Summary
- Age of Empires 4's latest patch brings fresh content, gameplay improvements, and a new seasonal event, Rise to Ruin.
- The update includes changes to the Ranked map pool, with four maps rotating out and new ones added for both 1v1 and Team modes.
- Patch 13.2.4553 offers bug fixes and stability improvements on top of the new content and map changes.
Age of Empires 4 has received a new patch as part of its seasonal structure, bringing fresh content and gameplay improvements to the real-time strategy title and its multiplayer gameplay. Since launching in 2021, the game has followed a consistent update cycle across PC and Xbox. The Age of Empires 4 developer, World's Edge, has released patches ranging from minor quality-of-life changes and bug fixes to larger updates offering new features and seasonal events.
In addition to Age of Empires 4's strong campaign, seasonal updates have kept the game relevant years after its release. The latest patch continues Season Ten's rollout, which is nearing its conclusion. During the current season, Age of Empires 4 has received various new events, updated map rotations, and gameplay refinements since the season began in April. The developers have taken community feedback once again to heart, releasing new content and crucial fixes to players as part of Patch 13.2.4553.
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The main attraction in the new update is Rise to Ruin, a new seasonal event launching on June 11. Players can complete specific objectives in Skirmish or Multiplayer matches to be rewarded with cosmetics, including Profile Icons, Sigils, and Banners. This is not unlike previous events in Age of Empires 4, with such tasks as reaching Age 4 ten times, destroying enemy Town Centers, or hitting a population limit.
Age of Empire 4 Update Adds Ranked Map Changes and Gameplay Fixes
The update also brings changes to the Ranked map pool, rotating out four maps in both 1v1 and Team modes and replacing them with fresh ones to test players' adaptability. For 1v1s, maps like Boulder Bay, Four Lakes, Sunkenlands, and Lipany are now available, with Migration, Lake Side, Himeyama, and Cliffside exiting the rotation. In the team format, Danube River, Shadow Lake, Volcanic Island, and Wasteland make room for Mongolian Heights, Continental, Waterholes, and Rugged. The update is available via the Microsoft Store, Steam, and the Xbox app on Windows 11.
Alongside the content additions, the patch delivers a few important bug fixes and general stability improvements. A couple of controller-related issues with unit selection and attack-move commands have been resolved. Additionally, an incorrect attack speed issue with various units affecting different civilizations in Age of Empires 4 has been corrected. The developers note that some technical issues persist, particularly with rewards and profile items. For those affected, Age of Empires 4's team ensures that fixes are under way in the early summer patch.
Age of Empires 4 developers have confirmed that Rise to Ruin is the last event of Season Ten, which means that the next season should be well under development. With an average season lasting three to four months, Season 11 is expected to arrive sometime in July or August. With a very productive team behind the game, 2025 is turning out to be a big year for Age of Empires 4, and the year is far from over.
Age of Empires 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 82%
- Released
- October 28, 2021
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Mild Blood, Mild Violence
- Developer(s)
- Relic Entertainment, World's Edge
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Essence Engine 5.0
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy
