Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Definitive Edition series General information Developers Forgotten Empires

Tantalus Media

Wicked Witch Tantalus MediaWicked Witch Publishers Xbox Game Studios Genre Real-time strategy Platform Windows 10

Steam Original release date Windows November 14, 2019

is a remaster of, released on November 14, 2019.

It features a fully remastered soundtrack, multiple quality of life improvements, significant graphical upgrades, and includes The Last Khans, an expansion that adds four new civilizations based on Central Asia and Eastern Europe, and four new campaigns.

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New features Edit

Base Age of Empires II HD game and all previous expansions ported into the Definitive Edition

game and all previous expansions ported into the The Last Khans expansion content

expansion content Changes to some civilization architectural sets Mediterranean set reworked East European set reworked Byzantines and Spanish now use the Mediterranean set Vietnamese now use the East Asian set, to reflect Chinese influence against Vietnamese kingdoms.

Crest symbols for each civilization

Cross-play functionality between Microsoft Store and Steam versions

Empire Wars game mode

Global queue display

Improved and reworked campaigns, including changes to the civilizations that feature for a more accurate representation Voice acting added for Forgotten Empires campaigns

Improved spectator mode and multiplayer, including native streaming support

Manual gate rotation (using mouse-wheel)

Mixed technology and unit queue

Modding via Age of Empires web platform

web platform New AI that does not cheat, and a new level of difficulty: Extreme

New main menu features and functions Campaign difficulty indicators (the more swords, the more difficult) Campaign pages reorganized to geographical regions Historical Battles section (combined Battles of the Conquerors and Battles of the Forgotten) The Art of War challenges on learning advanced gameplay tactics (e.g. booming, early economy, fast Castle Age)

New graphics and effects, including demolished building animations

New objects and units, in addition to redesigns for some old ones (e.g. Sea Wall)

New, fully remastered soundtrack Each soundtrack set now begins with a theme of the civilization being played Options allow for the selection of soundtrack sets

New scenario editor features, including a reworked triggers system

New server-based multiplayer

Progress bar for buildings, effects on them if they are working

Reworked interface that displays the number of villagers working on each resource

Toggleable gameplay and interface options for veteran players

Toggles for automatic Farm and Fish Trap reseeding

Zoom functionality

New content Edit

Civilizations Edit

Like The African Kingdoms and Rise of the Rajas, this expansion adds four new civilizations from the same general geographical area (Eastern Europe and Central Asia, in this case).

Bulgarians (Eastern Europe): When nomadic Bulgar horsemen approached the Danube in the 7th century and encountered the local Slavic tribes, the stirrups that they brought changed European cavalry warfare forever. Fortify the nearby mountain passes with formidable Kreposts and punish overconfident invaders with powerful combined armies of cavalry, infantry, and siege engines! Your valiant Konniks, the pride of your army, will continue to fight fearlessly even after their horses are felled beneath them.

Lithuanians (Eastern Europe): The forested boglands east of the Baltic Sea hold more than meets the eye. Coagulate the various Baltic tribes into a Grand Duchy with a new religion, smash invading forces with powerful cavalry and mobile spearmen and javelineers, and assemble the largest empire in late-medieval Europe! The Lithuanian unique unit is the Leitis, a heavy cavalry unit who strikes with such vigor that all armor is useless against his weaponry.

Cumans (new Central Asia architecture): The vast Eurasian plains were home to nomadic tribes whose steppe husbandry and fearsome exploits still live on in the records of their terrified neighbors. Lead the Cuman-Kipchak hordes to war and pillage to your heart’s content, or offer your riders as coveted mercenaries in the service of foreign kings. When an even greater threat looms to the east, will you migrate west and adopt the lifestyle and warcraft of your sedentary neighbors, or vanish before an unstoppable wave of Mongol conquerors?

Tatars (Central Asia): For centuries, fierce nomads roamed the Central Asian steppe, periodically launching distant migrations or campaigns to conquer or extort their sedentary neighbors. Don arrow-resistant silk armor and dominate the hills and plains with mobile horsemen and cavalry archers, or join the Mongol hordes and swell the ranks of the Keshiks, honored bodyguards of the Great Khan himself! Dare you follow in the footsteps of Tamerlane and mercilessly conquer an empire from Transoxiana to India, Anatolia, and Russia?

Units Edit

Common Edit

Steppe Lancer and Elite Steppe Lancer: Ranged melee cavalry, available at the Stable for Central Asian civilizations (Cumans and Tatars) and Mongols (the latter since update 35584).

Xolotl Warrior: Mesoamerican cavalry equal to the Knight Line, available at a converted Stable (Aztecs and Incas) (slot same as Scout Cavalry, not Knight).

Konnik: Castle unique unit of the Bulgarians, heavy cavalry unit that creates at no cost a Dismounted Konnik infantry when killed.

Kipchak: Castle unique unit of the Cumans, multi-shot cavalry archer.

Leitis: Castle unique unit of the Lithuanians, heavy cavalry with an attack that ignores armor.

Keshik: Castle unique unit of the Tatars, medium cavalry that generates gold while attacking other units.

Flaming Camel: Second castle unique unit of the Tatars, fast suicide unit with bonus attack against cavalry that is only available in the Imperial Age.

Fauna Edit

Other Edit

Cheat units Edit

Buildings Edit

Krepost: Unique building of the Bulgarians, small Castle that can only train Konniks but not research technologies.

Editor only Edit

Shrine

Tower of London

Dormition Cathedral

Sankore Madrasah

Aachen Cathedral

Rock Church

Technologies Edit

Common Edit

Supplies: Militia line units cost -15 food . Cost: 150 food , 100 gold . Available to all civilizations except Goths and (since update 37650) Chinese, Cumans, Huns, Khmer, Lithuanians, Mayans, Mongols, and Tatars.

Unique Edit

Campaigns Edit

Tamerlane (Tatars): In the 14th century, while lesser men tear apart the decaying remains of the Mongol Empire, Tamerlane sees entropy as opportunity. A brilliant, charismatic tactician bred on the rugged steppes of Transoxiana, can he restore the splendor of the fractured state—even if he must slaughter half of its inhabitants in the process?

Ivaylo (Bulgarians): During the Mongol invasions, a pig farmer leads a militia defending the Bulgarian villages. But when his victories attract the attention of the Tsar and his nobles, he is forced to lead a mass uprising. Can a man of such humble origins defy the established order and give his people freedom?

Kotyan Khan (Cumans): For centuries, the Cumans throve on the vast plains of Eurasia. Now, a new threat comes from the East – Mongols, ruthless beyond imagination and seemingly invincible. Kotyan, the khan of a small clan, must unite the Cumans to resist the invaders. Will he save his people, even if it means abandoning their ancestral lands and ancient ways?

Pachacuti (Incas): Countless tribes vie for supremacy in the steep mountain valleys and dense jungles of South America. But which will prevail and earn the favor of the gods? As treachery and discord gnaw at the young empire of the Inca, the destiny of an entire people lies in the hands of a single man

The Art of War (Challenge Scenarios): Uncover the strategic wisdom of Sun Tzu and practice your Age of Empires II skills in a series of short challenges. In each challenge, you will strive to earn a medal and prove your worth to your friends and enemies.

Reworked campaigns and Historical Battles Edit

Campaigns Edit

Historical Battles Edit

Map Editor-related changes Edit

New trigger conditions: Diplomacy State Object HP Object Not Visible Researching Tech Technology State Units Garrisoned Variable Value

New trigger effects: Acknowledge AI Signal AI Script Goal Attack Move Change Civilization Name Change Object Cost Change Object Description Change Object Icon Change Object Stance Change Player Name Change Research Location Change Train Location Change Variable Create Garrisoned Object Enable/Disable Object Enable/Disable Technology Modify Attribute Modify Resource Modify Resource By Variable Set Player Visibility

New objects: Chain - Similar to Palisade Wall, only available in Map Editor and appears in certain campaigns including Attila the Hun. Nubian Pyramid City Gate - (City Wall counterpart) Dismantled Cart - Eyecandy Temple Ruin - Eye candy, similar to Ruins Well - Eyecandy Army Tent - (Comes in 5 variants) Huts - (Comes in 7 variants) Paifang Gate Target - Eyecandy (Comes in 2 variants) Tent - (Comes in 5 variants) 3 new barricade variants 2 new pagoda variants 1 new bridge variant 1 new torch variant New statue variants (Civilization, Column, "Right") Movable map revealer Invisible Object Contraption



Changelog Edit

General Edit

The civilization bonus which decreases the training time of military units decreased to 10% (was 15%) since update 37650.

Krepost: Can no longer be converted. Reduced the size of the building from 4×4 to 3×3 tiles (since update 34055)

Konnik [Standard and Elite]: Slowed the rate of fire from 1.9 to 2.4 seconds (since update 34055)

Konnik: Reduced hit-points from 110 to 100 health (since update 34055)

Elite Konnik: Reduced hit-points from 130 to 120 health (since update 34055)

Dismounted Konnik [Standard and Elite]: Slowed the rate of fire from 2 to 2.4 seconds. Now takes additional damage from the Samurai unit (since update 34055)

Increased the armor granted by the Bagains technology from +3 to +5 armor (since update 34055)

Can no longer train Paladin (since update 36906).

Stirrups now affects all cavalry units, not just Light Cavalry and Konniks (since update 36906).

(Elite) Genitours receive +2 attack vs Spearmen line.

Genitours now receive +1 pierce armor (since update 35584)

Arambai [Standard and Elite]: Reduced the cost from 80 wood , 65 gold to 75 wood , 60 gold (since update 34699)

, 65 to 75 , 60 (since update 34699) Manipur Cavalry no longer partially-blocked by the Masonry tech (since update 37650)

Warwolf cost increased to 800 wood , 400 gold (from 500 wood , 250 gold ).

Elite Cataphract upgrade cost decreased from 1600 food , 800 gold to 1200 wood , 800 gold (since update 39284).

, 800 to 1200 , 800 (since update 39284). Logistica cost decreased from 1000 food , 600 gold to 800 food , 600 gold since update 39284.

Increased the time to construct a Feudal Age Town Center from 225 to 270 seconds (since update 34055)

Kipchak [Standard and Elite]: Slowed the rate of fire from 1.8 to 2.2 seconds (since update 34055)

Kipchak: Reduced hit points from 45 to 40 (since update 34055)

Elite Kipchak: Reduced hit points from 50 to 45, reduced the total number of arrows from 4 to 3 (since update 34055)

Cumans no longer have access to the Husbandry technology (since update 34055)

Civilization bonus: Cavalry units now move 5% faster in the Feudal Age, 10% faster in the Castle Age, and 15% faster in the Imperial Age (since update 34055)

Feudal Age Battering Rams no longer deal area of effect damage to units (since update 34055)

No longer have access to the Redemption technology (since update 36202)

Can now research the Capped Ram upgrade in the Castle Age (since update 36202)

Kipchak [Standard and Elite]: Now fire +1 extra arrow (since update 36202)

Steppe Husbandry: Now grants its benefits to Steppe Lancers. Now reduces the training time of Scout Cavalry, Cavalry Archers, and Steppe Lancers by 100% (was 400% ) (since update 36202)

Receive Block Printing (since update 34699)

No longer have access to the Redemption technology (since update 36202)

Torsion Engines: increased upgraded Scorpions projectiles width from 0.3 to 0.5 (since update 36906)

Cavalry +20% HP bonus only available from the Feudal Age.

Infantry was 35% cheaper in all Ages since update 35584; now staggered per Age: 20% cheaper → 25% cheaper → 30% cheaper → 35% cheaper (since update 36202)

No longer have access to the Arson technology (since update 36202)

The civilization bonus boosting infantry attack vs. buildings now increments by +1 attack per Age (starting in the Feudal Age; since update 36202)

Loom free (since update 36906).

Slingers -1 attack (reduced from 5 to 4).

Couriers renamed Fabric Shields.

Since update 36906, Fishermen bonus changed: now they work 10% faster (rather than working 15% faster and carrying +15 food ).

). The Team bonus damage dealt by Camels to builds is no longer blocked by Masonry or Architecture (since update 37650)

Elephant Archer [Standard & Elite]: Reduced the cost to train from 80 gold to 70 gold and reload time from 2.5 to 2 (since update 37650).

Genoese Crossbowman reload time reduced from 3 to 2 (same as Elite).

Condottiero attack increased from 9 to 10 (since update 39284).

Pavise affects Condottiero as well foot archers (since update 39284).

Fixed the issue with Ballista Elephant attack being inconsistent.

Fixed the issue with Chemistry not increasing attack of secondary Ballista Elephant bolt.

Receive Faith.

Receive Hussar.

Lose Shipwright.

Lose Bombard Cannon (since update 36906)

Ballista Elephants [Standard and Elite]: Now gain the intended benefits of cavalry armor upgrades (since update 34055)

Farmers don't need to drop food at Mills / Town Centers (since update 34699)

The Khmer’s unique farming bonus is now disabled in Full Tech Tree games (since update 35584)

Farmers work rate reduced by 3% (since update 36906)

Receive “Military units (except siege weapons) cost -20% wood ” (-15% wood before update 39284).

” (-15% before update 39284). Lose “Fortifications built faster”.

Increased the base cost of (Elite) War Wagon by +5 wood (for a total of 92 wood considering the discount) since update 39284.

(for a total of 92 considering the discount) since update 39284. Increased the base cost of (Elite) Turtle Ship by +10 wood (for a total of 152 wood considering the discount) since update 39284.

Mercenaries renamed Corvinian Army.

Harbors minimum range increased to 1 (from 0). Requires Murder Holes to reduce to 0 range (only works properly since update 36906).

Harbors base attack reduced from 6 to 3. Bonus attack vs Ships increased from 9 to 10.

Harbors properly affected by Chemistry and Heated Shot (since update 36906)

Forced Levy changes gold cost into additional food cost (instead of removing it).

Forced Levy cost decreased to 850 food , 500 gold (from 1000 wood , 600 gold ).

, 500 (from 1000 , 600 ). Karambit Warrior [Standard and Elite]: Reduced the cost from 30 food , 15 gold to 25 food , 15 gold (since update 39284)

Destroyed house foundations no longer provide population space with the “Nomads” technology.

Hunters: Reduced their work speed from 50% to 40% (since update 35584)

Receive the Steppe Lancer and Elite Steppe Lancer (since update 35584)

All Steppe Lancers also benefit from the +30% HP bonus enjoyed by Mongol horsemen (since update 35584)

Until update 36906, Town Centers and Docks work +5% faster in the Dark Age. Bonus was then removed.

Boiling Oil replaced by Kamandaran. Kamandaran (200 food , 200 gold ) replaces the gold cost of Archer-line with the additional wood cost (since update 34699)

, 200 ) replaces the gold cost of Archer-line with the additional wood cost (since update 34699) Increased the cost of researching the Kamandaran technology from 200 food , 200 gold to 400 food , 300 gold (since update 35584)

Feitoria: Increased the resources generated per second from 0.8 food , 0.8 wood , 0.45 gold , 0.25 stone to 1.6 food , 1.0 wood , 0.7 gold , 0.3 stone (since update 35584)

, 0.8 , 0.45 , 0.25 to 1.6 , 1.0 , 0.7 , 0.3 (since update 35584) As a civilization bonus, Units are now 20% gold cheaper (was 15%) since update 39284.

Increased the base cost of (Elite) Caravel by +3 gold +3 gold (for a total of 34.4 gold considering the discount) since update 39284.

(Elite) Conquistadors receive damage from anti-cavalry archer attacks.

Missionaries heal as quickly as normal Monks.

Missionaries affected by Husbandry.

Receive Faith.

Receive free Supplies (instead of Tracking).

Farmers work 10% faster (lowered from 15% faster).

(Elite) Boyar training time reduced to 15s (from 23s/20s). Since update 36906, speed reduced from 1.4 to 1.3, and increased pierce armor by +1 (result: 2 for non-elite, 3 for elite).

Keshik [Standard and Elite]: Reduced the gold cost to train from 80 gold to 40 gold (since update 34055)

to 40 (since update 34055) Keshik: Increased hit points from 100 to 110, reduced attack from 12 to 9 (since update 34055)

Elite Keshik: Increased hit points from 130 to 140, reduced attack power from 14 to 11 (since update 34055)

In short, update 34055 changed the role of a Keshik from a Heavy cavalry unit to Medium cavalry unit.

Receive Halberdier (since update 35584)

Now gain the Thumb Ring technology for free as a civilization bonus (since update 36202)

Keshik: Reduced the training time from 23 to 16 seconds (since update 36202)

Elite Keshik: Reduced the training time from 20 to 14 seconds (since update 36202)

Silk Armor: Now grants its benefits to Steppe Lancers (since update 36202)

Timurid Siegecraft: Increased the bonus range granted to Trebuchets from +1 to +2; Now makes the new Flaming Camel unit available when researched — a fast-moving Petard with bonuses vs. mounted units and elephants (since update 36202)

Flaming Camel affected by Indian Bonus, +5 attack vs Buildings (since update 36906)

Flaming Camel attack vs elephants increased from +80 to +130, Blast radius increased from 1.5 to 2.0 (since update 39284)

Receive Herbal Medicine.

Murder Holes and Herbal Medicine free.

As a civilization bonus, Farms are now 40% cheaper (was 33%) (since update 35584)

Since update 35584, Barracks units gain +1 melee armor (starting in the Castle Age); Since update 36906, both Barracks and Stable units gain +1/+2 melee armor in the Castle/Imperial Age.

Teutonic Knight speed increased from 0.7 to 0.8 (since update 36906).

Receive Husbandry.

Paper Money cost reduced to 500 food , 300 wood (from 800 food , 200 gold ) and research time increased to 60s (from 40s).

, 300 (from 800 , 200 ) and research time increased to 60s (from 40s). Economic upgrades no longer cost wood (since update 35584)

Trivia Edit

All civilizations introduced in The Last Khans have strong focus on cavalry units, as well having mounted units as unique units.

have strong focus on cavalry units, as well having mounted units as unique units. According to Microsoft creative director Adam Isgreen and developers Forgotten Empires, the new civilizations introduced are planned to be the last ones as they consider having reached a sufficient number of civilizations to feature in the game.

Gallery Edit

Videos Edit

Age of Empires II DE - E3 2019 - Gameplay Trailer Age of Empires II Definitive Edition - Opening Cinematic (HD)

Add a photo to this gallery

Audio Edit

Example of the new extended civilization theme, for the Malays.

References Edit

Sources Edit

Balance changelog at release