Age of Empires IV
Pros
Diverse civilizations with unique playstyles
Engaging, history-rich single-player campaigns
Accessible tutorials and Story Mode for newcomers
Robust multiplayer and modding potential
Stellar audio design and historical documentaries
Cons
Graphics feel dated compared to modern RTS titles
Pathfinding issues can frustrate
Limited campaign variety for some factions
No map editor at launch
Age of Empires IV Review: A Triumphant Return to RTS Glory?
Age of Empires 4 offers a masterclass in achieving a balance between nostalgia and innovation, which has been long overdue in the real-time strategy (RTS) genre. Released in October 2021 by Relic Entertainment and World’s Edge, this long-awaited sequel to the iconic Age of Empires series has sparked excitement among gamers, from seasoned veterans to newcomers.
With its rich historical campaigns, diverse civilizations, and refined gameplay, Age of Empires IV is a love letter to RTS fans and a bold step forward for the franchise. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore what makes this game a standout, its strengths and shortcomings, and why it’s a must-play for strategy enthusiasts, as well as why it fails to impress me as a hardcore AOE fan.
I have been playing Age of Empires games since childhood. I first played Age of Empires 1 and Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings around 2000, followed by Age of Empires 3 in 2006, and instantly fell in love with them. The concept of building an empire from scratch, hunting for food, gathering resources, and exploring beautiful maps featuring forests, rivers, and oceans captivated me. I enjoyed managing the economy and army, advancing through ages, preparing for wars, and developing strategies to counter and defeat enemies. In my opinion, it’s the best classic real-time strategy (RTS) game ever made! In 2019, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition was released, and I believe it’s the finest edition in the entire Age of Empires franchise.
Age of Empires 4: A Nostalgic Yet Modern RTS Experience
Stepping into Age of Empires IV feels like slipping into a well-worn, comfortable pair of boots—familiar yet freshly polished. The game harkens back to the golden era of Age of Empires II, with its base-building, resource-gathering, and tactical combat, but it introduces modern sensibilities that elevate the experience. Whether you’re commanding the English longbowmen or orchestrating a Mongol cavalry raid, the game captures the essence of RTS while adding enough new mechanics to keep things exciting.
In the main menu at the start, you can choose different game modes to play. It includes single-player campaigns, skirmish matches against AI, and multiplayer options like quick match, ranked, and custom games.
The core gameplay loop remains true to the series: gather resources (food, wood, gold, and stone), build settlements, train armies, and outmaneuver your opponents. However, Age of Empires IV introduces subtle tweaks that enhance strategic depth. For instance, the ability to hide units in forests for ambushes adds a layer of tactical cunning, while unique civilization mechanics ensure no two factions play the same. The Mongols, with their mobile bases and aggressive economy, feel wildly different from the defensive, longbow-focused English or the research-heavy Delhi Sultanate.
Eight Civilizations, Endless Replayability
One of the game’s greatest strengths is its roster of eight civilizations at launch (expanded to ten in the Anniversary Edition with the Malians and Ottomans). Each civilization is meticulously crafted with unique units, technologies, and playstyles, offering a distinct experience. The Rus, for example, leverage their hunting-based economy and warrior monks, while the Abbasid Dynasty’s House of Wisdom allows for dynamic tech progression. This asymmetry ensures that every match feels fresh, whether you’re playing single-player campaigns or multiplayer skirmishes.
The Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition further sweetens the deal with new maps, civilizations, and modding tools, making it a treasure trove for creative players. Whether you’re sculpting custom skirmish maps or diving into the expanded roster, the game’s replayability is off the charts. The variety of factions and strategies caters to both casual players and competitive strategists, ensuring hours of engaging gameplay.
Campaigns That Bring History to Life
Age of Empires IV shines brightest in its single-player campaigns, which span four distinct storylines: the Norman Conquest, the Hundred Years’ War, the Mongol Empire, and the Rise of Moscow. With 35 missions across 500 years of history, from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance, these campaigns are a history buff’s dream. Each mission is framed by documentary-style videos featuring real-world footage of castles, battlefields, and historical artifacts, narrated with an earnest, History Channel-esque tone.
While the English and French campaigns can feel a tad formulaic due to their similar playstyles, the Mongol and Rus campaigns steal the show with creative objectives and thrilling historical moments. From leading Genghis Khan’s conquests to defending Moscow against invaders, these missions blend storytelling with strategic challenges. Unlockable mini-documentaries on topics like medieval blacksmithing or Mongol archery add an educational layer that’s both fascinating and immersive.
However, the campaigns aren’t without flaws. Some missions feel overly linear, and the absence of a map editor at launch (though promised in future updates) disappointed players who loved crafting their own scenarios in previous titles. Still, the campaigns’ depth and historical flair make them a highlight for solo players.
Age of Empires IV Gameplay: Polished but Not Perfect
The gameplay in Age of Empires IV is a refined take on the classic RTS formula. The four Ages—Dark, Feudal, Castle, and Imperial—return, with progression tied to constructing Landmarks rather than the traditional Town Center upgrades. This system adds strategic weight to your choices, as each Landmark offers unique bonuses that shape your playstyle.
Combat is satisfying, with a rock-paper-scissors dynamic where unit counters (e.g., spearmen vs. cavalry, archers vs. infantry) demand careful army composition. New mechanics, like wall-mounted defenses and stealth ambushes, add tactical nuance. However, pathfinding issues can frustrate, as units occasionally stumble through choke points or fail to navigate smoothly. The population cap, while standard for the series, feels restrictive compared to modern RTS titles like Total War, limiting the scale of battles.
The Art of War mode is a standout feature for newcomers, offering timed challenges that teach core mechanics like economy management and military tactics. Paired with a forgiving Story Mode difficulty, it makes Age of Empires IV accessible to players new to the genre while still challenging veterans on higher difficulties.
Visuals and Sound: A Mixed Bag
Visually, Age of Empires IV is a step up from its predecessors but falls short of modern expectations. The game’s 4K landscapes and detailed unit animations look crisp, and settlements evolve organically with winding paths and varied building designs. However, the graphics lack the wow factor of competitors like Total War or StarCraft II. Unit models can appear dated, cartoonish, and environments, while functional, don’t always impress on max settings. Sometimes I felt like the graphics of Age of Empires 3 Definitive Edition looked better.
Where the game excels is in its audio design. The soundtrack, with its soaring medieval themes, sets the tone perfectly, while sound effects—like the clank of swords or the thud of a trebuchet—immerse you in the battlefield. Voiceovers, including historical narrations and unit barks, are top-notch, adding personality to each civilization.
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Multiplayer and Modding: Built for Longevity
Multiplayer is where Age of Empires IV truly shines. Skirmish mode supports up to eight players across 17 maps (plus more in the Anniversary Edition), with options for PvP and PvE co-op. The diverse civilizations and victory conditions—ranging from military conquest to controlling sacred sites or building a Wonder—keep matches dynamic. Balance updates and community feedback have refined the experience, though some players note that factions like the English feel slightly overpowered in certain scenarios.
The beta release of modding tools in the Anniversary Edition opens up endless possibilities. Players can create custom maps, scenarios, or even new gameplay modes, ensuring the game remains relevant for years. While the lack of a map editor at launch was a misstep, the promise of robust modding support signals a bright future.
Is Age of Empires IV Worth It?
Age of Empires IV is a triumphant return for the franchise, blending the series’ classic formula with just enough innovation to feel fresh. Its diverse civilizations, engaging campaigns, and accessible tutorials make it a must-play for RTS fans and history enthusiasts alike. While it plays it safe in some areas—graphics and pathfinding could use polish—the game’s depth, replayability, and historical charm more than make up for its shortcomings.
Available on PC via Steam and Xbox Game Pass (and later on consoles for the Anniversary Edition), it’s an accessible entry point for new players and a nostalgic homecoming for veterans. Whether you’re storming castles or learning about medieval warfare, Age of Empires IV delivers an experience that’s both timeless and forward-looking.
Final Verdict
Age of Empires IV is an overall good addition to the franchise, offering a blend of nostalgia and innovation that will captivate RTS fans. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, its polished gameplay, rich historical content, and endless replayability make it a standout title. Whether you’re a grizzled Age of Empires II veteran or a newcomer curious about the genre, this game is a must-play.
Age Of Empires IV PC System Requirements:
Age Of Empires IV Minimum System Requirements
OS: Windows 10 64bit | Windows 11 64bit
Processor: Intel Core i5-6300U or AMD Ryzen 5 2400G | CPU with AVX support required
RAM: 8 GB RAM
Storage: 50 GB available space
DirectX: Version 12
Graphics Card: Intel HD 520 or AMD Radeon RX Vega 11
Age Of Empires IV Recommended System Requirements
OS: Windows 10 64bit | Windows 11 64bit
Processor: 3.6 GHz 6-core (Intel i5) or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 | CPU with AVX support required
RAM: 16 GB RAM
Storage: 50 GB available space
DirectX: Version 12
Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce 970 GPU or AMD Radeon RX 570 GPU with 4GB of VRAM or better.
What are the different ways to win a game in Age of Empires IV?
Age of Empires IV offers three primary victory conditions: Landmark Victory (destroying all opponent’s Landmarks), Sacred Site Victory (controlling all Sacred Sites for a set time), and Wonder Victory (building and defending a Wonder for a set time). This variety allows for diverse strategic approaches.
Which civilizations are available in Age of Empires IV, and how do they differ?
Age of Empires IV features several distinct civilizations, including the English, French, Mongols, and Abbasid Dynasty, with more added through expansions. Each civilization boasts unique units, technologies, bonuses, and playstyles, encouraging players to master their strengths and weaknesses.
How can new players get started and improve their gameplay in Age of Empires IV?
New players should begin with “Mission Zero” and “Art of War” challenges to learn fundamental mechanics. Practicing against AI, utilizing hotkeys, scouting effectively, and understanding unit counters are crucial steps for improvement. Online resources like build order guides and community forums can also accelerate learning.
Does Age of Empires IV have a ranked multiplayer mode, and how does it work?
Yes, Age of Empires IV features a robust ranked multiplayer mode where players compete against others of similar skill. Your performance in placement matches determines your initial rank, and continued play allows you to climb the leaderboards. Many AOE community websites also track public game summaries for analysis.
How do I improve my game performance and FPS in Age of Empires IV?
To boost performance, lower your in-game graphics settings, especially texture and shadow quality. Ensure your dedicated graphics card is being utilized, and close background applications.
What are the key differences between Age of Empires IV and previous AoE titles?
Age of Empires IV introduces unique civilization mechanics, asymmetric gameplay, and impactful landmark choices for each era. It also features historically rich campaigns and a focus on distinct art styles for each civilization.
How does the “Age Up” system work in Age of Empires IV?
To advance to the next age, you must construct specific “Landmark” buildings that offer unique bonuses or units. These landmarks require gathering sufficient resources and researching specific technologies.
Are there any expansion packs or DLC available for Age of Empires IV?
Yes, Age of Empires IV has released expansions like “The Sultans Ascend” and “Knights of Cross and Rose.” These add new civilizations, campaigns, and maps to the game.
