Summary
- Xbox Game Studios' Age of Empires 2 is on Game Pass, but DLCs are paid, offering new civilizations and campaigns for added replayability.
- DLCs like The Mountain Royals and Dynasties of India introduce new factions, campaigns, and technologies, enhancing gameplay dynamics.
- Return of Rome and Lords of the West are standout DLCs, adding classical civilizations and medieval factions with quality campaigns.
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is a well-respected strategy title that was published by Xbox Game Studios. This means that it is available as part of the Xbox and PC Game Pass. This is a shrewd marketing move, as only the base game is free to play with a game pass, the DLCs are all paid content.
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And boy, this game has had a fair few DLCs released so far. The current count is 11, and this includes some free graphical packs. Some of the DLCs for this game stand out as being better than others, especially those that add new civilizations, extra campaigns, and other new content. All of the DLCs improve the replayability of the base game by providing additional gameplay options for this real-time strategy game.
5 The Mountain Royals
Two New Civilizations
- Released on October 31, 2023
The Mountain Royals DLC for Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition has two new civilizations; the Armenians, and the Georgians. Both of these two playable factions come with new, unique hero units, additional technologies, and their own particular strategic advantages and disadvantages.
The new campaigns take place in the Caucasus region in The Mountain Royals. The campaigns feature historical events and conflicts from the region and present new strategic challenges and choices for the play. Overall, The Mountain Royals adds some additional replayability to the base game, and some new challenges to overcome.
4 Dynasties Of India
Unlocking The India Region
- Released on April 28, 2022
The Dynasties of India is a DLC fo r Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition that follows the same format as almost all of the DLC for this game, adding additional playable civilizations. In this case, the Gurjaras, Dravidians, and Bengalis. Each of these has its own specific specialty units and new technologies to be unlocked.
Three new campaigns are included in the Dynasties Of India DLC, one for each of the new civilizations. The campaigns introduce new challenges that are unique to the additional civilizations but also adds additional strategic options to the base game overall. This is a great DLC fo r Age of Empires 2, and good value, as it adds a total of three new playable factions.
3 Return Of Rome
Transformational DLC
- Released on May 16, 2023
Return of Rome is one of the earlier DLCs for Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition. The game launched without classical civilizations being represented, so it was presumed that they would become the basis of a DLC at some stage, and this is exactly what Return Of Rome did.
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The DLC focuses on historical events and localized conflicts between the Romans and their neighboring civilizations. The new campaigns follow this focus as well and are some of the best campaigns that have been added to the base game. Overall, this is one of the best DLC released for Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition so far, as it not only expands the base game, but the DLC-focused content is of exceptional quality, and the campaigns are great for beginners.
2 Dawn Of The Dukes
Historical Struggles
- Released on August 10, 2021
Players looking to refresh their Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition experience , might like to take a look at the Dawn Of The Dukes DLC. It was one of the first DLCs for the game and remains one of the best today. It only adds two new civilizations that the player can choose to play, the Bohemians and the Poles. But both of these civilizations are well fleshed out with their own distinct styles.
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Three new campaigns are added by this DLC, each of which is focused on a specific historical figure. The campaign for each of these aims to be historically correct, at least as far as any video game can be. The Dawn Of The Dukes DLC is often available at a reduced price, and as such, can be of great value at the right price.
1 Lords Of The West
Focusing On The Medieval History Of Europe
- Released on January 26, 2021
Taking the top spot on this list is the Lords of the West DLC for Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition. This was also one of the first DLCs that was released for the game. It only adds two additional playable civilizations, the Sicilians and the Burgundians, but these new civilizations form the basis for great new campaigns.
The campaigns follow the history of three separate historical factions from Medieval Europe; King Edward of Britain, the Hautevilles Norman dynasty, and the Bulgarian Dukes of the West. This DLC also updated the graphics engine, improving the visual appeal of the base game. Overall, if a player only buys one DLC for Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, they can’t go wrong with Lords of the West.
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition
- Released
- November 14, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition celebrates the 20th anniversary of one of the most popular strategy games ever, now with stunning 4K Ultra HD graphics, and a fully remastered soundtrack. Age of Empires II: DE features “The Last Khans” with 3 new campaigns and 4 new Civilizations. Frequent updates include events, additional content, new game modes, and enhanced features with the recent addition of Co-Op mode!
Explore all the original Campaigns and the best-selling expansions like never before. With over 200 hours of gameplay and 1,000 years of human history, improved experiences await. Head online to challenge other players in your quest for world domination with 35 different Civilizations. You can also experience new Civilizations and Campaigns with the Lords of the West DLC! Recent updates include a Battle Royale game mode, ongoing support for the Scenario Editor, Quick Play for easy social games, enhancements to the game UI, and more!
Choose your path to greatness with an eye-catching and engaging remaster to one of the most beloved strategy games of all time.
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Developer
- Forgotten Empires, Tantalus, Wicked Witch
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy
