caught in the midst of a conflict between two giants. Hostilities had flared up between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Sasanian Persian Empire, both of which often sought to set Armenia up as a buffer state to deter invasions along their northern frontier. As Roman power waned, the Persians gained the upper hand, but their oppressive overlordship – especially the persecution of Armenian Christians in an attempt to spread Zoroastrianism – sparked constant tensions. These culminated in the Battle of Avarayr (451), where the magnate Vardan Mamikonian – who lives on in Armenian national lore – died defending his homeland.

The Near East was changed forever in the 7th century when the forces of the rising Arab Caliphate poured into the Levant. Withered by mounting internal crises and constant conflict, Persia and Byzantium – the medieval iteration of Eastern Rome – were unable to fend off the Arab invasions, causing the former to collapse entirely and the latter to lose most of its territory in the Levant and Africa. Armenia, formerly coveted by both powers, was then conquered by the armies of the new Umayyad Caliphate. History repeated itself, however, as an outsider’s oppressive rule once more led to violent rebellions. After the Abbasid Caliphate replaced the Umayyad Caliphate, Armenia gradually drifted further and further towards autonomy.

By the late 9th century, the balance of power had shifted once more. A rejuvenated Byzantium had diminished Abbasid power along the frontier, offering Armenia the opportunity to extricate itself from foreign domination. Ashot I (9th century) of the Bagratid family shrewdly allied himself with the Byzantines and became Armenia’s first king in four centuries. The fledgling Armenian kingdom remained in a precarious position and was invaded by the Caliphate’s vassals several times, but during the 10th century gradually stabilized, capitalizing on the resurgence of lucrative trade routes and the political fortunes of its powerful neighbors.

Trouble arrived once more during the 11th century, however, as the Byzantines sought to fully incorporate Armenia into their domain. Simultaneously, massive invasions of Seljuk Turks rocked the Middle East, thoroughly redefining the balance of power and ravaging much of the region. As Seljuk incursions tore Armenia apart, Byzantium – albeit loosely – incorporated the leftover pieces. These shifts led to a mass migration of Armenians to Cilicia in southeast Anatolia, where they established a new state on the periphery of the Byzantine Empire. Crucially, these nomadic invasions also led the Armenians to incorporate cohorts of composite bowmen into their armies as a recourse against large mounted forces.

Cilician Armenia initially sat in a precarious position, but that swiftly changed when the Crusades led thousands of European soldiers to attack the Seljuks and neighboring Islamic states in Palestine and the Levant. The Armeno-Cilicians allied with the crusaders and fought with them on several occasions against their mutual foes. Byzantium made further designs on the region during the 12th century, but under the leadership of Thoros II the Great, the Armeno-Cilicians prevailed. As the Mongol invasions of the 13th century rang the death-knell for many of the region’s states, Cilician Armenia wisely allied with the Mongols, but then struggled against the rising Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt and Syria. The last straw for the battered kingdom was Tamerlane’s invasion of 1400, which reduced it to a minor polity wedged between the rising superpowers to come.[/expand]
Infantry and Naval Civilization
🢂 Civilization Bonuses:[expand type=details]
Mule Carts cost -25%
Mule Cart technologies are 25% more effective
First Fortified Church receives a free Relic
Barracks units (except Man-at-Arms) available one age earlier
Galley-line fires two projectiles
[/expand]
🢂 Unique Units and Technologies:[expand type=details]
Unique Units:
Composite Bowman: Armenian unique archer unit with attack that ignores armor
Warrior Priest: Armenian unique infantry unit which can heal friendly units.
Unique Technologies:
Cilician Fleet: Demolition Ships +33% blast radius; Galley-line and Dromons +1 range (Castle Age)
Fereters: Infantry (except Spearman-line) +30HP, Warrior priests +100% heal speed (Imperial Age)
[/expand]

The Persians - Updated!

Traverse the highlands with the fearsome cavalry of the Persians, who will be receiving a massive free update to their gameplay alongside The Mountain Royals. The update features the Savar, a unique paladin replacement that is adept at taking down enemy ranged units.

Three New Thrilling Campaigns

Tamar’s Ascension

Brought up on stories of David the Builder, the young and impassioned Tamar ascends her great-grandfather’s throne with elaborate plans for her bustling kingdom. However, she quickly finds out that wielding such power is more than a simple matter of birthright. Can Georgia’s first queen overcome her skeptics and leave an imprint to endure well beyond her lifetime?

In this campaign, you will play as the Georgians.
Thoros The Great

The tiny kingdom of Cilician Armenia lies between hostile empires, its ruling family in Byzantine captivity. When Prince Thoros escapes, he embarks on a dangerous campaign to liberate his homeland, but the vengeful Byzantines are not his only foes. The Seljuk Turks covet the region as well, and a ruthless Frankish crusader is pursuing his own schemes to the south.

In this campaign, you will play as the Armenians.
Ismail

The orphaned prodigy Ismail leads the mysterious Safavid Order through war-torn Persia! Will this charismatic visionary lay the groundwork for one of the most illustrious empires of the Islamic world, or will his delusions of grandeur be his ultimate undoing?

In this campaign, you will play as the Persians.

Our teams have been working on The Mountain Royals for some time, expanding the storytelling of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. As we announce this DLC publicly and make it available for pre-order, we’re aware of the events currently affecting modern day Armenians. The Mountain Royals has not been designed as a comment or reference to modern day events.

Pre-Order Now!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2555420/Age_of_Empires_II_Definitive_Edition__The_Mountain_Royals/

Sep 14, 2023

Journey Back with the Return of Rome Event!

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Lady Eridani

This month, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is celebrating the latest DLC – Return of Rome – with an all-new event! Join us as we soldier back to ancient Rome and unlock golden centurion statues, testudo formations, and more! So grab your helmets, strap on those sandals, and don your shiny armor – it’s time for the Return of Rome!

And for a touch of nostalgia, we’ve brought back some famous units and effects you might have missed from Age of Empires: Definitive Edition!

🤍September 6th – September 20th🤍

Return of Rome Event: New Rewards!

New Rewards!

NOW through September 20th, complete the in-game tasks within the time limit to unlock exclusive rewards!

Event F.A.Q.

🢂 Q: Do I have to complete the challenges on consecutive days?
[expand type=details]While challenges don’t have to be completed on consecutive days, only one challenge can be completed per day.

This means that you will need to play at least five different days to complete all of the challenges.
[/expand]
🢂 Q: When is the last day I can complete the daily challenges?
[expand type=details]The Return of Rome Event concludes September 20th.
[/expand]
🢂 Q: What do I do if I accidentally unsubscribe from a special mod?
[expand type=details]No problem! All you need to do is click your Profile Icon on the main menu, select Event Mods (under Collection), and then check the unlocked event mod you want to enable!
[/expand]
🢂 Q: How do I change my profile icon?
[expand type=details]You can update your profile icon in your profile:

On the main menu, click the Profile Icon next to your name.
You should now be in the Profile Icons tab under Collections.
Select your favorite icon, then click the Select Icon button to lock in your choice.
You’re done!

[/expand]
🢂 Q: How do I download and enable mods?
[expand type=details]For information about how to subscribe to and prioritize your mods, visit this article.
[/expand]

Keep It All!

Remember: if you sign in to Xbox Live during the event, you’ll get to keep all of the mods and profile icons you’ve achieved! Sign in, earn your rewards, and enjoy!

We hope you enjoy this month’s Return of Rome Event!

—The Age of Empires Team

Have You Picked Up Your Copy Yet?

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

Sep 8, 2023

Additional Campaigns Come to Return of Rome!

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Lady Eridani

With the latest update to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, two of the original Age of Empires campaigns; Ascent of Egypt and The First Punic War have been added to the Return of Rome DLC!

You can access the new campaigns by transitioning your game into Return of Rome, then navigating to Single Player and selecting the Campaigns option. From here, select the new ‘Return of Rome‘ tab on the side of the campaign menu.

You can read more details about the Ascent of Egypt and The First Punic War campaigns below!

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

Ascent of Egypt

Follow the creation of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, learning the skills and strategies you need to guide your civilization to victory across 12 scenarios in the Ascent of Egypt campaign. Each scenario is designed to help nurture your fundamentals and practice a specific skill, such as: Exploring the map, building your economy and even converting enemy units.

Take your first steps in Return or Rome by experiencing the story of the world’s longest continuous civilization. As the guiding spirit of Egypt, settle along the fertile Nile River, wage war and unite the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt with Narmer, build the great monuments of Hatshepsut, and venture into foreign lands to conquer the Nubians and Canaanites.

Ascent of Egypt Scenarios

“For centuries, the Nubians of the South have attacked and pillaged our cities in Upper Egypt. Pharaoh Senusret Ill is determined to deal with them for good.”

🢂 Scenario List Here
[expand type=showmore]

Hunting
Foraging
Exploration
Dawn of a New Age
Skirmish
Farming
Trade
Religion
River Outpost
Naval Battle
A Wonder of the World
Siege in Canaan

[/expand]

The First Punic War

Command the mighty Carthaginian empire in their war against the aggressive, Roman Empire. Push back the Roman invasion, destroy their supply lines and erect a monument to the strength of Carthage across 3 epic scenarios. Then, you’ll have demonstrated the futility of challenging Carthage, and sent the Romans back to where they came from!

For centuries, Carthage ruled the waves and coasts of the Mediterranean. Her trade ships enriched her harbors while her colonies were defended by the fiercest mercenaries that gold could buy. The sudden appearance of Rome, however, threatens its mercantile dominance. Will you be able to defend your empire’s outpost on Sicily from these marauding Romans’ Surely, this enemy is nothing compared to the might of Carthage.

The First Punic War Scenarios

“The soldiers from this town call themselves Romans and they march on your positions. By the grace of Ba’al Hammon, King of the Gods, deal with these Roman upstarts!”

🢂 Scenario List Here
[expand type=showmore]

Struggle for Sicily
Battle of Mylae
Battle of Tunis

[/expand]

More to Come!

The winners of the Community Poll, Glory of Greece and the Voices of Babylon campaigns will be added to Return of Rome in a future update. We’ll have an update for you as soon as we have more information to share!

We hope you enjoy the addition of the Ascent of Egypt and The First Punic War campaigns to Return of Rome!

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

Sep 6, 2023

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Update 93001

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Lady Eridani

Come dive into another update for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition! This is a large one with balance changes, bug fixes, and more, PLUS new campaigns are coming to Return of Rome – Ascent of Egypt and The First Punic War! There’s also a fun Return of Rome Event with some awesome challenges and cool rewards – so strap on your sandals and find your shield – everything is all about Rome! Are you ready?

While there are plenty of notable fixes and features to look forward to in today’s build, here’s some of the big highlights coming with this month’s update:

New Campaigns in Return of Rome:
- Ascent of Egypt
- The First Punic War
Return of Rome Event!
Bug fixes based on your feedback!

Be sure to dig down into the post below to get all of the smaller details before hopping in-game and checking them out firsthand.

This is just a small taste of what is coming in the latest update. For a more complete list, please visit our site and check out our blog. Happy Gaming!

💬 DISCUSS: Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Forum
🗣 JOIN: The Age of Empires Official Discord

Thanks again to our amazing community members, all of whom have helped to make Age of Empires what it is today!

—The Age of Empires Team

◆ UPDATE 93001◆

BUILD SPOTLIGHT

Return of Rome Event
🤍September 6th – September 20th🤍
This month, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is celebrating the latest DLC – Return of Rome – with an all-new event! Join us as we soldier back to ancient Rome and unlock golden centurion statues, testudo formations, and more! So grab your helmets, strap on those sandals, and don your shiny armor – it’s time for the Return of Rome!

And for a touch of nostalgia, we’ve brought back some famous units and effects you might have missed from Age of Empires: Definitive Edition!

New Rewards!
TODAY through September 20th, complete the in-game tasks within the time limit to unlock exclusive rewards!

Event F.A.Q.

🢂 Q: Do I have to complete the challenges on consecutive days?
[expand type=details]While challenges don’t have to be completed on consecutive days, only one challenge can be completed per day.

This means that you will need to play at least five different days to complete all of the challenges.[/expand]
🢂 Q: When is the last day I can complete the daily challenges?
[expand type=details]The Return of Rome Event concludes September 20th.[/expand]
🢂 Q: What do I do if I accidentally unsubscribe from a special mod?
[expand type=details]No problem! All you need to do is click your Profile Icon on the main menu, select Event Mods (under Collection), and then check the unlocked event mod you want to enable![/expand]
🢂 Q: How do I change my profile icon?
[expand type=details]You can update your profile icon in your profile:
On the main menu, click the Profile Icon next to your name.
You should now be in the Profile Icons tab under Collections.
Select your favorite icon, then click the Select Icon button to lock in your choice.
You’re done!
[/expand]
🢂 Q: How do I download and enable mods?
[expand type=details]For information about how to subscribe to and prioritize your mods, visit this article.[/expand]

This is just a small taste of what is coming in the latest update. For a more complete list, please visit our site and check out our blog. Happy Gaming!

:alertalert: DISCLAIMER
This list is subject to change and should not be considered a comprehensive list of all the known issues we’re tracking. The above is to inform you of the team’s current priorities, which will change as other issues arise or take precedence.

For the latest updates and announcements, please visit our social channels.

Hotfix 93870
Stability & Performance
Fixed a few crashes that were introduced in the previous update.
Fixed a performance issue that was introduced in the previous update and was impacting the ranked benchmark.
Achievements
Achievements for Ascent of Egypt and Punic Wars campaigns are now unlocking properly.
Graphics
WidgetUI graphics and fonts filter introduced in Update 93001 has been temporarily disabled.
It is still possible to activate it by using WIDGETUI_FILTER in Launch parameters. The filter has been adjusted to result in less blur on certain resolutions, and to work better with older Graphics Hardware.
Fixed an issue where graphics issues could occur when starting another match on certain resolutions.
Hotkeys
Fixed an issue where the Pause/Break key did not work as Pause hotkey.
Multiplayer
Fixed an issue where recorded games were not uploading correctly.
Gameplay
Fixes
Fixed an issue where building a Market did not grant Line of Sight of your allies when Shared Exploration was disabled.
Ranged units with Attack < 5 no longer do more damage to buildings than intended in Return of Rome.