“Age of Empires IV” is a real-time strategy game developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released in 2021, it brings back the beloved gameplay of its predecessors while introducing new civilizations, mechanics, and stunning visuals. Players engage in historic battles, manage economies, and build powerful empires, all while experiencing a campaign mode based on real historical events. With enhanced AI, deep strategic options, and multiplayer modes, Age of Empires IV successfully revitalizes the franchise for both veteran and new players.
Introduction
“Age of Empires IV” is the latest installment in the legendary real-time strategy (RTS) series that has defined the genre for decades. Developed by Relic Entertainment in collaboration with World’s Edge and published by Xbox Game Studios, the game launched on October 28, 2021. With a mix of classic gameplay elements and modern enhancements, Age of Empires IV offers players the chance to relive history through immersive campaigns, challenging battles, and innovative mechanics.
Gameplay Mechanics
1. Core Gameplay
The game stays true to the Age of Empires formula: players gather resources, build structures, train armies, and wage war against opponents. The four main resources—food, wood, gold, and stone—remain crucial for sustaining an empire. However, Age of Empires IV refines these systems to make gameplay smoother and more intuitive.
2. Civilizations
Age of Empires IV launched with eight distinct civilizations, each offering unique units, technologies, and playstyles:
- English – Strong defensive capabilities with powerful longbowmen.
- French – Specialize in cavalry and economic advantages.
- Mongols – A nomadic civilization that can move buildings and launch devastating early attacks.
- Chinese – A civilization focused on dynastic progression with access to powerful gunpowder units.
- Holy Roman Empire – Defensive and religious-focused civilization with strong infantry.
- Abbasid Dynasty – Benefits from research and technological progress, specializing in camels and scholars.
- Delhi Sultanate – Strong in technological advancements with an emphasis on elephant units.
- Rus – Excellent in hunting and early economy, with powerful cavalry.
Each civilization has unique bonuses and challenges, making strategic depth a key part of the game.
3. Ages and Progression
Players advance through four historical ages:
- Dark Age – The beginning phase, focused on survival and resource gathering.
- Feudal Age – Introduction of stronger military units and basic fortifications.
- Castle Age – Unlocks advanced military units, stronger fortifications, and economic upgrades.
- Imperial Age – The final and most powerful stage, featuring gunpowder units, advanced economy, and wonders.
Each age brings new strategic opportunities, requiring players to decide whether to focus on economic growth, military aggression, or defensive strongholds.
4. Campaign Mode
Age of Empires IV features a rich campaign mode that spans different historical periods. Unlike previous games that followed individual heroes, this campaign takes a documentary-style approach, blending gameplay with historical footage and narration.
The campaigns include:
- Norman Campaign – Focuses on the battles between the Normans and Anglo-Saxons, featuring William the Conqueror.
- Hundred Years’ War – Explores the conflict between England and France, highlighting Joan of Arc’s story.
- Mongol Empire – Showcases the rise of Genghis Khan and the Mongol invasions.
- Rise of Moscow – Chronicles the struggles of the Rus against foreign invaders.
Each campaign is meticulously designed with objectives that align with historical events, making it an educational as well as entertaining experience.
5. Multiplayer & Skirmish Mode
Multiplayer is a crucial component of Age of Empires IV, offering 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 battles, as well as cooperative gameplay against AI. The matchmaking system ensures balanced encounters, while ranked play adds competitive depth.
Skirmish mode allows players to customize their own battles against AI, choosing maps, civilizations, and difficulty levels. This mode is perfect for experimenting with strategies before heading into multiplayer battles.
6. Art and Sound Design
Visually, Age of Empires IV boasts a vibrant and realistic art style with detailed animations. Each civilization has distinct architecture and unit designs that reflect historical accuracy. The game also features dynamic weather effects and day-night cycles, enhancing immersion.
The soundtrack, composed by Mikolai Stroinski, blends orchestral compositions with cultural influences from different civilizations. Voice acting in native languages adds authenticity, making the experience feel truly historical.
7. AI and Strategic Improvements
The AI in Age of Empires IV has been significantly improved, offering adaptive strategies that respond to the player’s actions. AI-controlled civilizations prioritize different tactics based on their historical strengths, making each encounter unique.
Pathfinding and unit responsiveness have also been refined, addressing common issues from previous games. The tactical depth is further enhanced with mechanics like stealth forests, where units can ambush enemies unseen.
8. Modding and Custom Content
One of the standout features of Age of Empires IV is its modding support. The game allows players to create and share custom scenarios, maps, and even new gameplay modes. This has led to a thriving community that continues to expand the game’s possibilities.
Reception and Impact
Upon release, Age of Empires IV received positive reviews, with praise for its faithful adaptation of classic gameplay and fresh innovations. Critics highlighted:
✅ Engaging and educational campaigns
✅ Diverse civilizations with unique mechanics
✅ Balanced and competitive multiplayer
✅ Stunning visuals and immersive sound design
However, some players noted that the game launched with fewer civilizations than Age of Empires II, and some mechanics felt underdeveloped. Despite this, post-launch updates have addressed several concerns, adding new content and balance changes.
Expansions and Future Updates
Microsoft has continued to support Age of Empires IV with DLC expansions, new civilizations, balance patches, and quality-of-life improvements. Future updates may introduce additional campaigns, co-op missions, and modding tools to further enrich the experience.
Conclusion
Age of Empires IV is a worthy successor to the legendary RTS franchise, blending nostalgic gameplay with modern refinements. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer, the game offers endless strategic possibilities and an engaging dive into historical warfare. With its robust multiplayer, deep civilization mechanics, and historical campaigns, Age of Empires IV solidifies its place as one of the best RTS games of the modern era.
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