The legendary real-time strategy game Age of Empires is coming soon to Xbox consoles. With cross-play between PC and Xbox, upgraded visuals and audio, smooth controller support, and hundreds of hours of content, the Definitive Editions is sure to appeal to both new and returning fans.
Since you got Age of Empires on Xbox one, you will experience the RTS genre with its epic scope, historical setting, and addictive gameplay. Now a whole new generation of gamers will get to know the joy of building expansive empires across medieval Europe, feudal Japan, ancient Egypt and more.
In this definitive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Age of Empires on Xbox one, upcoming releases, gameplay, and more.
Key Takeaways:
- Age of Empires offers an immersive real-time strategy experience.
- The game has expanded its reach to Xbox consoles, including Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
- Age of Empires IV brings new content and gameplay enhancements.
- The Definitive Editions add substantial value and improvements.
- Multiplayer modes and the Villager Priority System are standout features.
Age of Empires & Why is it Special
Age of Empires, often abbreviated as AoE, is a classic real-time strategy game. It allows players to build and expand civilizations, forge alliances, and wage wars through years of human history. What makes it stand out is its captivating blend of strategy, history, and gameplay.
The game’s legacy on PC is undeniable, and its arrival on Xbox consoles opens the door to a new wave of players eager to experience this gem.
Age of Empires: Xbox Debut
The anticipation for Age of Empires on Xbox One began in 2021. Fans were overjoyed when the release date was finally announced at the “Opening Night Live” event. Since then, the game has expanded its presence, with multiple editions now available, including the anniversary edition that celebrates 25 years of this iconic game.
Age of Empires on Xbox One
Microsoft has announced that the Definitive Editions of Age of Empires I, II, and III will all be coming to Xbox Game Pass and Xbox consoles.
- The Age of Empires: Definitive Edition includes the original Age of Empires plus its Rise of Rome expansion, all with improved graphics, remastered sound and music, and quality-of-life updates.
- Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition contains the base game with over 200 hours of content, 4K graphics, all previously released expansions, and new civilizations, campaigns, game modes and features.
- Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition modernizes the classic RTS with enhanced visuals and audio, new content and improved gameplay.
- Age of Empires IV: Definitive Edition on Xbox includes the base game of Age of Empires IV, originally released on PC with enhanced visuals up to 4K resolution, improved textures, UI redesigned on Xbox Series X/S.
Age of Empires: Launch on Xbox
Age of Empires I: Definitive Edition will be the first to arrive on Xbox consoles later in 2023. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition are planned to follow soon after.
The Definitive Editions will be available on Xbox Game Pass, so subscribers will get access at no additional cost. The games will also be available for purchase individually on the Microsoft Store.
What new content is coming in the Xbox versions?
All four Definitive Editions will include cross-play between PC and Xbox users via Xbox Live. The Xbox versions will also introduce new tutorials designed specifically for controller play.
Age of Empires II and III on Xbox will support online multiplayer between PC players and console players, enabling epic crossplay battles.
Age of Empires III on Xbox will also add brand-new civilizations, maps, game modes and home city content to reflect the game’s new Mexican civilization DLC that arrived on PC in 2022.
Age of Empires IV is the latest installment in the iconic real-time strategy franchise. It was developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios in October 2021. Gameplay involves classic RTS mechanics like gathering resources, building bases, training armies, researching technologies, and battling enemies.
| Age of Empires game | Release date | Platforms | Multiplayer | Xbox Game Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition | January 31, 2023 | Xbox One, Xbox Series X | S | Yes, both online and locally |
| Age of Empires IV | 22 August, 2023 | Xbox One, Xbox Series X | S | Yes, both online and locally |
How will Age of Empires play on a controller?
Bringing a classic PC strategy game like Age of Empires to consoles required rethinking the controls for controller support. The Xbox versions will have a redesigned UI and control scheme optimized for playing with a gamepad.
There will be capabilities like “villager priority selection” that lets you easily select and assign tasks to villagers with just a few button presses. The interface has also been streamlined to work smoothly with a controller.
Rest assured the Xbox editions will provide an excellent RTS experience for both console veterans and newcomers to the franchise.
What content will be in the Age of Empires II, III and IV Definitive Editions?
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition on Xbox will contain the base game with over 200 hours of content, including:
- 35 civilization camps with over 42 multiplayer civilizations
- More than 200 hours of gameplay with 34 single player campaigns
- Multiple game modes like Empire Wars, Golden Age and more
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition on Xbox includes:
- Two new civilizations – the Incas and Swedes
- Two new campaigns – The African Royals and the Land of Ice and Fire
- New Home City content to enrich multiplayer
- Brand new game modes like Historical Battles
- Improved graphics, animations and UI enhancements
Age of Empires IV: Definitive Edition on Xbox:
- Exclusive tutorial content to teach console players RTS basics
- Full cross-play multiplayer between PC and Xbox players via Xbox Live
- Available on Xbox Game Pass on day one at no extra cost
- Access to multiplayer seasons, competitive challenges, and in-game events
- Planned future support with new DLC, expansions, and improvements
In short, Xbox players will get the definitive experience of these RTS classics with hundreds of hours of content and gameplay.
Will I need to learn keyboard and mouse controls?
A major benefit of the Xbox releases is that you’ll be able to enjoy the full Age of Empires experience using just a controller. The games have been carefully adapted to work smoothly with a gamepad.
You will not need to learn keyboard and mouse controls to play Age of Empires on Xbox. The console versions have been specially designed for controller support:
- The interface and menus have been completely revamped for navigation with a gamepad. Buildings, units, and actions can be selected intuitively with thumbsticks and buttons.
- There are quick radial menus for rapidly accessing key functions like training units or assigning villager tasks. These pop-up menus allow easy access without excessive navigation.
- Villager management is streamlined via the villager priority queue, letting you set worker focus areas with button shortcuts rather than manual clicks.
- The game camera movement and zooming has settings tuned for optimal controller use, allowing you to swiftly pan across the map.
- Pathfinding and unit AI assists with movement and formation maneuvers that previously required mouse precision.
- The configuration options allow remapping all commands to suit your personal controller preferences.
- In-game tutorials specifically teach console gamers RTS basics with the gamepad in mind.
So, the developers have focused on control schemes, interface design, automation and helper features that make Age of Empires fully accessible and enjoyable with just a console controller. You won’t need to touch the keyboard and mouse if playing on Xbox!
What multiplayer options will be available?
Aside from cross-play between PC and Xbox, the Definitive Editions will support online multiplayer on Xbox Live with all the standard team and 1v1 game modes.
You’ll be able to play co-op campaigns online or locally with friends on the same Xbox console. The Xbox versions will also support LAN play for multiplayer battles at home without needing an internet connection.
In short, all the online and local multiplayer options PC gamers enjoy will make their way to Xbox.
What gameplay features can I expect from Age of Empires on Xbox?
Age of Empires on Xbox will feature the same core gameplay as the PC version, with some adjustments to make it more controller-friendly. Players will be able to build bases, gather resources, train armies, and engage in epic battles against other players or AI opponents.
Here are some of the key gameplay features you can expect from Age of Empires on Xbox:
- Resource Management – The classic resource gathering loop of collecting food, wood, gold and stone to advance your economy and tech tree will be central to the Xbox gameplay.
- Base Building – Constructing your village, defenses and military infrastructure from individual buildings and walls remains core to the experience. Base layout and strategy is key.
- Unit Control – Recruiting and commanding vast armies of units like knights, archers, siege weapons requires mastering the rock-paper-scissor counters system.
- Technology Tree – Advancing through the ages unlocks new units, structures and upgrades. Balancing economy and tech development is crucial.
- Combat – Battles happen on both land and sea, demanding good use of terrain and unit positioning. Special abilities and formations add depth.
- Campaigns – Lengthy single-player campaigns with epic stories, historical settings, and varied objectives provide rich PvE content.
- Multiplayer – Compete and cooperating with human players online in skirmishes, team games and custom scenarios. Cross-play expands the player pool.
- Game Modes – Options like Empire Wars and Treaty mode offer different ways to compete and apply new strategic thinking.
The classic Age of Empires combat-economy loop will remain at the core on Xbox. Controller support aims to make base building, combat maneuvers and strategy smoother.
Benefits of playing Age of Empires on Xbox
There are several benefits to playing Age of Empires on Xbox. Here are some of the key benefits of playing Age of Empires on Xbox in more detail:
- Accessibility – The Xbox releases allow an entirely new segment of gamers to experience Age of Empires, especially those more comfortable with controllers than mouse/keyboard. The redesigned UI and control schemes create a smooth RTS experience using just a gamepad.
- Cross-Play – A major advantage is cross-platform multiplayer between PC players and Xbox users. The massive Age of Empires multiplayer community combines thanks to Xbox Live cross-play support.
- Optimized for Controller – Unlike some RTS ports, the Xbox editions of Age incorporate controller-centric features like villager queuing, improved pathfinding and streamlined build menus. New tutorials also teach console gamers the basics.
- Xbox Game Pass – Having the Definitive Editions on Xbox Game Pass means subscribers can instantly access hundreds of hours of Age content as part of their membership. Great value for Xbox owners.
- Social Features – Playing on Xbox Live unlocks social tools like Party Chat, achievements, and sharing game clips which integrate smoothly with the Xbox gaming experience.
- Enhanced Visuals – The console ports benefit from the Definitive Editions’ upgraded 4K graphics, improved animations and remastered audio for added immersion.
- Continued Support – The Xbox versions will continue receiving ongoing content updates, expansions, and improvements aligned with the PC experience for years to come.
Thus, Xbox unlocks Age of Empires for a broader audience, makes it more console-friendly, and provides a great social RTS experience on Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live. It’s the definitive way to play on consoles.
Things to Remember About Age of Empires on Xbox Console
Here are the most important things to remember about Age of Empires on Xbox:
- Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV have been released in August 2023.
- Both games will feature the same core gameplay as the PC version, with some adjustments to make them more controller-friendly.
- Both games will support multiplayer, both online and locally.
- Both games will be available on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles.
- Both games will be available on Xbox Game Pass.
Villager Priority System: A Game Changer
One unique feature in the newer editions is the Villager Priority System. This system allows players to assign villagers to focus on specific tasks, making resource management more streamlined and strategic.
The Villager Priority System is a major game-changer for playing Age of Empires on Xbox consoles. Here’s a deeper look at how it works and why it’s important:
- Easier Villager Control – You can now select groups of villagers and set their priorities to focus only on certain tasks like building, gathering food, mining gold etc.
- Fewer Micro Management – Villagers will automatically perform their assigned duties intelligently without the need for constant micromanagement.
- Strategic Tasking – You can tailor your villager workforce to focus on key resources or infrastructure as strategic needs dictate.
- Smoother Eco Management– Having villagers auto-tasked means you can focus more on high-level economy planning and adjustments.
- Designed for Controllers – Priority selection using bumpers and triggers is perfect for console controllers, avoiding tedious PC-style clicks.
- Frees Up APM – With fewer clicks spent on villager management, you have more actions-per-minute for combat, build orders and strategic thinking.
- Lowers Barrier – The system makes economic build-up easier for newcomers, letting them focus more on combat tactics and base building.
The priority system fundamentally changes villager and economic management in Age of Empires, making it far better suited to consoles. It reduces tedious micromanagement, streamlines strategic planning, and enables smoother gameplay with a controller. This innovation will be key to making Age feel like a natural console RTS when it hits Xbox platforms.
More About Age of Empires 4 Xbox Series 2023
- Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition will include all of the content from the original game and its expansions, as well as new features such as 4K resolution and support for up to eight players in multiplayer.
- Age of Empires IV is a new entry in the Age of Empires series, and it features new civilizations, new gameplay mechanics, and a new campaign mode.
- Both Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV is available on Xbox Game Pass, which means that subscribers can play them without having to purchase them separately.
Overall, Age of Empires on Xbox one is a great way to experience these classic strategy games on a new platform.
FAQs:
How can I play Age of Empires on Xbox?
The games will be available on Xbox Game Pass or for purchase digitally on the Microsoft Store for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Will Age of Empires have cross-play with PC?
Yes, the Xbox editions will support cross-play with Windows PC players via Xbox Live.
Can I play online multiplayer on Xbox?
Yes, you can play co-op, competitive multiplayer and more across Xbox Live with other console and PC game players.
Will Age of Empires support mouse and keyboard on Xbox?
You can choose to play with mouse & keyboard if preferred, but the games have optimized controls for Xbox controllers.
How can I pre-order Age of Empires on Xbox?
You can pre-order Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition on the Xbox Store now. Age of Empires IV is not yet available for pre-order, but we’ll keep you updated when it is.
Conclusion
Age of Empires is on Xbox one consoles marks a major milestone for one of the most acclaimed real-time strategy franchises ever made. New generations of gamers on Xbox will soon get to experience these timeless RTS classics.
Keep an eye out as Age of Empires I: Definitive Edition drops first on Xbox consoles later in 2023! An epic new age of empire building on consoles is about to dawn.
