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	<title>Patches, Updates &amp; Content Releases &#8211; Age of Empires &#8211; World&#039;s Edge Studio</title>
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		<title>Available Now for Age of Mythology: Retold &#8211; Expansion Pass with New Gods Pack: Demeter</title>
		<link>https://staging.ageofempires.com/news/available-now-expansion-pass-for-age-of-mythology-with-demeter-god-pack/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[AoE Official]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:13:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Patches, Updates & Content Releases]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ageofempires.com/?p=133750</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The next&#160;chapter of Age of&#160;Mythology begins here! Secure your place among the gods with the&#160;Age of Mythology: Retold &#8211; Expansion Pass &#8211; an all-in-one collection of mythic content culminating in the arrival of the&#160;Aztec Pantheon&#160;in&#160;Obsidian&#160;Mirror, the most ambitious expansion for&#160;Age of Mythology: Retold yet! Plus, the first of the releases, the New Gods Pack: Demeter, &#8230; <a href="https://staging.ageofempires.com/news/available-now-expansion-pass-for-age-of-mythology-with-demeter-god-pack/">Continued</a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1080" height="608" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1080x608.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133347" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1080x608.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-288x162.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-768x432.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-704x396.webp 704w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-854x480.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1813x1020.webp 1813w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1552x873.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1600x900.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art.webp 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>The next&nbsp;chapter of <em>Age of&nbsp;Mythology</em> begins here! Secure your place among the gods with the&nbsp;<em>Age of Mythology: Retold &#8211; Expansion Pass</em> &#8211; an all-in-one collection of mythic content culminating in the arrival of the&nbsp;<strong>Aztec Pantheon</strong>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<em>Obsidian&nbsp;Mirror</em>, the most ambitious expansion for&nbsp;<em>Age of Mythology: Retold</em> yet!</p>



<p>Plus, the first of the releases, the <strong><em>New Gods Pack: Demeter</em></strong>, is officially unlocked and available to all <em>Expansion Pass </em>owners on Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox, and PlayStation 5! The new pack introduces a major Greek goddess, three distinct minor gods, powerful myth units, and a fully voiced Mythical Battle that expands the world of <em>Age of Mythology: Retold</em>.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Included in the Expansion Pass</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong><em>New Gods Pack: Demeter</em></strong> – Become a Force of Nature.</li>



<li><strong>Ultimate Fan Pack</strong> – A Golden Mark of Support.</li>



<li><strong>Blood &amp; Bones Pack</strong> – Beauty in Battle&nbsp;<strong>– Exclusive to the <em>Expansion Pass</em></strong>.</li>



<li><strong><em>Obsidian Mirror</em></strong> – Rise of the Aztec Gods – the centerpiece of the <em>Expansion Pass</em>.</li>
</ul>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pick Up Your Copy of The Expansion Pass!</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="354" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AoMR-Xpass_PackageCapsule_1414x464-1080x354.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-132801" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AoMR-Xpass_PackageCapsule_1414x464-1080x354.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AoMR-Xpass_PackageCapsule_1414x464-288x95.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AoMR-Xpass_PackageCapsule_1414x464-768x252.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AoMR-Xpass_PackageCapsule_1414x464-854x280.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AoMR-Xpass_PackageCapsule_1414x464.webp 1414w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>The <em>Age of Mythology: Retold &#8211; Expansion Pass</em> is available on Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox, and PlayStation 5.</p>



<div class="wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4180380/Age_of_Empires_Retold_Expansion_Pass/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=launch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steam</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/age-of-mythology-retold-expansion-pass/9n2z26t7355c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Store</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/age-of-mythology-retold-expansion-pass/9n2z26t7355c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xbox</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP6312-PPSA18653_00-0876108339921931" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PlayStation 5</a></div>
</div>
</blockquote>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Demeter God Pack – Available Now with the Expansion Pass!</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1080" height="608" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1080x608.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133347" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1080x608.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-288x162.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-768x432.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-704x396.webp 704w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-854x480.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1813x1020.webp 1813w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1552x873.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1600x900.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art.webp 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Included in the Demeter God Pack</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Demeter, the goddess of harvest and terrain mastery, as a major goddess</li>



<li>Three new minor gods Pan, Hestia, and Persephone</li>



<li>New fully voiced Mythical Battle titled Silent Sanctuary, starring Chiron and Orpheus</li>



<li>New ways to disrupt economies, convert enemies, revive armies, and halt attacks</li>



<li>New myth units Harpies,&nbsp;Lykaons, Hamadryads, and Sirens</li>
</ul>



<div class="wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fdcfc74e wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.ageofempires.com/news/demeter-god-pack-coming-february-10th/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read More About the Demeter God Pack</a></div>
</div>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Upcoming Releases for the Expansion Pass</h1>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get Exclusive Bonuses</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Exclusive Pack:</strong>&nbsp;Bonus&nbsp;<em>Blood &amp; Bones&nbsp;Pack</em>&nbsp;&#8211; <strong>available only with the <em>Expansion Pass</em></strong>.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Great Value:</strong>&nbsp;Save&nbsp;<strong>10%</strong>&nbsp;versus individual releases.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Ultimate Convenience:</strong>&nbsp;One purchase. Automatic unlocks. Mythic content, delivered.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Blood &amp; Bones Pack – Beauty in Battle</h2>



<p>Witness warfare like never before. This visual overhaul introduces dynamic blood systems, prismatic essence for myth units, and evolving transitions that make each skirmish feel visceral and alive&nbsp;– <strong>exclusive to <em>Expansion Pass</em> owners.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ultimate Fan Pack – A Golden Mark of Support</h2>



<p>Show your devotion to&nbsp;<em>Age of Mythology: Retold</em>&nbsp;with this supporter-themed collection.&nbsp;Adorn your Temples and Town Centers with shimmering gold, display unique pantheon icons, and stand out as one of the faithful.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Obsidian Mirror – Rise of the Aztec Gods</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="608" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AOM_StoneskinQuinametzin-1080x608.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133062" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AOM_StoneskinQuinametzin-1080x608.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AOM_StoneskinQuinametzin-288x162.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AOM_StoneskinQuinametzin-768x432.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AOM_StoneskinQuinametzin-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AOM_StoneskinQuinametzin-2048x1152.webp 2048w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AOM_StoneskinQuinametzin-704x396.webp 704w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AOM_StoneskinQuinametzin-854x480.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AOM_StoneskinQuinametzin-1813x1020.webp 1813w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AOM_StoneskinQuinametzin-1552x873.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AOM_StoneskinQuinametzin-1600x900.webp 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p><strong>The centerpiece of the <em>Expansion Pass</em>.</strong>&nbsp;One of the most requested pantheons in franchise history finally ascends.&nbsp;Enter the world of the&nbsp;<strong>Aztec gods</strong>&nbsp;in a sweeping&nbsp;<strong>12-mission campaign</strong>&nbsp;that spans continents and celestial realms.&nbsp;This is more than an add-on&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;a full-scale expansion introducing an entirely new culture, pantheon, and divine playstyle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The&nbsp;<em>Expansion Pass</em>&nbsp;is the ultimate way to experience every new chapter of&nbsp;<em>Age of Mythology: Retold</em>&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;from fresh divine powers to one of the most&nbsp;anticipated&nbsp;pantheons ever forged.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.ageofempires.com/news/pre-order-the-expansion-pass-for-age-of-mythology-retold-now/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read More About the Expansion Pass</a></div>
</div>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pick Up Your Copy of The Expansion Pass!</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="354" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AoMR-Xpass_PackageCapsule_1414x464-1080x354.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-132801" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AoMR-Xpass_PackageCapsule_1414x464-1080x354.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AoMR-Xpass_PackageCapsule_1414x464-288x95.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AoMR-Xpass_PackageCapsule_1414x464-768x252.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AoMR-Xpass_PackageCapsule_1414x464-854x280.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AoMR-Xpass_PackageCapsule_1414x464.webp 1414w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>The <em>Age of Mythology: Retold &#8211; Expansion Pass</em> is available on Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox, and PlayStation 5.</p>



<div class="wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4180380/Age_of_Empires_Retold_Expansion_Pass/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=launch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steam</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/age-of-mythology-retold-expansion-pass/9n2z26t7355c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Store</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/age-of-mythology-retold-expansion-pass/9n2z26t7355c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xbox</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP6312-PPSA18653_00-0876108339921931" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PlayStation 5</a></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Age of Mythology: Retold Update 18.65484</title>
		<link>https://staging.ageofempires.com/news/age-of-mythology-retold-update-18-65484/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[AoE Official]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:06:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Patches, Updates & Content Releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Age of Mythology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Age of Mythology: Retold]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Update]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ageofempires.com/?p=133806</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Welcome, Age of Mythology: Retold community to another fun-filled update! This one brings a massive amount of changes to the Gauntlet game mode, including new achievements, use of some Gauntlet mechanics in Singleplayer and Multiplayer, new Chaos Events, improvements for co-op, balance changes, a cameras update, and more!]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<article class="article__info">
			<div class="article__author__avatar">
			<img alt='author avatar' src='https://images-eds-ssl.xboxlive.com/image?url=wHwbXKif8cus8csoZ03RW8ke8ralOdP9BGd4wzwl0MJ9z6QzuGwZjtvbE7sSsMVW.yovsDdui0TKE6WR.4_G12uLRBxuIvCnWAqCxdnHpyhcb0trk6v4voWKTlVqnrmoBvD0REWNWMHYDaEaY6h4q23at4q0mjQwBHt.ikWVbw0-&#038;format=png' class='avatar avatar-100 photo' height='100' width='100'/>
		</div>
		
	<div class="article__meta">
					<span class="article__author">AoE Official</span>
				<time class="article__date" datetime="2026-02-10T18:06:38+00:00">February 10, 2026</time>
	</div>
</article>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="608" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AoMRetold_Demeter_Update-1080x608.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133943" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AoMRetold_Demeter_Update-1080x608.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AoMRetold_Demeter_Update-288x162.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AoMRetold_Demeter_Update-768x432.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AoMRetold_Demeter_Update-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AoMRetold_Demeter_Update-704x396.webp 704w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AoMRetold_Demeter_Update-854x480.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AoMRetold_Demeter_Update-1813x1020.webp 1813w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AoMRetold_Demeter_Update-1552x873.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AoMRetold_Demeter_Update-1600x900.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AoMRetold_Demeter_Update.webp 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>Welcome, <em>Age of Mythology: Retold</em> community to another fun-filled update! This one brings Guantlet Mode updates, new achievements, balance updates, and more! Plus, today we launch the <em><strong>Expansion Pass</strong></em> with the first of four releases, the <strong>Demeter God Pack</strong>! Dig down into the notes before hopping into all the fun in-game!</p>



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<p>Thanks again to our amazing community members, all of whom have helped to make&nbsp;<em>Age of Mythology: Retold</em> a success thus far!</p>



<p>—The&nbsp;<em>Age of Mythology&nbsp;</em>Team</p>



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            <span class="accordion__title">🢂 Download on the Microsoft Store</span>
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        <p>Remember that you’ll need to update your game in the Microsoft Store:</p>
<ul class="bulleted">
<li>Open the Microsoft Store.</li>
<li>Click the <strong>[∙ ∙ ∙ ]</strong> symbol next to your profile picture.</li>
<li>Select <strong>Downloads and updates.</strong></li>
<li>Press the <strong>Get updates </strong>button to automatically detect, download, and install the latest changes to your game!</li>
<li>Open the game. The title screen should show you on <strong>Build 18.65484</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you are unable to launch the game after downloading the update, make sure you add (or re-add) the <em>Age of Mythology: Retold</em> client or folder as an exception to your firewall and antivirus program.</p>
<p>That’s it; you’re ready to play!</p>

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        <p>Remember that you’ll need to update your game in Steam:</p>
<ul class="bulleted">
<li>Open Steam.</li>
<li>Click on <strong>Library</strong> to see your games list.</li>
<li>Click <strong>Downloads</strong> at the bottom of the Library window.</li>
<li>[If the new build does not download automatically,] click the <strong>Download Now</strong> button to manually download the new update.</li>
<li>Open the game. The title screen should show you on <strong>Build 18.65484</strong>.</li>
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<p>That’s it; you’re ready to play!</p>

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            <span class="accordion__title">🢂 Download on the Xbox App for Windows 11</span>
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        <p>Remember that you’ll need to update your game in the Xbox App for Windows.</p>
<ul class="bulleted">
<li>Open the <b>Xbox app</b>.</li>
<li>Games that are installed show up on the <b>left</b> side of the app.</li>
<li>Hover over the game or click it, and then select <b>Update</b>.</li>
<li><b>[If the new build does not download automatically,]</b> hover over the game, select <b>More Options (…)</b>, choose <b>Manage</b>. Under the <b>Files</b> tab, choose the option to <b>Check for Updates</b>.</li>
<li>Open the game. The title screen should show you on <strong>Build 18.65484</strong>.</li>
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<p>That’s it; you’re ready to play!</p>

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        <ul>
<li>Under the games tab from the <strong>PlayStation Home Screen</strong> Locate the game and hover over it. Make sure not to select it!</li>
<li>While hovering over the game press the <strong>Pause button (</strong><strong>☰)</strong> on your controller.</li>
<li>In the new pop up menu select the <strong>Check for Update</strong> option.</li>
<li>If there is a new update available, this will automatically start the download. If your game is on the most recent version, selecting this option will confirm that information for you.</li>
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<p>That’s it; you’re ready to play!</p>

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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>Please note that custom mods may not be compatible with the latest game update. If you are experiencing issues launching or playing the game after downloading the new build, try&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ageofempires.com/mods/?q=&amp;game=1001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disabling your installed mods</a>&nbsp;before trying again.</p>
</blockquote>



<p>Still having trouble? Visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://support.ageofempires.com/hc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">support site</a>!</p>



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                                            Build Spotlight
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<article class="section__block" id="69e2f96874e79">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="New-Monthly-Community-Event---Pantheon-Pin-Up">Expansion Pass and the Demeter God Pack DLC &#8211; Available Now!</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="608" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1080x608.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133347" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1080x608.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-288x162.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-768x432.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-704x396.webp 704w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-854x480.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1813x1020.webp 1813w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1552x873.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art-1600x900.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_New_Gods_Pack_1920x1080_Key_Art.webp 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>You can pick up the <em>Expansion Pass</em> today to access the new Major Goddess, Demeter! </p>



<p></p>



<p>The <em>Expansion Pass</em> will bring additional new content over the coming months with the <strong>Ultimate Fan Pack</strong>, the <strong>Blood and Bones Pack</strong>, and the <strong><em>Obsidian Mirror</em> DLC</strong>, which brings the Aztec Pantheon to <em>Age of Mythology: Retold</em>.</p>



<p></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="Demeter-Major-God">Demeter Major God</h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A new Major God for Demeter that comes with the Wither God Power and new unique bonuses for those who choose to follow her.</li>



<li>Includes three new Minor God choices: Pan, Hestia, and Persephone.</li>



<li>Each Minor God comes with new God Powers, including: Arcadian Meadow, Communal Hearth, and Underworld Invasion.</li>



<li>Each Minor God brings new Myth Units, including: Lykaon Villagers that turn into Lykaon Wolf units, Hamadryads that can shapeshift into trees, and Sirens who can lure their prey.</li>



<li>All followers of Demeter also have access to the Harpy from the Fortress.</li>



<li>New Heroes to lead the charge: Orpheus, Iolaus, Icarus, and Midas.</li>



<li>New technologies to research and gameplay experiences to explore!</li>
</ul>



<p></p>



<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.ageofempires.com/news/demeter-god-pack-coming-february-10th/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read More About the Demeter God Pack</a></div>
</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brand New Mythical Battle: Silent Sanctuary</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="608" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_Silent_Sanctuary_2_3840x2160-1080x608.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133434" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_Silent_Sanctuary_2_3840x2160-1080x608.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_Silent_Sanctuary_2_3840x2160-288x162.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_Silent_Sanctuary_2_3840x2160-768x432.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_Silent_Sanctuary_2_3840x2160-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_Silent_Sanctuary_2_3840x2160-2048x1152.webp 2048w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_Silent_Sanctuary_2_3840x2160-704x396.webp 704w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_Silent_Sanctuary_2_3840x2160-854x480.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_Silent_Sanctuary_2_3840x2160-1813x1020.webp 1813w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_Silent_Sanctuary_2_3840x2160-1552x873.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Demeter_Silent_Sanctuary_2_3840x2160-1600x900.webp 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p></p>



<p>Silent Sanctuary is a new, fully voiced Mythical Battle that follows Chiron and Orpheus on a dangerous descent into Hades. Their goal is to recover Demeter’s sacred relics and restore balance to the suffering lands that worship her. The journey takes them through shifting terrain, ancient threats, and the heart of the underworld.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With fresh god powers, unconventional myth units, and a story rooted in renewal and the cycle of life, the Demeter God Pack offers fertile ground for new strategies and new legends!</p>



<p>Check it out by navigating to the Campaign menu, then selecting Mythical Battles, and choosing the Silent Sanctuary entry from the list.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Achievements with Demeter God Pack</h2>



<p>There are 10 new achievements to earn! You can earn these achievements if you own the Demeter God Pack content by playing the new Mythical Battle and by playing as the new Demeter Major God.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Achievement</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Icon</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Description</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>The Secret Grove</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="128" height="128" class="wp-image-133830" style="width: 128px;" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hallowed_woodlands_icon.webp" alt=""></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Find the secret of the forest in the ‘Silent Sanctuary’ Mythical Battle.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Relic Racer</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="128" height="128" class="wp-image-133829" style="width: 128px;" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/underworld_invasion_icon.webp" alt=""></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Get the Relic to Demeter&#8217;s Temple in 25 minutes in the &#8216;Silent Sanctuary&#8217; Mythical Battle.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bandit Buster</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="128" height="128" class="wp-image-133828" style="width: 128px;" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/harpy_abduct_ability_icon.webp" alt=""></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Rescue the occupied villages in the ‘Silent Sanctuary’ Mythical Battle.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Age of the Goat</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="128" height="128" class="wp-image-133831" style="width: 128px;" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pan_icon_second.webp" alt=""></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">In the ‘Silent Sanctuary’ Mythical Battle, gain 12 Herdables on a single age up.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Herding for Glory</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="128" height="128" class="wp-image-133827" style="width: 128px;" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sacred_land_icon.webp" alt=""></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Fill up a temple with the maximum number of Herdables.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Hearth and Home</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="128" height="128" class="wp-image-133826" style="width: 128px;" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/communal_hearth_icon.webp" alt=""></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Convert 50 units with the Communal Hearth.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Lupine Lethality</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="128" height="128" class="wp-image-133832" style="width: 128px;" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lykaon_feral_surge_ability_icon.webp" alt=""></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Kill 50 cavalry units with Lykaons.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Wither Wood Chipper</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="128" height="128" class="wp-image-133833" style="width: 128px;" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wither_icon-1-.webp" alt=""></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Destroy 100 trees with the Wither God Power.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Woodland Whammy</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="128" height="128" class="wp-image-133834" style="width: 128px;" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hamadryad_ability_icon.webp" alt=""></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Hit 20 units at once with the Hamadryad’s ‘Piercing Rootsnare’ ability.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Battle Bard</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="128" height="128" class="wp-image-133835" style="width: 128px;" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/orpheus_ability_icon.webp" alt=""></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Use Orpheus&#8217; &#8216;Bard of Heroes&#8217; ability to boost 10 units at once.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f96875213">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gauntlet Mode Updates</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">New Bonus XP!!</h4>



<p>A few players have already pushed Gauntlet to its limits, reaching level 99 to earn the achievement. Well done to these players! Leveling up will now be a bit easier to achieve across all difficulties. There are now a couple of ways to earn extra XP while playing the Gauntlet game mode. These changes flatten the requirements so that all difficulties are a little more achievable for leveling up to unlock the Favor Stash rewards and working toward earning the level 99 achievement.</p>



<p></p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>Co-op Bonus</p>
</blockquote>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:66.66%">
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>As the host, you will now receive a bonus of 500 XP for each node that you complete with an invited partner.</li>



<li>As a person joining another player’s Labyrinth node, you will gain a bonus 1000 XP for each node you complete.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>



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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>Labyrinth Completion Bonus</p>
</blockquote>
</div>



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<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>If you have earned all the available Legends and Blessings from the Final Boss node, there is now a bonus random XP hoard awarded. You will earn between 8000 and 15000 XP as a bonus for completing each Labyrinth. The amount awarded is random and is not impacted by difficulty.</li>



<li>You can also earn this bonus while playing in Co-op! If you play with someone who would be earning this XP bonus, then you will also earn the bonus XP. The amount of XP may vary for each player.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f968752ee">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Demeter Joins the Gauntlet</h3>



<p>You can now find nodes scattered in some of your Labyrinths with the new Major God Demeter. Similar to other Major Gods, you may find situations where you will be playing with or against the new Major God. Labyrinths do not retroactively update. If you have an in-progress Labyrinth run, then you will not see any of these new Nodes until you begin your next run.</p>



<p>In addition to joining the Gauntlet, Demeter’s unique myth units are now possible rewards when purchasing the “Hire a Buddy” Favor Stash Item. You may also see them appearing during the “Enemy Incursion” Chaos Event!</p>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f96875420">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="Other-Gauntlet-Bug-Fixes-and-Updates">Other Gauntlet Bug Fixes and Updates</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed a bug that caused the “you have already earned this reward” pop-up to show in unintended situations. The pop-up will no longer show after you successfully complete a Labyrinth Run and return to the Labyrinth UI.</li>



<li>Fixed a bug that caused increases to the total count of Labyrinths completed every time the game was launched under some specific conditions. You may see your Labyrinths&#8217; completed stat update after you launch with this new update to show a fixed value if your stats were affected.</li>



<li>Updated the wording of Badge Challenges for Gauntlet to clarify that the Blessing quantity that must be active or inactive only includes those chosen before the match begins. Blessings granted in the form of your single selected Legend and any granted through the Player Blessing mechanic are ignored by these challenges.</li>



<li>Fixed bugs that prevented completion of the God and Demigod badges unless they were completed during a single gameplay session. The stats were not saving correctly and would reset back to only one of the successful completions as credit after each game restart. You can now complete these challenges to earn the badges over multiple gameplay sessions.</li>



<li>King Halogi and Nuchou now benefit from Apollo’s Sun Ray technology. This change brings these Legends in line with Setna and Reginleif.</li>



<li>King Halogi, Circe, and Theris now use the hero minimap icon to match other Legends.</li>



<li>Opening the leaderboards for Gauntlet will now default to the difficulty you are currently playing to show the most relevant results.</li>



<li>Updated the description for Conqueror of Olympus to indicate it only counts base-game gods. This change is to make it clear that Demeter is not included among the challenge requirements.</li>



<li>Fixed a bug that could result in Chaos or Blessing Events occurring unintentionally while playing Campaign missions.</li>
</ul>


</article>

</article>


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                    <h2 class="h2">
                                                 Game
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</article>


<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p><em><strong>Developer Note</strong>: Reminder that Replays are not compatible between patch updates. Replays are not compatible because the simulation logic changes in ways that cause replays to no longer run synchronously with their original behaviors.</em></p>
</blockquote>


<article class="section__block" id="69e2f968758e0">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stability &amp; Performance</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Minor performance improvements in multiple areas of the game, including:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Performance improvements while using the controller UI when many units are selected.</li>



<li>Performance improvements for autosaving. The game will now spend a little less time suspended while saving, so that your experience of gameplay is less interrupted.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Improved stability by fixing various rare crashes, including:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed a crash that could occur if a tree is removed from the game while the Typhoon power is active.</li>



<li>Fixed a crash that could occur if the game summary screen was opened and there were no event timers currently active.</li>



<li>Fixed a case where viewing information about civilizations could fail and cause a crash.</li>



<li>Fixed a crash that could occur when using the trigger function “trUnitAddModifier” if the unit could not have AI added for any reason.</li>



<li>Fixed a crash that could occur sometimes when a peer is denied from joining a match.</li>



<li>Fixed a couple of crashes that could occur when units entered an attacking state under rare conditions.</li>



<li>Fixed a crash that could occur while updating unit death tracking.</li>



<li>Fixed a crash that could occur while rendering models in some situations.</li>



<li>Fixed a crash that could occur while using specific keyboard or mouse inputs while loading into the game at a very specific time.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Fixed a few out-of-sync situations that could occur during gameplay and replays, including:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed multiple out-of-syncs that could occur while watching replays when a player resigns during the match.</li>



<li>Fixed an out-of-sync that could occur while watching replays due to an incorrect sync point related to stun duration.</li>



<li>Fixed an out-of-sync issue that could occur due to differences when sorting data for pathfinding. This issue was the one that caused the most replays to go out of sync during the past couple of patches.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Fixed save serialization for some actions, including the unit flee action, the unit area mutate action, and the unit like bonus modify action.</li>



<li>Fixed a memory leak that could occur when duplicate sound types play for a single unit in some situations.</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f968759be">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Localization</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Updates to some translations to improve translation quality.</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f96875ad9">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Graphics</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed the positioning of Qi Lin’s eye VFX while they are in their upgraded form.</li>



<li>Updated the panning follow unit camera to use the interpolated unit position instead of the raw unit position. This change ensures the camera will follow targets more smoothly while focusing on a unit.</li>



<li>Units duplicated due to Fog of War now copy clay, sand, and cocoon shader states.</li>



<li>Tents in Sudden Death will now correctly display the Chinese and Japanese Pantheons&#8217; thematic versions instead of the Greek default version.</li>



<li>Fixed the perspective camera for the Egyptian Caravan, Magumo, and Harpy SPC. You can now take on the perspectives of these units and survey the battlefield from their point of view without viewing from strange angles or rotations.</li>



<li>Reduced texture size for some units to improve memory usage and bring them to a similar state as other units. Units include: Greek Villagers, Pirate Cyclops, Amaterasu’s Wonder, and Odin’s Wonder.</li>



<li>Fixed some particle effects playing incorrectly after loading into saved games due to an animation timing issue.</li>



<li>Minor updates to birth VFX in various models to allow the VFX to be hidden when units spawn when casting Underworld Invasion.</li>



<li>Playing a camera track will more consistently kick players out of the perspective and follow camera modes if they were requested by the player to ensure cinematics play correctly.</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f96875c04">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Audio</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Many minor improvements to continue improving audio quality.</li>



<li>Minor improvements to improve the differences between fading out and stopping audio.</li>



<li>Minor adjustments to improve the categorization of sound effects to improve control of volume and muting.</li>



<li>Objective sounds now play in the alerts category.</li>



<li>Improvements to end speech synthesis faster for the Narrator when the setting is disabled on PC and Xbox.</li>



<li>Improved narration in some areas of the UI.</li>



<li>Narration is now stopped when using the preview text-to-speech button in the settings menu.</li>



<li>A warning will now display when the preview button does not work for text-to-speech, explaining how to use it.</li>



<li>Amplified the other player&#8217;s Age Up sound to make it harder to miss when your opponents have progressed.</li>



<li>Fixed a missing lightning sound effect in Fall of the Trident 01.</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f96875cb6">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hotkeys</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Sorting of commands in the command panel is now consistent when selecting the same set of multiple buildings. This helps to ensure hotkeys and the order of buttons are consistent.</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f96875dc7">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">UI</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed some situations where mods with HTML tags in their descriptions could display incorrectly while using the in-game mod browser. HTML tags are now removed more efficiently while parsing descriptions.</li>



<li>Improved handling of UTF-16 strings when rendering to the UI.</li>



<li>Fixed formatting of some strings to improve the tooltips and history for units.</li>



<li>The Mythical Battles area of the campaign UI is now accessible and will show lock icons for individual missions that are not currently owned.</li>



<li>The Daily Celestial Challenge pop-up for completing the previous day&#8217;s challenge will now appear only once per daily reward, instead of every time the game is launched.</li>



<li>Fixed some cases where toggling the setting that controls visibility of the camera controls would not correctly update the UI.</li>



<li>You can now use a View Profile button in the Add Friend pop-up.</li>



<li>Fixed a bug that caused situations where changing a Major God choice at the last moment during Automatch games could result in the choice not locking in correctly for the match.</li>



<li>Story Mode will now show a bronze medal icon for completion.</li>



<li>The Multiplayer Hosting dialog will now remember your previously selected Custom Scenario or Saved Game.</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f96875e82">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Controller</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed a bug that caused building tasks to cancel when issued repeatedly with some combinations of units while using a controller.</li>



<li>Updated Market Buy and Sell Icons for the Market while playing with a controller to improve the experience when viewed from the Radial Menu UI.</li>
</ul>


</article>

</article>


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                                                      Gameplay
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<article class="section__block" id="69e2f96876243">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fixes</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed cases where Scouts would sometimes become idle after encountering non-walkable areas on the map.</li>



<li>Transport ships can no longer be tasked to unload over deep/non-shallow water to improve unloading behavior.</li>



<li>Transport ships are now correctly filtered from the list of units tasks to perform boarding onto ships to improve their behaviors.</li>



<li>Fixed some cases where units in box formation could move faster than their maximum speed.</li>



<li>Fixed a bug that caused units to become stuck around uneven treelines.</li>



<li>Japanese now correctly receive a free transport ship when playing on Vinlandsaga and Team Migration, matching other Pantheons.</li>



<li>Fixed Oracle Hero to enable use of the Garrison, Stop, and Delete actions.</li>



<li>Fixed a couple of logic bugs that could occur while finding units in an area of specific types. Some conditions could be incorrectly checked in some rare cases.</li>



<li>Sentinel can now be cast on Village Center to match its tooltip.</li>



<li>Fixed bugs where waypoint pathfinding for flying units could force them to navigate around walls instead of flying straight over them.</li>



<li>Fixed a bug that caused Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu AI to always choose Okuninushi as a Minor God when aging up.</li>



<li>Fixed a bug that allowed casting of powers within invalid locations with creative use of the camera and cursor placement. Powers that require a valid target are now more strict in their validation.</li>



<li>Relics dropped by flying units will now teleport immediately to the ground at a pathable location.</li>



<li>Fixed a bug that caused large units to struggle with movement in tight spaces. For example, War Elephants attacking a building in a tight gap against the edge of the map. Units will no longer move to the surround position if the unit is already within attack range.</li>



<li>Fixed some cases where challenges for the Community Event, and other places where Challenges are used, could be completed over multiple matches when the challenges had a complete within time requirement.</li>



<li>Fixed a bug that allowed the multicast hotkey to bypass some casting placement restrictions. The Umibozu will no longer terrorize those on land with sudden appearances.</li>
</ul>


</article>

</article>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">All Pantheon Changes</h2>


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                    <h2 class="h2">
                                     All Pantheon Changes
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<article class="section__block" id="69e2f96876603">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">General</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Signal Fires</strong>: LOS increased from 6 → 7.</li>



<li><strong>Carrier Pigeons</strong>: LOS increased from 6 → 7.</li>



<li>Slightly Reduced Villager Train Times Based on Community Feedback:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Villager train time reduced 18 → 17.</li>



<li>Laborer train time reduced 18 → 17.</li>



<li>Gatherer train time reduced 18 → 17.</li>



<li>Dwarf train time reduced 18 → 17.</li>



<li>Citizen train time reduced 30 → 28.</li>



<li>Peasant train time reduced 18 → 17.</li>



<li>Kuafu train time reduced 45 → 42.</li>



<li>Commoner train time reduced 18 → 17.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


</article>

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                    <h3 class="h3">
                                      Greek Pantheon
            </h3>
        
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<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Minor Gods</h4>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="Ares">Hephaestus</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Plenty Vault (God Power):</strong> resource per second reduced from 4 → 3.5.</li>
</ul>


</article>

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                    <h3 class="h3">
                                       Egyptian Pantheon
            </h3>
        
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<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Units</h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Champion War Elephants (Technology):</strong> now also gives +0.75 damage area to War Elephants.</li>
</ul>


</article>

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                    <h3 class="h3">
                                    Atlantean Pantheon
            </h3>
        
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="Major-Gods">Major Gods</h3>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="Kronos">Kronos</h5>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="911" height="1080" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AoMRT_Atlantean_Kronos-911x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-123065" style="width:150px" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AoMRT_Atlantean_Kronos-911x1080.webp 911w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AoMRT_Atlantean_Kronos-243x288.webp 243w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AoMRT_Atlantean_Kronos-648x768.webp 648w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AoMRT_Atlantean_Kronos-1296x1536.webp 1296w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AoMRT_Atlantean_Kronos-1728x2048.webp 1728w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AoMRT_Atlantean_Kronos-334x396.webp 334w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AoMRT_Atlantean_Kronos-405x480.webp 405w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AoMRT_Atlantean_Kronos-861x1020.webp 861w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AoMRT_Atlantean_Kronos-737x873.webp 737w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AoMRT_Atlantean_Kronos-1350x1600.webp 1350w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AoMRT_Atlantean_Kronos-2025x2400.webp 2025w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 911px) 100vw, 911px" /></figure>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Timeshift duration of Temples increased from 20 seconds → 40 seconds.</li>
</ul>


</article>

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                    <h3 class="h3">
                                Chinese Pantheon
            </h3>
        
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  </div>
</article>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="Heroes">Heroes</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Li Jing (Nuwa): </strong>Can no longer stun titans with the Pagoda special attack.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="Human-Units">Human Units</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Master of Weaponry (Technology):</strong> adjusted as follows
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Ge Halberdier no longer slows enemy units.</li>



<li>Ge Halberdier’s attack speed increased by 10%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


</article>

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                    <h3 class="h3">
                                    Japanese Pantheon
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Amount of XP required per tier for Bushido changed as follows
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Tier 1:</strong> starting tier unchanged.</li>



<li><strong>Tier 2:</strong> 2000 → 2200.</li>



<li><strong>Tier 3:</strong> 8000 → 8800.</li>



<li><strong>Tier 4:</strong> 32000 → 35200.</li>



<li><strong>Tier 5:</strong> 128000 → 140800.</li>



<li><strong>Tier 6:</strong> 512000 → 422400.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p><em><strong>Developer Note:</strong> Increasing the lower tiers should reduce the ease of reaching future line upgrades from prolonged engagements, but reducing the final tier should allow you to reach that a little sooner in the deep lategame.</em></p>
</blockquote>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Major Gods</h4>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Tsukuyomi</h5>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="912" height="1080" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Heavenly-Spear-tsukuyomi-912x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-129505" style="width:150px;height:auto" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Heavenly-Spear-tsukuyomi-912x1080.webp 912w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Heavenly-Spear-tsukuyomi-243x288.webp 243w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Heavenly-Spear-tsukuyomi-648x768.webp 648w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Heavenly-Spear-tsukuyomi-1296x1536.webp 1296w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Heavenly-Spear-tsukuyomi-1729x2048.webp 1729w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Heavenly-Spear-tsukuyomi-334x396.webp 334w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Heavenly-Spear-tsukuyomi-405x480.webp 405w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Heavenly-Spear-tsukuyomi-861x1020.webp 861w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Heavenly-Spear-tsukuyomi-737x873.webp 737w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Heavenly-Spear-tsukuyomi-1350x1600.webp 1350w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Heavenly-Spear-tsukuyomi-2026x2400.webp 2026w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 912px) 100vw, 912px" /></figure>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>New Moon (God Power):</strong> Can now only research up to 3 free technologies per cast, prioritizing the most expensive ones.</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="God-Powers.3">Minor Gods</h4>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="Minakatatomi">Minakatatomi</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Shrine of the Hunt (God Power):</strong> can no longer be targeted by Deconstruction or Tartarian gate placement.</li>



<li><strong>Hunters Strength (Technology):</strong> Cost reduced from 175 wood 14 favor → 150 wood 12 favor.</li>
</ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="Hachiman">Hachiman</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Ascetic Practices (Technology):</strong> Adjusted as follows
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Damage increase on special attack reduced from +225% to +200%.</li>



<li>Armor vulnerability boost reduced from -49.5% to -45% from special attack.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p><em><strong>Developer Note: </strong>These changes should make the tooltip a little easier to understand and slightly reduce the tech&#8217;s power, as it was providing more value than intended.</em></p>
</blockquote>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Golden Kite (Technology):</strong> Bonus damage vs myth units on archers &amp; heroes reduced from +25% → +20%.</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Myth Units</h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Kitsune:</strong> can now be targeted by the Shockwave god power.</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Technologies</h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Saltwater Spring: </strong>Huntable gather rate increased from 10% → 15%.</li>
</ul>


</article>

</article>


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                    <h2 class="h2">
                                              Random Maps
            </h2>
        
            </div>
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</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Setonaikai was removed from the standard (ranked) map set.</li>
</ul>


</article>


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                    <h2 class="h2">
                                            Campaign
            </h2>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed a bug in The New Atlantis 01 that caused a line of dialogue to not play during the intro cutscene.</li>
</ul>


</article>


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                    <h2 class="h2">
                                          Modding/Editor
            </h2>
        
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<article class="section__block" id="69e2f96877f31">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">General</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed a rare bug that could cause updates to happen incorrectly for linked triggers while making changes in the Editor.</li>



<li>Fixed a bug that caused the Editor UI “noSpaces” property to prevent use of the “fieldAlphaOnly” property.</li>



<li>Using the Play button for audio preview in the Editor now uses the interface sound category to ensure it plays.</li>



<li>Fixed some minor errors in the modder documentation.</li>



<li>Japanese Temples are now standardized to use AbstractTemple instead of Temple for consistency.</li>



<li>Fixed a bug that could have caused God Powers using snapped placement to not preview accurately.</li>



<li>Added new <strong>Triggers</strong>:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Counter: Resources Gathered In Total</li>



<li>“God Power: Lock in UI” and “God Power: Lock in UI for Player” will force the god power slot at the given position to appear locked/disabled.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Function: <strong>void trLockGodPower(int slotIdx, bool locked, int playerIdx)</strong>: Force the god power slot at the given position to be locked/disabled. If playerIdx is -1, it will apply to all players.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li><strong>bool trUnitMoveFromAreaToDirection(float x, float y, float z, int eventID, bool bAttackMove, int playerID, string unitType, float radius)</strong>: Moves all matching units near the selected unit(s) towards the given direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>New <strong>ProtoUnit</strong> tag:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>EnemyShortRolloverText</strong> to override the hover text shown when you are an enemy of the target unit. This is used by the Hamadryad to help disguise them as a tree.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>New <strong>ProtoUnit Commands</strong> feature:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>ControllerIcon</strong> can now be used to provide a different icon for controller players. This is used to provide the alternate art for Market Icons.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>New <strong>ProtoUnit Flags</strong>:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>&#8220;HasReflectAttack&#8221;</li>



<li>&#8220;BuildingCanDoWorkOnUnitIfCharged&#8221;</li>



<li>&#8220;UseChargeIfNotIdle&#8221;</li>



<li>&#8220;CanAutoTransform&#8221;</li>



<li>&#8220;UseChargeOnDamaged&#8221;</li>



<li>&#8220;CopyNearbyTree&#8221;</li>



<li>“WitherDoesDamage&#8221;</li>



<li>&#8220;NotObscuredByUnitsForOpponents&#8221;</li>



<li>&#8220;HideHPBarFromOpponents&#8221;</li>



<li>“HideMinimapIndicatorFromOpponents&#8221;</li>



<li>&#8220;CheckCreepOnPlacement&#8221;</li>



<li>&#8220;RequireExactRateMatch&#8221;</li>



<li>&#8220;NotPreferredMilitaryCommandingUnit&#8221;</li>



<li>&#8220;FakeAsTreeIfEnemy&#8221;</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>New <strong>Entity Actions</strong>: Abduct, ConditionalTransformation, Siphon, Lure, ReflectAttack, and Inline.</li>



<li>New <strong>Data Effects</strong>: ModifyDuration, DropoffHeal, TargetedSpeedMultiplier, ContainedHitpointBonus, ContainedHitpointBonusUnitType.</li>



<li>New <strong>Power Types</strong>: Wither, UnderworldInvasion, ArcadianMeadow.</li>



<li>New <strong>KB Function</strong>:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>int kbGodPowerUnderworldInvasionGetEidolonAmount()</strong>: Returns the amount of Eidolons that will be spawned if you cast Underworld Invasion now.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>New <strong>Random Map Function</strong>:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>void rmSetDefaultTreeType(int treeProtoID)</strong>: Sets the default tree proto unit for the map.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>This is used to determine the default tree type the Hamadryad will use if no tree is within range to copy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


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                    <h2 class="h2">
                                             Ongoing&#8230;
            </h2>
        
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  </div>
</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f968781f3">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Investigation</h3>



<p>As always, we are continuing to track issues reported by the community for future updates. </p>



<p>For other known issues, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://support.ageofempires.com/hc/en-us/articles/26426351795476" data-type="link" data-id="https://support.ageofempires.com/hc/en-us/articles/26426351795476" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this page</a> to see what&#8217;s being tracked!</p>



<p></p>


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                    <h2 class="h2">
                                    What&#039;s on the Horizon?
            </h2>
        
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Coming Up…</h3>



<p>With today’s update, the Demeter God Pack arrives and marks the first chapter of the <em>Expansion Pass</em> &#8211;&nbsp;setting the stage for what’s ahead.</p>



<p></p>



<p>As many of you continue diving into the Japanese Pantheon, tackling the Gauntlet, and running the Labyrinth &#8211; your feedback has been invaluable. This patch reflects that collaboration, delivering balance adjustments, and improving stability and performance.</p>



<p></p>



<p>Thank you to every player spending time with <em>Age of Mythology: Retold</em>. Your passion, feedback, and ongoing support continues to shape the game in meaningful ways because your voice truly matters. We’re excited for you to <em>reap</em> the power of Demeter and stay tuned for more details and updates as we look ahead to the next release for the <em>Expansion Pass</em> and all the new experiences still to come.</p>



<p></p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>DISCLAIMER</strong></h4>



<p>Please note that 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.</p>



<p>For the latest updates and announcements, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ageofmyth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social channels</a>.</p>
</blockquote>


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		<item>
		<title>Age of Empires IV – Patch 15.3.8338</title>
		<link>https://staging.ageofempires.com/news/age-of-empires-iv-patch-15-3-8338/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[AoE Official]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:14:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Patches, Updates & Content Releases]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ageofempires.com/?p=133685</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Happy New Year, Age IV players! 2026 is going to be another big year for&#160;Age of Empires IV, and we look forward to sharing more details in the future about the two DLCs we announced late last year. For now, we wanted to start the year off with some&#160;additional&#160;bug fixes and balance changes, as well &#8230; <a href="https://staging.ageofempires.com/news/age-of-empires-iv-patch-15-3-8338/">Continued</a>]]></description>
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					<span class="article__author">AoE Official</span>
				<time class="article__date" datetime="2026-02-04T17:14:37+00:00">February 4, 2026</time>
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</article>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="608" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Season_Eight_Patch_Banner_1920x1080-1080x608.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-122844" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Season_Eight_Patch_Banner_1920x1080-1080x608.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Season_Eight_Patch_Banner_1920x1080-288x162.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Season_Eight_Patch_Banner_1920x1080-768x432.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Season_Eight_Patch_Banner_1920x1080-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Season_Eight_Patch_Banner_1920x1080-704x396.webp 704w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Season_Eight_Patch_Banner_1920x1080-854x480.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Season_Eight_Patch_Banner_1920x1080-1813x1020.webp 1813w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Season_Eight_Patch_Banner_1920x1080-1552x873.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Season_Eight_Patch_Banner_1920x1080-1600x900.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Season_Eight_Patch_Banner_1920x1080.webp 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>Happy New Year, <em>Age IV</em> players! 2026 is going to be another big year for&nbsp;<em>Age of Empires IV</em>, and we look forward to sharing more details in the future about the <a href="https://www.ageofempires.com/news/whats-coming-in-2026-for-age-of-empires-and-age-of-mythology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two DLCs</a> we announced late last year.</p>



<p>For now, we wanted to start the year off with some&nbsp;additional&nbsp;bug fixes and balance changes, as well as follow-up with a bulk reward of Perk Points for players who may have&nbsp;lost&nbsp;Perk Points from Masteries after the&nbsp;initial&nbsp;release of&nbsp;<em>Dynasties of the East.&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Read on to learn more about&nbsp;what’s&nbsp;new with this patch!&nbsp;&nbsp;<a id="_msocom_1"></a></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



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<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://steamcommunity.com/app/1466860/discussions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steam Forum</a></div>



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<p>Thanks again to our amazing community members, all of whom have helped to make&nbsp;<em>Age of Empires</em>&nbsp;what it is today!</p>



<p>—The&nbsp;<em>Age of Empires&nbsp;</em>Team</p>


<article class="article__block accordion ">
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            <span class="accordion__title">🢂 Download on the Microsoft Store</span>
            <div data-lottie="pointer-down" aria-hidden="true" class="js-lottie pointer-down flex-none"></div>
        </button>
    </h3>
    <div id="accordionPanel69e2f9687b1c7" aria-labelledby="accordionTitle69e2f9687b1c7" class="accordion__panel"  hidden >
        <p>Remember that you’ll need to update your game in the Microsoft Store:</p>
<ul class="bulleted">
<li>Open the Microsoft Store.</li>
<li>Click the <strong>[∙ ∙ ∙ ]</strong> symbol next to your profile picture.</li>
<li>Select <strong>Downloads and updates.</strong></li>
<li>Press the <strong>Get updates </strong>button to automatically detect, download, and install the latest changes to your game!</li>
<li>Open the game. The title screen should show you on <strong>Build 15.3.8338.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>If you are unable to launch the game after downloading the update, make sure you add (or re-add) the <em>Age of Empires IV</em> client or folder as an exception to your firewall and antivirus program. That’s it; you’re ready to play!</p>

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            <span class="accordion__title">🢂 Download on Steam</span>
            <div data-lottie="pointer-down" aria-hidden="true" class="js-lottie pointer-down flex-none"></div>
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    </h3>
    <div id="accordionPanel69e2f9687b33d" aria-labelledby="accordionTitle69e2f9687b33d" class="accordion__panel"  hidden >
        <p>Remember that you’ll need to update your game in Steam:</p>
<ul class="bulleted">
<li>Open Steam.</li>
<li>Click on <strong>Library</strong> to see your games list.</li>
<li>Click <strong>Downloads</strong> at the bottom of the Library window.</li>
<li>[If the new build does not download automatically,] click the <strong>Download Now</strong> button to manually download the new update.</li>
<li>Open the game. The title screen should show you on <strong>Build 15.3.8338.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>That’s it; you’re ready to play!</p>

    </div>
</article>

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                    >
            <span class="accordion__title">🢂 Download on the Xbox App for Windows 11</span>
            <div data-lottie="pointer-down" aria-hidden="true" class="js-lottie pointer-down flex-none"></div>
        </button>
    </h3>
    <div id="accordionPanel69e2f9687b494" aria-labelledby="accordionTitle69e2f9687b494" class="accordion__panel"  hidden >
        <p>Remember that you’ll need to update your game in the Xbox App for Windows.</p>
<ul class="bulleted">
<li>Open the <b>Xbox app</b>.</li>
<li>Games that are installed show up on the <b>left</b> side of the app.</li>
<li>Hover over the game or click it, and then select <b>Update</b>.</li>
<li><b>[If the new build does not download automatically,]</b> hover over the game, select <b>More Options (…)</b>, choose <b>Manage</b>. Under the <b>Files</b> tab, choose the option to <b>Check for Updates</b>.</li>
<li>Open the game. The title screen should show you on <strong>Build 15.3.8338.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>That’s it; you’re ready to play!</p>

    </div>
</article>

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                    >
            <span class="accordion__title">🢂 Download on PlayStation 5</span>
            <div data-lottie="pointer-down" aria-hidden="true" class="js-lottie pointer-down flex-none"></div>
        </button>
    </h3>
    <div id="accordionPanel69e2f9687b5cd" aria-labelledby="accordionTitle69e2f9687b5cd" class="accordion__panel"  hidden >
        <ul>
<li>Under the games tab from the <strong>PlayStation Home Screen</strong> Locate the game and hover over it. Make sure not to select it!</li>
<li>While hovering over the game press the <strong>Pause button (</strong><strong>☰)</strong> on your controller.</li>
<li>In the new pop up menu select the <strong>Check for Update</strong> option.</li>
<li>If there is a new update available, this will automatically start the download. If your game is on the most recent version, selecting this option will confirm that information for you.</li>
</ul>
<p>That’s it; you’re ready to play!</p>

    </div>
</article>


<p>Still having trouble? Visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://nam06.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.ageofempires.com%2Fhc&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cv-hasolanki%40microsoft.com%7C45457417eca3448c7b0408da7a386ff5%7C72f988bf86f141af91ab2d7cd011db47%7C1%7C0%7C637956680059156830%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2Fgpwv6bpXFK%2F7W1EOdCsXRI7wZ4IQPxHv%2FVUBfpGPyg%3D&amp;reserved=0">support site</a>!</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p><em><strong>Please Note:</strong> As part of updating to this latest build, any saved games and observable matches made on previous builds will be unable to be loaded or replayed.</em></p>
</blockquote>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>


<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687ba41">
        

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Season Twelve</h2>


<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687b7fa">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Next Event: Something in the Water</h3>



<p>The relaxing waves have brought back old friends but with new rewards! They might be monsters, but&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;be the one sinking your teeth into the challenges while you take on the competition.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Improvements to the Map Monsters mode:&nbsp;</strong></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Improved spawn logic for the monsters preventing them from&nbsp;spawning in&nbsp;inaccessible locations.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Monster discovery results in the monster&nbsp;despawning&nbsp;with a visual effect.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<p></p>



<p><strong>Login&nbsp;February 6<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;at 10:00am PT (1:00pm ET / 18:00 UTC)&nbsp;through&nbsp;April 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;at 10:00AM PT (1:00 PM ET / 17:00 UTC) to claim your bounty!</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S8_something_in_the_water_event_showecase-1080x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-122857" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S8_something_in_the_water_event_showecase-1080x1080.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S8_something_in_the_water_event_showecase-288x288.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S8_something_in_the_water_event_showecase-150x150.webp 150w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S8_something_in_the_water_event_showecase-768x768.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S8_something_in_the_water_event_showecase-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S8_something_in_the_water_event_showecase-2048x2048.webp 2048w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S8_something_in_the_water_event_showecase-396x396.webp 396w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S8_something_in_the_water_event_showecase-480x480.webp 480w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S8_something_in_the_water_event_showecase-1020x1020.webp 1020w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S8_something_in_the_water_event_showecase-873x873.webp 873w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S8_something_in_the_water_event_showecase-1600x1600.webp 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Challenge</strong>&nbsp;</td><td><strong>How to Unlock Reward</strong>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Something in the Water</td><td>🔒&nbsp;Login during Something in the Water <br>🚩 Event&nbsp;Profile Icon – Something in the Water&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Sea Conquest&nbsp;</td><td>🔒&nbsp;Sink 10 enemy ships in multiplayer or skirmish matches.&nbsp;<br>🏆&nbsp;Profile&nbsp;Icon – Sunk&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Dockyard Demolition&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>🔒&nbsp;Destroy 4 enemy docks using ships multiplayer or skirmish matches.&nbsp;<br>🧱&nbsp;Coat of Arms Sigil – Fire the cannons&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Mythic Haul&nbsp;</td><td>🔒&nbsp;Gather 200 food from fishing spots in a single multiplayer or skirmish match.&nbsp;<br>🧱&nbsp;Coat of Arms Sigil – Water Horse&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Something Fishy Going On&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>🔒&nbsp;Be the first to discover the Dragon Turtle.&nbsp;<br>🧱&nbsp;Coat of Arms Sigil Frame – Fin&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Street Party&nbsp;</td><td>🔒&nbsp;Deploy 50 ship units in a single game.&nbsp;<br>🧱&nbsp;Coat of Arms Banner Pattern – The Thousand Teeth&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687b9d1">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Map Pool Rotation</h3>



<p>We&nbsp;are&nbsp;excited&nbsp;to roll out&nbsp;the&nbsp;second&nbsp;mid-season map pool update&nbsp;of the&nbsp;season, bringing several&nbsp;classic&nbsp;favorites&nbsp;into&nbsp;rotation&nbsp;while refreshing&nbsp;a few maps that have been in the pool for a while.&nbsp;This rotation includes rotations across both Solo&nbsp;Ranked and Team Ranked!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">1v1 Ranked Map Pool&nbsp;</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>King of The Hill &#8211;&gt; Socotra&nbsp;</li>



<li>Ancient Spires &#8211;&gt; Confluence&nbsp;</li>



<li>Relic River &#8211;&gt; Rocky River&nbsp;</li>



<li>Ocean Gateway &#8211;&gt; Baltic&nbsp;</li>



<li>Sunkenlands&nbsp;&#8211;&gt; Prairie&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Team Ranked Map Pool&nbsp;</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Mountain Clearing &#8211;&gt;&nbsp;Hedgemaze&nbsp;</li>



<li>Lake Side &#8211;&gt; Mongolian Heights&nbsp;</li>



<li>Canyon &#8211;&gt; Canal&nbsp;</li>



<li>Waterholes &#8211;&gt; Forest Ponds&nbsp;</li>



<li>Prairie &#8211;&gt;&nbsp;Himeyama&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">General Map Updates</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Nomadic Ridges &amp; Nomadic Tarns removed from the&nbsp;Quickmatch&nbsp;FFA map pool.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Number&nbsp;of&nbsp;map&nbsp;downvotes in&nbsp;Quickmatch&nbsp;increased from 15 to 25.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

</article>


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                    <h2 class="h2">
                The Crucible
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<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687bca3">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Perk Points Make Good for Masteries</h3>



<p>Thank you for your patience as we worked through issues related to Perk Points not being properly granted or saved last year. To make good on the fact that many of you completed Masteries intended to reward Perk Points, if you currently have&nbsp;fewer&nbsp;Perk&nbsp;Points than&nbsp;the&nbsp;completed&nbsp;Crucible Masteries&nbsp;would have awarded, you will be granted the missing points the next time you load&nbsp;into&nbsp;the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687bdc7">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bugfixes</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed an issue in Crucible where the Ottomans were limited to 4 Vizier points by default. The Imperial Council will surely hear about this.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed an issue across all platforms that caused the wrong civilization flags to appear when viewing another player&#8217;s Crucible history in their Player Profile.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed an issue where the timer would start on the Boon Selection Screen after choosing to restart a match in The Crucible.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed a bug where Relic Carts were being selected by Military Selection hotkeys in The Crucible.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

</article>


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                Gameplay
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<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687c093">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">AI Updates</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>AI player will no longer issue conflicting commands to naval units, which results&nbsp;in the unit getting stuck in&nbsp;a&nbsp;command loop.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687c156">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">UX/UI &amp; Menus (All Platforms)</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>While we’ve previously fixed&nbsp;other&nbsp;instances of the main menu stuttering when certain USB devices were plugged into the system, we&nbsp;now believe&nbsp;we&#8217;ve&nbsp;resolved all instances of this issue across all platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687c22d">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">UX/UI &amp; Menus (Console)</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed an issue where the &#8220;Console Only&#8221; cross-network option was selectable in various lobbies.&nbsp;This option has been removed but may be made available at a later date.&nbsp;</li>



<li>PlayStation 5 only: Fixed an issue where the controller light bar would ignore the Visuals &#8211;&gt; In-Game HUD &#8211;&gt; Player Colors setting when it was set to &#8220;Team-Based.&#8221;&nbsp;</li>



<li>PlayStation 5 only: Fixed an issue where the controller light bar would not match the&nbsp;player&nbsp;color when playing a&nbsp;Campaign or&nbsp;Crucible mission.&nbsp;</li>



<li>PlayStation 5 only: &#8220;Failed to subscribe to mods” error no longer appear when&nbsp;crossplay&nbsp;is disabled.&nbsp;</li>



<li>PlayStation 5 only: When loading into an older build,&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;now see various notifications informing you of a new update.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687c2d3">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Editor/UGC</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>-map_gen_debug&nbsp;has been re-enabled for modding purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

</article>


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<article class="banner__block" id="block_39bdeec8c2cbd37a2dcc847aa2e0cb3a">
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  <div class="banner__block__foreground">
    <div class="alignleft">
                    <h2 class="h2">
                Balance &amp; Bugfixes
            </h2>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687c5d2">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">General Bugfixes</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Various stability fixes&nbsp;made&nbsp;to reduce crashes across all platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>PlayStation 5 only: Fixed an issue where autosaves&nbsp;didn&#8217;t&nbsp;save correctly on certain campaign missions with longer names (i.e.&nbsp;The Fall of Xiang Yang).&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>PlayStation 5 only: Significantly reduced the size of save game files.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687c6a4">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Civilization Bugfixes (All Civilizations)</h3>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">All Civilizations&nbsp;</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Corrected issue where some units and their projectiles would not appear from the Fog of War after attacking.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

</article>


<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>


<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687e856">
        
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  <div class="banner__block__foreground">
    <div class="alignleft">
                    <h2 class="h2">
                Civilization-Specific Changes
            </h2>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687caef">
        
<article class="banner__block" id="block_cec6a2b69e404c918c395b3f26c2d40b">
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  <div class="banner__block__foreground">
    <div class="alignleft">
                    <h3 class="h3">
                                        Abbasid Dynasty
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Age up research time reduced from&nbsp;105 seconds&nbsp;→&nbsp;100 seconds&nbsp;for all Ages.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687cdab">
        
<article class="banner__block" id="block_b5dc9be7493393cbf593becb550cbb6f">
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  <div class="banner__block__foreground">
    <div class="alignleft">
                    <h3 class="h3">
                                        Golden Horde
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed an issue with the Beachhead Ram not gaining&nbsp;additional&nbsp;arrows from garrisoned units when the ability is activated.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Relics can no longer be duplicated using multiple Shamans with the Relic&nbsp;Ovoo&nbsp;ability.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>



<li>Ovoo&nbsp;health increased from 1500&nbsp;→&nbsp;1750.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Keshik:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Feudal Age health increased from 145&nbsp;→&nbsp;150.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Castle Age health increased from 175&nbsp;→&nbsp;180.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Imperial Age health increased from 210&nbsp;→&nbsp;215.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Beachhead cost reduced from 500 Stone&nbsp;→&nbsp;400 Stone.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Barracks, Stable, and Archery Range reinforcements upgrades cost increased from 950 Stone&nbsp;→&nbsp;1100 Stone.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Padded Armor upgrade armor reduced from +2&nbsp;→&nbsp;+1.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Debuff Arrow duration reduced from 15 seconds&nbsp;→&nbsp;10 seconds.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687cfcb">
        
<article class="banner__block" id="block_db7ff208a98f72c1ca9472d2241d2271">
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    <div class="alignleft">
                    <h3 class="h3">
                                    Holy Roman Empire
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Inspiration duration increased from 35&nbsp;→&nbsp;38 seconds.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Aachen Chapel aura range increased from 6.5&nbsp;→&nbsp;7 tiles.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687d2a4">
        
<article class="banner__block" id="block_ab2b5b4fd9f3c6c68295da98ea739342">
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                    <h3 class="h3">
                                         House of Lancaster
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The White Tower no longer&nbsp;researches&nbsp;technologies more quickly than other Keeps when playing as the House of Lancaster.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Muster the Nobles tooltip now correctly&nbsp;states&nbsp;that it spawns four&nbsp;Demilancers&nbsp;rather than five.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Lord of Lancaster:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Feudal Age health reduced from 200&nbsp;→&nbsp;170.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Castle Age health reduced from 225&nbsp;→&nbsp;200.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Imperial Age health reduced from 250&nbsp;→&nbsp;235.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Increase Hobelar cost from 70 Food 20 Gold&nbsp;→&nbsp;75 Food 20 Gold</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687d4b5">
        
<article class="banner__block" id="block_6bdecf59b26b811669a140db17eccfe1">
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    <div class="alignleft">
                    <h3 class="h3">
                                              Japanese
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Uma Bannerman damage aura reduced from +15%&nbsp;→&nbsp;+10%.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687d716">
        
<article class="banner__block" id="block_87852b5ee9d3a6e3c57a46198fdea6d6">
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  <div class="banner__block__foreground">
    <div class="alignleft">
                    <h3 class="h3">
                                            Knights Templar
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Genoese Crossbowman cost reduced from 100 Gold&nbsp;→&nbsp;90 Gold.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Safe Passage&nbsp;upgrade&nbsp;cost reduced from 100 Food 200 Wood&nbsp;→&nbsp;50 Food 200 Wood.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Sanctuary&nbsp;upgrade:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Cost reduced from 200 Food 250 Wood&nbsp;→&nbsp;150 Food 250 Wood.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Research time reduced from 20&nbsp;→&nbsp;15 seconds.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687da83">
        
<article class="banner__block" id="block_7da06e7edf5006834b491d9638414fee">
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                    <h3 class="h3">
                                       Macedonian Dynasty
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Early Varangian Guard:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Damage reduced from 12&nbsp;→&nbsp;11.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Berserk damage reduced from 6&nbsp;→&nbsp;5.&nbsp;Berserk damage&nbsp;remains&nbsp;unchanged in the Caste Age and Imperial Age.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Riddari:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Damage reduced from 26&nbsp;→&nbsp;24.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Elite damage reduced from 31&nbsp;→&nbsp;29.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Butted Chainmail (Ranged), Lamellar Armor (Melee Infantry), and Scale Barding (Cavalry) upgrades:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Tier 2 costs increased from 500 Silver&nbsp;→&nbsp;550 Silver.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Tier 3 costs increased from 1000 Silver&nbsp;→&nbsp;1100 Silver.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Runestones requirements increased from 5 defeated enemies to 10 defeated enemies.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Imperial Hippodrome:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Champion Scout damage reduced from 7&nbsp;→&nbsp;5.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Champion Scout torch damage aura reduced from +35%&nbsp;→&nbsp;+25%.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Champion&nbsp;Riddari&nbsp;infantry movement speed aura reduced from +15%&nbsp;→&nbsp;+10%.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


</article>

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    <div class="alignleft">
                    <h3 class="h3">
                                           Mongols
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The Khan will now properly shoot an arrow into the air when using one of the signal arrow abilities in the Imperial Age.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Fixed an issue which prevented the Khan from granting nearby units +2 armor with the Defense Arrow ability.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Queued Monastery units and&nbsp;upgrades are no longer lost when Monastic Shrines is researched.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Keshik:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Feudal Age health increased from 145&nbsp;→&nbsp;150.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Castle Age health increased from 175&nbsp;→&nbsp;180.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Imperial Age health increased from 210&nbsp;→&nbsp;215.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Ovoo&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Health increased from 1500&nbsp;→&nbsp;1750.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Stone&nbsp;generation&nbsp;rate increased from 120&nbsp;→&nbsp;130&nbsp;in the Castle Age.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Stone&nbsp;generation&nbsp;rate increased from 150&nbsp;→&nbsp;160&nbsp;in the Imperial Age.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Early Horseman health increased from 110&nbsp;→&nbsp;115.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Mongols now produce Horsemen +25% faster.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Mangudai:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>After moving for 1 second, attack speed will begin to slow down from 0.88 → 1.97 seconds per attack.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Attack speed rapidly returns to normal when the unit&nbsp;stops&nbsp;moving.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687dfd2">
        
<article class="banner__block" id="block_82ef5ea0d34581290c12f9afa7bd771a">
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                    <h3 class="h3">
                                              Ottomans
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Sipahi:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Feudal Age health reduced from 155&nbsp;→&nbsp;145.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Castle Age health reduced from 185&nbsp;→&nbsp;175.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Imperial Age health reduced from 220&nbsp;→&nbsp;210.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687e29f">
        
<article class="banner__block" id="block_59de927fd5f33d5a9100687ef31dc374">
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  <div class="banner__block__foreground">
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                    <h3 class="h3">
                                           Sengoku Daimyo
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed two Hojo Daimyo Estate upgrades that were mislabeled in the Remappable Hotkey list.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Fixed an issue where English villager units were unable to attack the&nbsp;Yatai.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>



<li>Shinobi&nbsp;ambush ability can no longer be cast on walls.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Ryokan healing increased from 3 every 6 seconds&nbsp;→&nbsp;4 every 5 seconds.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Villagers gathering from the Sake Brewery&#8217;s Toko-Koji mats no longer&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;from mining upgrades.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Ikko Ikki Monks will now properly attack fleeing enemies after researching Mountain Top Training.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Shinobi can no longer throw grenades without decreasing the grenade counter.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687e5b4">
        
<article class="banner__block" id="block_e04a9ff71f6c6a20ccce6622bdf2bdaa">
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  <div class="banner__block__foreground">
    <div class="alignleft">
                    <h3 class="h3">
                                        Tughlaq Dynasty
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Hisar Academy resource generation per active Governor increased from 50 Food&nbsp;50&nbsp;Gold&nbsp;→&nbsp;70 Food&nbsp;70&nbsp;Gold.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Tughlaqabad&nbsp;Fort:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Shahi Walls cost reduced from 275 Stone&nbsp;→&nbsp;250 Stone.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Red Brick Bastions cost reduced from 100 Gold 300 Stone&nbsp;→&nbsp;75 Gold 275 Stone.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Tughlaqabad&nbsp;Fort Benefactor cost reduced from 100 Gold 350 Stone&nbsp;→&nbsp;50 Gold 200 Stone.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>House of Learning:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Neza Training&nbsp;cost&nbsp;reduced from 75 Food 250 Gold&nbsp;→&nbsp;60 Food 150 Gold.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Khanda Drills cost reduced from 50 Food 200 Gold&nbsp;→&nbsp;60 Food 150 Gold.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Elephant Caretakers cost reduced from 90 Food 225 Gold&nbsp;→&nbsp;60 Food 150 Gold.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Collateral Damage cost&nbsp;reduced&nbsp;from 90 Food 225 Gold&nbsp;→&nbsp;60 Food 150 Gold.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Ballista Elephant:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Population cost increased from 3&nbsp;→&nbsp;4.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Damage increased from 16&nbsp;→&nbsp;18; bonus vs Infantry increased from 12&nbsp;→&nbsp;14.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Elite damage increased from 17&nbsp;→&nbsp;19; bonus vs Infantry increased from 14&nbsp;→&nbsp;18.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


</article>

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                    <h3 class="h3">
                                      Zhu Xi&#039;s Legacy
            </h3>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fixed a bug where cancelling &amp; requeuing the Imperial Red Seals upgrade would spawn extra Imperial Officials once the upgrade was researched.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


</article>

</article>


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                    <h2 class="h2">
                Ongoing&#8230;
            </h2>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687eaf2">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Investigation</h3>



<p>Your reports continue being crucial to our prioritization and implementation of fixes and features in the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://forums.ageofempires.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keep them coming!</a><br></p>



<p>For other known issues, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://support.ageofempires.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408424670484-Known-Issues-Solutions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this page</a>&nbsp;to see what’s being tracked!</p>


</article>

</article>


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<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687eed4">
        
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                    <h2 class="h2">
                What&#039;s on the Horizon
            </h2>
        
            </div>
  </div>
</article>

<article class="section__block" id="69e2f9687ede6">
        

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Coming Up&#8230;</h3>



<p>Alongside the <a href="https://www.ageofempires.com/news/whats-coming-in-2026-for-age-of-empires-and-age-of-mythology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two 2026 DLCs we announced in a previous blog post</a>, the team has also been working on several quality of life features that we hope to release alongside the Spring DLC. These improvements include:&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Random Map &amp; Biome options, for those of you who want some surprise.</li>



<li>New Player Colors, for those of you who like to customize.</li>



<li>Faster flow for getting through the end-of-game screens, for those of you who can&#8217;t wait to get into the next match.</li>
</ul>


</article>


<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<h5 class="wp-block-heading">DISCLAIMER</h5>



<p>Please note that 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.</p>



<p>For the latest updates and announcements, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ageofempires" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social channels</a>.</p>
</blockquote>


</article>


<p></p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>From Concept to Final Polish &#8211; the Art of The Last Chieftains</title>
		<link>https://staging.ageofempires.com/news/from-concept-to-final-polish-the-art-of-the-last-chieftains/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Age DE Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:08:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Patches, Updates & Content Releases]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ageofempires.com/?p=133527</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Have you ever wondered how buildings and units are created for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition? Today, we go behind the scenes, talking to the talented artists at Forgotten Empires about the process and challenges of bringing these intricate new designs to life for our latest expansion, The Last Chieftains. The new Building Set &#8230; <a href="https://staging.ageofempires.com/news/from-concept-to-final-polish-the-art-of-the-last-chieftains/">Continued</a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="608" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The_Last_Chieftains_-Art_Blog_Header-1920x1080-1-1080x608.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133529" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The_Last_Chieftains_-Art_Blog_Header-1920x1080-1-1080x608.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The_Last_Chieftains_-Art_Blog_Header-1920x1080-1-288x162.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The_Last_Chieftains_-Art_Blog_Header-1920x1080-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The_Last_Chieftains_-Art_Blog_Header-1920x1080-1-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The_Last_Chieftains_-Art_Blog_Header-1920x1080-1-704x396.webp 704w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The_Last_Chieftains_-Art_Blog_Header-1920x1080-1-854x480.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The_Last_Chieftains_-Art_Blog_Header-1920x1080-1-1813x1020.webp 1813w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The_Last_Chieftains_-Art_Blog_Header-1920x1080-1-1552x873.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The_Last_Chieftains_-Art_Blog_Header-1920x1080-1-1600x900.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The_Last_Chieftains_-Art_Blog_Header-1920x1080-1.webp 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>Have you ever wondered how buildings and units are created for <em>Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition</em>? Today, we go behind the scenes, talking to the talented artists at Forgotten Empires about the process and challenges of bringing these intricate new designs to life for our latest expansion, <em>The Last Chieftains.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="608" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-new-Building-Set-for-The-Last-Chieftains-in-all-of-its-glory-1080x608.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133578" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-new-Building-Set-for-The-Last-Chieftains-in-all-of-its-glory-1080x608.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-new-Building-Set-for-The-Last-Chieftains-in-all-of-its-glory-288x162.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-new-Building-Set-for-The-Last-Chieftains-in-all-of-its-glory-768x432.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-new-Building-Set-for-The-Last-Chieftains-in-all-of-its-glory-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-new-Building-Set-for-The-Last-Chieftains-in-all-of-its-glory-704x396.webp 704w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-new-Building-Set-for-The-Last-Chieftains-in-all-of-its-glory-854x480.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-new-Building-Set-for-The-Last-Chieftains-in-all-of-its-glory-1813x1020.webp 1813w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-new-Building-Set-for-The-Last-Chieftains-in-all-of-its-glory-1552x873.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-new-Building-Set-for-The-Last-Chieftains-in-all-of-its-glory-1600x900.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-new-Building-Set-for-The-Last-Chieftains-in-all-of-its-glory.webp 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>The new Building Set for The Last Chieftains in all of its glory.</em></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="463" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1080x463.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133261" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1080x463.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-288x123.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-768x329.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1536x658.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-854x366.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1552x665.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1600x686.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop.webp 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p><strong><em>The Last Chieftains</em></strong> <strong>is available for pre-order now on Steam, Microsoft Store, or Xbox</strong> with 15% off for a limited time!</p>



<div class="wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3219700/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__The_Last_Chieftains/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=launch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steam</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/age-of-empires-ii-de-the-last-chieftains/9mt1ls5w19x9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Store</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/age-of-empires-ii-de-the-last-chieftains/9mt1ls5w19x9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xbox</a></div>
</div>



<p>*<em><strong><em>The Last Chieftains</em></strong></em><strong> will be available for purchase on PlayStation 5 at launch day, February 17th</strong>.</p>
</blockquote>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Step-1:-Conceptualization-and-Research">Step 1: Conceptualization and Research</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Moodboard-for-the-Last-Chieftains-1080x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133605" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Moodboard-for-the-Last-Chieftains-1080x1080.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Moodboard-for-the-Last-Chieftains-288x288.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Moodboard-for-the-Last-Chieftains-150x150.webp 150w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Moodboard-for-the-Last-Chieftains-768x768.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Moodboard-for-the-Last-Chieftains-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Moodboard-for-the-Last-Chieftains-396x396.webp 396w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Moodboard-for-the-Last-Chieftains-480x480.webp 480w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Moodboard-for-the-Last-Chieftains-1020x1020.webp 1020w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Moodboard-for-the-Last-Chieftains-873x873.webp 873w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Moodboard-for-the-Last-Chieftains-1600x1600.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Moodboard-for-the-Last-Chieftains.webp 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Moodboard for the Last Chieftains</em></p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Johnathan, Concept Artist</h5>



<p>When we started designing the South American architecture set, the focus was mainly on Inca ruins. For the most part, that stayed true. But early on, we decided to broaden the scope to include the rich traditions of the <strong>Mapuche, Muisca, and Tupi</strong> peoples, drawing inspiration from their every day structures like the <em>ruka</em>, <em>bohío</em>, and <em>oca</em>.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Mill.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133584" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Mill.webp 1024w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Mill-288x288.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Mill-150x150.webp 150w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Mill-768x768.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Mill-396x396.webp 396w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Mill-480x480.webp 480w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Mill-1020x1020.webp 1020w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Mill-873x873.webp 873w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-Mill.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133598" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-Mill.webp 1024w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-Mill-288x288.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-Mill-150x150.webp 150w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-Mill-768x768.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-Mill-396x396.webp 396w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-Mill-480x480.webp 480w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-Mill-1020x1020.webp 1020w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-Mill-873x873.webp 873w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Feudal Age Mill</em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Castle Age Mill</em></p>
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<p>You’ll see these influences not just in the unique castles and wonders, but throughout the Feudal Age set. Everything is grounded in authentic sources, including contemporary architecture, historical accounts, and woodcuts.</p>



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<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="835" height="1080" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Sketch-of-the-Muisca-Castle-835x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133592" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Sketch-of-the-Muisca-Castle-835x1080.webp 835w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Sketch-of-the-Muisca-Castle-223x288.webp 223w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Sketch-of-the-Muisca-Castle-593x768.webp 593w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Sketch-of-the-Muisca-Castle-1187x1536.webp 1187w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Sketch-of-the-Muisca-Castle-1583x2048.webp 1583w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Sketch-of-the-Muisca-Castle-306x396.webp 306w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Sketch-of-the-Muisca-Castle-371x480.webp 371w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Sketch-of-the-Muisca-Castle-788x1020.webp 788w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Sketch-of-the-Muisca-Castle-675x873.webp 675w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Sketch-of-the-Muisca-Castle-1236x1600.webp 1236w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Sketch-of-the-Muisca-Castle-1855x2400.webp 1855w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 835px) 100vw, 835px" /></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="835" height="1080" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Final-concept-for-the-Muisca-Castle-835x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133585" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Final-concept-for-the-Muisca-Castle-835x1080.webp 835w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Final-concept-for-the-Muisca-Castle-223x288.webp 223w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Final-concept-for-the-Muisca-Castle-593x768.webp 593w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Final-concept-for-the-Muisca-Castle-1187x1536.webp 1187w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Final-concept-for-the-Muisca-Castle-1583x2048.webp 1583w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Final-concept-for-the-Muisca-Castle-306x396.webp 306w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Final-concept-for-the-Muisca-Castle-371x480.webp 371w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Final-concept-for-the-Muisca-Castle-788x1020.webp 788w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Final-concept-for-the-Muisca-Castle-675x873.webp 675w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Final-concept-for-the-Muisca-Castle-1236x1600.webp 1236w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Final-concept-for-the-Muisca-Castle-1855x2400.webp 1855w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 835px) 100vw, 835px" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Sketch of the Muisca Castle</em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Final concept for the Muisca Castle</em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="459" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-1080x459.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133587" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-1080x459.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-288x122.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-768x326.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-1536x653.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-2048x871.webp 2048w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-854x363.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-1552x660.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-1600x680.webp 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="459" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-Destruction-1080x459.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133586" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-Destruction-1080x459.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-Destruction-288x122.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-Destruction-768x326.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-Destruction-1536x653.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-Destruction-2048x871.webp 2048w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-Destruction-854x363.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-Destruction-1552x660.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Fortified-Walls-Destruction-1600x680.webp 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>
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</div>



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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Fortified Walls</em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Fortified Walls Destruction</em></p>
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</div>



<p>Inca polygonal masonry, advanced hydraulic engineering, gold-plated surfaces, and the distinctive absence of intersecting roofs all guided the design of the Castle and Imperial Age buildings. The fortress of <strong>Sacsayhuamán</strong> played a big role in shaping fortified walls and universities. And yes, even the Feudal mill hides a little <strong>Nazca-inspired</strong> twist with spiral wells beneath it.</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-University-1080x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133580" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-University-1080x1080.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-University-288x288.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-University-150x150.webp 150w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-University-768x768.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-University-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-University-396x396.webp 396w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-University-480x480.webp 480w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-University-1020x1020.webp 1020w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-University-873x873.webp 873w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-University-1600x1600.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-University.webp 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-University-1080x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133589" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-University-1080x1080.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-University-288x288.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-University-150x150.webp 150w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-University-768x768.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-University-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-University-396x396.webp 396w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-University-480x480.webp 480w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-University-1020x1020.webp 1020w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-University-873x873.webp 873w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-University-1600x1600.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-University.webp 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Castle Age University</em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Imperial Age University</em></p>
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</div>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="525" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Guecha-Warrior-1080x525.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133576" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Guecha-Warrior-1080x525.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Guecha-Warrior-288x140.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Guecha-Warrior-768x373.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Guecha-Warrior-1536x746.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Guecha-Warrior-815x396.webp 815w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Guecha-Warrior-854x415.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Guecha-Warrior-1552x754.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Guecha-Warrior-1600x777.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Guecha-Warrior.webp 1665w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Regular/Elite Guecha Warrior</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="650" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Temple-Guard-1080x650.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133577" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Temple-Guard-1080x650.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Temple-Guard-288x173.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Temple-Guard-768x462.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Temple-Guard-1536x925.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Temple-Guard-2048x1233.webp 2048w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Temple-Guard-658x396.webp 658w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Temple-Guard-797x480.webp 797w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Temple-Guard-1694x1020.webp 1694w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Temple-Guard-1450x873.webp 1450w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_RegularElite-Temple-Guard-1600x963.webp 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Regular/Elite Temple Guard</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="417" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-2--1080x417.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133604" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-2--1080x417.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-2--288x111.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-2--768x297.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-2--1536x593.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-2--2048x791.webp 2048w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-2--854x330.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-2--1552x600.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-2--1600x618.webp 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Lautaro &#8211; Campaign Hero</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Step-2:-Translating-Sketches-into-3D-Models">Step 2: Translating Sketches into 3D Models</h2>



<p>Once the concept art was ready, it was time to translate those sketches into 3D models. That’s where <strong>Chris, Anka, </strong>and<strong> Inma </strong>worked their magic, creating everything from buildings and animals to heroes and units.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="876" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Pilot-Model-of-the-Imperial-Age-Town-Center-1080x876.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133607" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Pilot-Model-of-the-Imperial-Age-Town-Center-1080x876.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Pilot-Model-of-the-Imperial-Age-Town-Center-288x234.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Pilot-Model-of-the-Imperial-Age-Town-Center-768x623.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Pilot-Model-of-the-Imperial-Age-Town-Center-1536x1246.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Pilot-Model-of-the-Imperial-Age-Town-Center-488x396.webp 488w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Pilot-Model-of-the-Imperial-Age-Town-Center-592x480.webp 592w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Pilot-Model-of-the-Imperial-Age-Town-Center-1257x1020.webp 1257w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Pilot-Model-of-the-Imperial-Age-Town-Center-1076x873.webp 1076w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Pilot-Model-of-the-Imperial-Age-Town-Center.webp 1543w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Pilot Model of the Imperial Age Town Center</em></p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Chris, 3D Artist</h5>



<p>I kicked things off by creating the <strong>pilot models </strong>for the Andean set, serving as the benchmark for the rest of the team. One of the biggest challenges was getting the 3D thatch to look right. The automatic shadowing system in the game tends to make dense areas look too dark. We had to put in extra effort to fine-tune the lighting and shadows so the roof texture looked just right.</p>



<p>Another tricky part was the <strong>gold ornaments</strong>. To make them really shine and stand out, we added an extra light source that only affects those details, giving them that rich golden glow.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Anka, 3D Artist</h5>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="322" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Regular-Blackwood-Archer-1080x322.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133575" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Regular-Blackwood-Archer-1080x322.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Regular-Blackwood-Archer-288x86.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Regular-Blackwood-Archer-768x229.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Regular-Blackwood-Archer-1536x457.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Regular-Blackwood-Archer-2048x610.webp 2048w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Regular-Blackwood-Archer-854x254.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Regular-Blackwood-Archer-1552x462.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Regular-Blackwood-Archer-1600x476.webp 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Regular Blackwood Archer</em></p>



<p>For the new <strong>South American-themed units</strong>, I started with the concept art and built the 3D models from the ground up. I focused on capturing the ornate jewelry and distinct shapes for the humanoid units, and tackled the challenging task of <strong>digitally sculpting </strong>the unique features of the Spanish War Dog. The hardest part was finding the perfect balance between historical authenticity and the stylized proportions required by the game&#8217;s art style. Despite the challenge, it was incredibly satisfying to translate those cultural details into three dimensions and see the characters finally come to life.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="565" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Guacolda-Campaign-Hero-1080x565.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133602" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Guacolda-Campaign-Hero-1080x565.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Guacolda-Campaign-Hero-288x151.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Guacolda-Campaign-Hero-768x402.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Guacolda-Campaign-Hero-1536x803.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Guacolda-Campaign-Hero-757x396.webp 757w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Guacolda-Campaign-Hero-854x447.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Guacolda-Campaign-Hero-1552x812.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Guacolda-Campaign-Hero-1600x837.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Guacolda-Campaign-Hero.webp 1717w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Guacolda &#8211; Campaign Hero</em></p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Inma, 3D Artist</h5>



<p>It was a breath of fresh air to work on these units and buildings because they are so different from what we have done in previous DLCs. During the modeling process, we have to carefully balance the amount of detail with what the player will actually see on screen. Since units in <em>Age of Empires</em> appear quite small, we must <strong>exaggerate the proportions</strong> of key features, like weapons, to ensure they are visible.</p>



<p>The toughest part of this balancing act is often cloth wrinkles. To be visible in-game and look aesthetically pleasing, clothing wrinkles almost always have to be exaggerated and made much larger than they would be in real life.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="297" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Latauro-Campaign-Hero-1080x297.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133603" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Latauro-Campaign-Hero-1080x297.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Latauro-Campaign-Hero-288x79.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Latauro-Campaign-Hero-768x212.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Latauro-Campaign-Hero-1536x423.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Latauro-Campaign-Hero-2048x564.webp 2048w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Latauro-Campaign-Hero-854x235.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Latauro-Campaign-Hero-1552x427.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Latauro-Campaign-Hero-1600x441.webp 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Latauro &#8211; Campaign Hero</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Step-3:-Breathing-Life-with-Animation">Step 3: Breathing Life with Animation</h2>



<p>With the models finished, the next step was animation. <strong>Nebeolise</strong> and <strong>Rajun</strong>, our animators, shared their insights.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_-Elite-Temple-Guard.gif" alt="" class="wp-image-133596"/></figure>



<p><em>Elite Temple Guard</em></p>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Elite-Champi-Warrior.gif" alt="" class="wp-image-133599"/></figure>



<p><em>Elite Champi Warrior</em></p>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="400" height="400" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Galvarino_Campaign-Hero.gif" alt="" class="wp-image-133624"/></figure>



<p><em>Galvarino &#8211; Campaign Hero</em></p>
</div>
</div>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Nebeolise, Rigging Artist/3D Animator</h5>



<p>When starting on animations, we always first dive deep into the cultures and history to make sure every movement of the unit feels authentic.</p>



<p>Take the <strong>Ibirapema Warrior </strong>for example. To animate them properly, we need to understand their role in society and their warrior tactics. Even something as simple as defining an idle pose depends heavily on their traditions and weapons. Furthermore since they wield a really heavy club, we had to ensure that the weight and power were visible in its swings.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="720" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Castle-Age-Barracks.gif" alt="" class="wp-image-133597"/></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="720" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Muisca-Castle.gif" alt="" class="wp-image-133606"/></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="720" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Archery-Range.gif" alt="" class="wp-image-133600"/></figure>
</div>
</div>



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<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Castle Age Barracks</em></p>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Muisca Castle</em></p>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Feudal Age Archery Range</em></p>
</div>
</div>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Rajun, VFX Artist</h5>



<p>The core difficulty in creating <strong>destruction animations</strong> for buildings is figuring out how a structure will collapse naturally while staying within its own footprint and not having debris fall outside of it. A big source of inspiration for this is controlled building demolitions in real life.</p>



<p>Since these animations involve simulation work, the biggest difficulty is optimization. A thatched roof with millions of polygons can lead to extremely long wait times and even crashes from overloading RAM so we had to think of ways to optimize these.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
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<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e2f968827b6&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="69e2f968827b6" class="wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="480" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/26.-Snake.gif" alt="" class="wp-image-133651"/><button
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<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Capybara</em></p>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Tapir</em></p>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Snake</em></p>
</div>
</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Step-4:-Final-Polish-and-Rendering">Step 4: Final Polish and Rendering</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="698" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-Town-Center-1080x698.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133588" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-Town-Center-1080x698.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-Town-Center-288x186.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-Town-Center-768x496.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-Town-Center-613x396.webp 613w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-Town-Center-743x480.webp 743w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Imperial-Age-Town-Center.webp 1185w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Imperial Age Town Center</em></p>



<p>With all the 3D models and animations created, it was time to make them shine in-game. <strong>Enrique, our Art Lead</strong>, talked about how they made the assets look great in the final render.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="810" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Building-Set-1080x810.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133583" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Building-Set-1080x810.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Building-Set-288x216.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Building-Set-768x576.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Building-Set-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Building-Set-2048x1536.webp 2048w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Building-Set-528x396.webp 528w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Building-Set-640x480.webp 640w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Building-Set-1360x1020.webp 1360w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Building-Set-1164x873.webp 1164w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Feudal-Age-Building-Set-1600x1200.webp 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Feudal Age Building Set</em></p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Enrique, Art Lead</h5>



<p>We spent a lot of time refining the look of the set for each age. Our goal was to stay as historically authentic as possible, while also adapting the designs to the <em>Age of Empires II</em> style. That means <strong>colorful and vibrant, yet still believable</strong>, so everything feels cohesive with the other architectural sets.</p>



<p>It also helps players quickly recognize age progression in buildings and understand roles and tiers for units. This <strong>readability</strong> is especially important because of their small size at the standard zoom level.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="608" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Champi-Warrior-1080x608.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133581" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Champi-Warrior-1080x608.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Champi-Warrior-288x162.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Champi-Warrior-768x432.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Champi-Warrior-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Champi-Warrior-704x396.webp 704w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Champi-Warrior-854x480.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Champi-Warrior-1812x1020.webp 1812w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Champi-Warrior-1552x873.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Champi-Warrior-1600x900.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Champi-Warrior.webp 1999w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Champi Warrior</em></p>



<p>Selecting the colors usually starts during the concept phase. Once the model is complete, we adjust materials to account for lighting and shadows in the final render. Sometimes what looks great in concept doesn&#8217;t translate well in the render, so we iterate until it feels right.</p>



<p>For units, there is an extra validation step when we test the default pose. If important details are hidden or barely visible, we tweak the materials or adjust the design to make sure everything remains clear.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="742" height="169" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Elite-Ibirapema-Warrior.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133582" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Elite-Ibirapema-Warrior.webp 742w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Elite-Ibirapema-Warrior-288x66.webp 288w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 742px) 100vw, 742px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Elite Ibirapema Warrior</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="205" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_King.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133590" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_King.webp 750w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_King-288x79.webp 288w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>King</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="489" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-1080x489.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133591" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-1080x489.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-288x130.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-768x348.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-1536x695.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-854x387.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-1552x703.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero-1600x724.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_Lautaro-Campaign-Hero.webp 1809w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Lautaro &#8211; Campaign Hero</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Conclusion-and-Takeaways">Conclusion and Takeaways</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="592" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-final-result-Screenshot-of-the-Pachacuti-campaign-1080x592.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133595" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-final-result-Screenshot-of-the-Pachacuti-campaign-1080x592.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-final-result-Screenshot-of-the-Pachacuti-campaign-288x158.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-final-result-Screenshot-of-the-Pachacuti-campaign-768x421.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-final-result-Screenshot-of-the-Pachacuti-campaign-1536x843.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-final-result-Screenshot-of-the-Pachacuti-campaign-722x396.webp 722w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-final-result-Screenshot-of-the-Pachacuti-campaign-854x468.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-final-result-Screenshot-of-the-Pachacuti-campaign-1552x851.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-final-result-Screenshot-of-the-Pachacuti-campaign-1600x878.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC_The-final-result-Screenshot-of-the-Pachacuti-campaign.webp 1721w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>The final result &#8211; Screenshot of the Pachacuti campaign</em></p>



<p>Bringing a completely new architectural set, unit roster, heroes, animals, and flora to <em>Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition</em> has been an immersive and challenging journey for the team. We approached this project with respect for the original art direction and a deep commitment to honoring the cultural legacy of these civilizations. We hope you enjoy playing <strong><em>The Last Chieftains</em></strong> as much as we enjoyed creating it.</p>



<p><br>Which new unit or building are you most excited about to see in action?</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="463" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1080x463.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133261" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1080x463.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-288x123.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-768x329.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1536x658.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-854x366.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1552x665.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1600x686.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop.webp 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p><strong><em>The Last Chieftains</em></strong> <strong>is available for pre-order now on Steam, Microsoft Store, or Xbox</strong> with 15% off for a limited time!</p>



<div class="wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3219700/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__The_Last_Chieftains/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=launch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steam</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/age-of-empires-ii-de-the-last-chieftains/9mt1ls5w19x9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Store</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/age-of-empires-ii-de-the-last-chieftains/9mt1ls5w19x9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xbox</a></div>
</div>



<p>*<em><strong><em>The Last Chieftains</em></strong></em><strong> will be available for purchase on PlayStation 5 at launch day, February 17th</strong>.</p>
</blockquote>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Warriors of the Last Chieftains</title>
		<link>https://staging.ageofempires.com/news/the-warriors-of-the-last-chieftains/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Age DE Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:18:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Patches, Updates & Content Releases]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ageofempires.com/?p=133441</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The Last Chieftains introduces three new civilizations: Mapuche,&#160;Muisca, and&#160;Tupi. Masters of adaptation to the terrain and continuously changing circumstances, the new civilizations will offer&#160;Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition&#160;players the game’s core unit roster along with several unique and region-specific options representing emblematic features of each civilization. From ranged cavalryman whose projectiles slow down enemy &#8230; <a href="https://staging.ageofempires.com/news/the-warriors-of-the-last-chieftains/">Continued</a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="608" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC-New-Units-Deep-Dive-Header-1920x1080-1-1080x608.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133442" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC-New-Units-Deep-Dive-Header-1920x1080-1-1080x608.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC-New-Units-Deep-Dive-Header-1920x1080-1-288x162.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC-New-Units-Deep-Dive-Header-1920x1080-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC-New-Units-Deep-Dive-Header-1920x1080-1-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC-New-Units-Deep-Dive-Header-1920x1080-1-704x396.webp 704w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC-New-Units-Deep-Dive-Header-1920x1080-1-854x480.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC-New-Units-Deep-Dive-Header-1920x1080-1-1813x1020.webp 1813w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC-New-Units-Deep-Dive-Header-1920x1080-1-1552x873.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC-New-Units-Deep-Dive-Header-1920x1080-1-1600x900.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TLC-New-Units-Deep-Dive-Header-1920x1080-1.webp 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p><em>The Last Chieftains</em> introduces three new civilizations: <strong>Mapuche</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Muisca</strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>Tupi</strong>. Masters of adaptation to the terrain and continuously changing circumstances, the new civilizations will offer&nbsp;<em>Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition</em>&nbsp;players the game’s core unit roster along with several unique and region-specific options representing emblematic features of each civilization.</p>



<p>From ranged cavalryman whose projectiles slow down enemy units to ranged archers that trains in pairs, veterans and newcomers alike will find the new units interesting and approachable, with plenty of flavor for historical enthusiasts!</p>



<p><em>The Last Chieftains</em> is available for pre-order now and will officially <strong>launch on Febuary 17th!</strong></p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
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<p><strong><em>The Last Chieftains</em></strong> <strong>is available for pre-order now on Steam, Microsoft Store, or Xbox</strong> with 15% off for a limited time!</p>



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<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3219700/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__The_Last_Chieftains/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=launch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steam</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/age-of-empires-ii-de-the-last-chieftains/9mt1ls5w19x9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Store</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/age-of-empires-ii-de-the-last-chieftains/9mt1ls5w19x9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xbox</a></div>
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<p>*<em><strong><em>The Last Chieftains</em></strong></em><strong> will be available for purchase on PlayStation 5 at launch day, February 17th</strong>.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kona</h2>



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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Kona</em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>A Mapuche raid on a Spanish settlement</em></p>
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<p>The <strong>Kona</strong> is a powerful cavalry unit available to the <strong>Mapuche</strong> at the <strong>Castle</strong>.</p>



<p>The Mapuche quickly adapted cavalry tactics from the Spanish invaders, utilizing their elite, strong-willed young warriors to master horse riding and turn the tide in favor of the natives. They acquired their initial mounts through spoils of war and theft, but eventually began breeding their own horses. Armed with long <strong>lances </strong>and <strong>clubs </strong>of wood or stone, these Konas frequently carried out <strong>malón </strong>raids. These deadly surprise attacks, in which the Mapuche would attack and loot Spanish camps and settlements on horseback, aimed to obtain horses, cattle, provisions, and captives. This strategy instilled fear in the Spanish, making the Mapuche resistance extremely effective.</p>



<p>In-game, the Konas mirror this ruthlessness: they are a fast-moving cavalry unit that deals increasing damage to injured targets and counters gunpowder units effectively. However, because they lack cavalry armor upgrades, their role is focused on raiding and map control, making them vulnerable to heavily armored melee units.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><br>Bolas Rider</h2>



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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Bolas Rider</em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Bolas Riders fighting Spanish Light Cavalry</em></p>
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<p>The <strong>Bolas Rider </strong>is a swift <strong>Mapuche </strong>warrior that hurls a bolas from horseback, available at the <strong>Archery Range </strong>starting in the Castle Age.</p>



<p>The <strong>bolas</strong>, typically used for hunting, is a simple throwing weapon consisting of three weights connected by a rope. Thrown with force, this weapon can entangle a target’s legs, making them immobile and easy prey. The Mapuche quickly combined this established hunting tool with their new equestrian skills. With little armor and fast movement, they gained a great advantage in ambushing enemies and striking quickly. Because the weapon was cheap to craft and easy to carry, many Mapuche used it effectively, earning the fear of whoever they encountered.</p>



<p>In the game, the Bolas Rider is a mobile raiding unit. Its short-ranged bolas attack deals extra damage to mounted units. Furthermore, they can hurl a stronger bolas shot that temporarily slows their targets, cementing their role in hit-and-run tactics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Guecha Warrior</h2>



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<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e2f96885ee1&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="69e2f96885ee1" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="554" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-warriors-defending-their-stronghold-1080x554.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133449" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-warriors-defending-their-stronghold-1080x554.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-warriors-defending-their-stronghold-288x148.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-warriors-defending-their-stronghold-768x394.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-warriors-defending-their-stronghold-772x396.webp 772w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-warriors-defending-their-stronghold-854x438.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-warriors-defending-their-stronghold.webp 1410w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><button
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Guecha Warrior</em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Muisca warriors defending their stronghold</em></p>
</div>
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<p>The <strong>Guecha Warrior </strong>is a short-ranged skirmisher available at the <strong>Castle </strong>for the <strong>Muisca</strong>.</p>



<p>Known for their toughness and combat skills, Guecha Warriors held a powerful, elite status within Muisca society. They enjoyed great esteem, wearing their hair very short and earning the right to wear jewelry made of gold, emeralds, and feathers. Because they were the civilization&#8217;s premier warriors among a populace of farmers and traders, these men were equipped with thick cotton armor, long shields, and various weapons like javelins, spears, or maces.</p>



<p>These warriors relied on powerful knowledge of <strong>herbalism </strong>and strong religious practices when facing enemies, whether invaders or local rivals. Furthermore, the Muisca honored their dead, leading Guecha Warriors to frequently carry <strong>mummified ancestors</strong> into battle for inspiration or to intimidate foes.</p>



<p>In the game, the Guecha Warrior functions as a mobile skirmisher boasting high pierce armor. Their short-ranged javelins deal high damage overall and are particularly strong against ranged soldiers. Reflecting their beliefs, Guecha Warriors regenerate health whenever a nearby Guecha Warrior falls in battle. They stand as some of the Muisca’s most durable and strongest units, though they come at a premium cost.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Temple Guard</h2>



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<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e2f9688634c&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="69e2f9688634c" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="554" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-guards-defending-their-Monastery-1080x554.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133451" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-guards-defending-their-Monastery-1080x554.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-guards-defending-their-Monastery-288x148.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-guards-defending-their-Monastery-768x394.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-guards-defending-their-Monastery-772x396.webp 772w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-guards-defending-their-Monastery-854x438.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Muisca-guards-defending-their-Monastery.webp 1410w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><button
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Temple Guard</em></p>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Muisca guards defending their Monastery</em></p>
</div>
</div>



<p>The <strong>Temple Guard</strong> is a powerful shock infantry unit available to the <strong>Muisca</strong> at the <strong>Barracks </strong>and <strong>Monastery</strong>.</p>



<p>These humble guardians of the Muisca&#8217;s many holy sites did not share the high status of the Guecha Warriors. They kept their temples secure using pole weapons, which resembled a long war pick or a thin hammer made of <strong>tumbaga</strong>, an alloy of gold and copper.</p>



<p>Temple Guards wore cotton clothing like the Guecha Warriors, but for ceremonies they added ornaments like animal furs, gold, and emeralds. Religious art pieces, such as face masks or delicate animal statues crafted from clay, copper, or gold, were central to Muisca worship.</p>



<p>In the game, Temple Guards channel their fervor and herbal training to increase their attack speed the longer they remain in combat. Because they are trained at both the Barracks and the Monastery, these units give the Muisca flexibility when defending against intruders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Blackwood Archer</h2>



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<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e2f968867a0&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="69e2f968867a0" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="554" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-archers-ambushing-a-French-transport-1080x554.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133453" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-archers-ambushing-a-French-transport-1080x554.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-archers-ambushing-a-French-transport-288x148.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-archers-ambushing-a-French-transport-768x394.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-archers-ambushing-a-French-transport-772x396.webp 772w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-archers-ambushing-a-French-transport-854x438.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-archers-ambushing-a-French-transport.webp 1410w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><button
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Blackwood Archer</em></p>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Tupi archers ambushing a French transport</em></p>
</div>
</div>



<p>The <strong>Blackwood Archer</strong> is a unique unit for the <strong>Tupi</strong>, trained in pairs and costing only half of a population space. They are available at the <strong>Castle</strong>.</p>



<p>Living in the dense Brazilian rainforests, the Tupi warriors were renowned for their strength in numbers and exceptional archery, relying on their unique skills and deep knowledge of the environment. Dressed in colorful feather dresses, they were famed for using large bows made of black wood, which allowed them to shoot deadly poison arrows with high frequency. European sources highlight Tupi warfare as one of exceptional bravery and short distance archery, establishing Tupi archers as formidable forces in the New World.</p>



<p>In-game, Blackwood Archers are the definition of quantity over quality. Though their individual attack damage is low, their attack speed is high. Once upgraded with the unique tech <strong>Curare</strong>, which enables them to deal poison damage, their massive numbers become devastating, allowing the Tupi to overwhelm foes with a dense hail of arrows.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ibirapema Warrior</h2>



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<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e2f96886a95&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="69e2f96886a95" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="554" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ibirepema-Warrior-1080x554.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133454" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ibirepema-Warrior-1080x554.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ibirepema-Warrior-288x148.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ibirepema-Warrior-768x394.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ibirepema-Warrior-772x396.webp 772w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ibirepema-Warrior-854x438.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ibirepema-Warrior.webp 1410w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><button
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<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e2f96886bdb&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="69e2f96886bdb" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="554" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-warriors-fighting-on-the-beaches-1080x554.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133455" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-warriors-fighting-on-the-beaches-1080x554.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-warriors-fighting-on-the-beaches-288x148.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-warriors-fighting-on-the-beaches-768x394.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-warriors-fighting-on-the-beaches-772x396.webp 772w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-warriors-fighting-on-the-beaches-854x438.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tupi-warriors-fighting-on-the-beaches.webp 1410w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><button
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Ibirepema Warrior</em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Tupi warriors fighting on the beaches</em></p>
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<p>The <strong>Ibirapema Warrior</strong> is a strong infantry unit available to the <strong>Tupi</strong> at the <strong>Barracks</strong>.</p>



<p>In dense rainforests where archery wasn&#8217;t practical, or when close combat was inevitable, the Tupi utilized a unique club made of sturdy black or red wood. This colorful, feather-decorated <strong>ibirapema </strong>club was carried by frontline warriors and used with brutal efficiency. Due to its weight and ease of use, it was also employed in rituals and religious sacrifice, ceremonies that inspired warriors to be even more effective in battle. Elite warriors, clothed in imposing feather dresses and brave enough to fight up close, would swing these deadly weapons, which were sometimes believed to be able to fell a man in one swing.</p>



<p>Unlike the Tupi&#8217;s other units, Ibirapema Warriors serve as an exceptionally durable frontline unit. Their two-handed sweeping attacks deal equal damage to all targets in front of them, making them highly effective against dense formations of melee units.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Champi Warrior</h2>



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<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e2f96886ed1&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="69e2f96886ed1" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="554" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi_Warrior_upgrade_progression-1080x554.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133524" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi_Warrior_upgrade_progression-1080x554.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi_Warrior_upgrade_progression-288x148.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi_Warrior_upgrade_progression-768x394.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi_Warrior_upgrade_progression-772x396.webp 772w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi_Warrior_upgrade_progression-854x438.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi_Warrior_upgrade_progression.webp 1410w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><button
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<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e2f96887034&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="69e2f96887034" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="554" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi-Scouts-defending-their-Settlement-1080x554.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133457" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi-Scouts-defending-their-Settlement-1080x554.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi-Scouts-defending-their-Settlement-288x148.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi-Scouts-defending-their-Settlement-768x394.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi-Scouts-defending-their-Settlement-772x396.webp 772w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi-Scouts-defending-their-Settlement-854x438.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champi-Scouts-defending-their-Settlement.webp 1410w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><button
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Champi Warrior</em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Champi Scouts defending their Settlement</em></p>
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<p>The <strong>Champi Warrior</strong>, available from the <strong>Dark Age</strong>, is the starting scout for the <strong>Inca</strong> and <strong>all civilizations</strong> in <em>The Last Chieftains</em>.</p>



<p>The <strong>champi</strong> mace, typically featuring a round or star-shaped head made of stone, copper, tumbaga, or even pure gold, was a popular close combat weapon. It delivered heavy damage but remained small enough to not slow the bearer down. These warriors were swift, inflicting heavy damage during raids and serving reliably on the frontline. Protected by armor and shields made of cotton or llama wool, they were resistant to ranged attacks from common bows or rock slings, making them a versatile and formidable warrior.</p>



<p>Champi Warriors, trained at the Barracks, form the backbone of the South American armies. They are best used against ranged soldiers or for raiding thanks to their high speed, strong pierce armor, and solid attack. While they struggle more than Militia-line units against heavy cavalry, their fantastic mobility, scouting ability, and capacity to build Outposts for additional vision give them a unique strategic advantage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">War Dogs (Campaign-Exclusive Unit)</h2>



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<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e2f96887466&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="69e2f96887466" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="554" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Spanish-using-War-Dogs-to-protect-their-camp-1080x554.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133459" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Spanish-using-War-Dogs-to-protect-their-camp-1080x554.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Spanish-using-War-Dogs-to-protect-their-camp-288x148.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Spanish-using-War-Dogs-to-protect-their-camp-768x394.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Spanish-using-War-Dogs-to-protect-their-camp-772x396.webp 772w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Spanish-using-War-Dogs-to-protect-their-camp-854x438.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Spanish-using-War-Dogs-to-protect-their-camp.webp 1410w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><button
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>War Dogs</em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Spanish using War Dogs to protect their camp</em></p>
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<p>In <em>The Last Chieftains</em> campaigns, <strong>War Dogs </strong>serve as ferocious animals used by the Europeans against you.</p>



<p>Bred specifically for warfare, these hounds were deployed with deadly effect by European forces conquering the Americas. To boost their combat effectiveness, they were outfitted with padded coats and spiked collars. Packs of these beasts quickly became a true terror for the native populations. Some of these dogs, such as <strong>Becerrillo </strong>(meaning &#8216;Little Bull&#8217;), gained a legendary reputation. In one legend, the dog proved more compassionate than the Conquistadors he served when he refused to kill an innocent woman. The Conquistadors, not wanting their Christian reputation to be outshone by the dog&#8217;s compassion and forgiveness, were so humiliated that they left the place.</p>



<p>Trained by your enemies at the Barracks, these units excel against ranged and wounded warriors. You must find a swift way to neutralize them, as your enemies will strategically deploy them as a clean-up force to quickly eliminate your struggling troops during the thick of battle.</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="463" src="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1080x463.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-133261" srcset="https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1080x463.webp 1080w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-288x123.webp 288w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-768x329.webp 768w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1536x658.webp 1536w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-854x366.webp 854w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1552x665.webp 1552w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop-1600x686.webp 1600w, https://cdn.ageofempires.com/aoe/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/https://staging.ageofempires.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Last-Chieftains-Pre-Order-Web-Carousel-Desktop.webp 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p><strong><em>The Last Chieftains</em></strong> <strong>is available for pre-order now on Steam, Microsoft Store, or Xbox</strong> with 15% off for a limited time!</p>



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<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3219700/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__The_Last_Chieftains/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=launch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steam</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/age-of-empires-ii-de-the-last-chieftains/9mt1ls5w19x9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Store</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-button cta"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/age-of-empires-ii-de-the-last-chieftains/9mt1ls5w19x9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xbox</a></div>
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<p>*<em><strong><em>The Last Chieftains</em></strong></em><strong> will be available for purchase on PlayStation 5 at launch day, February 17th</strong>.</p>
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