Age of Empires IV is receiving a fresh patch that primarily addresses bugs and prepares players for a new seasonal event called Winds of Change. If you’ve been grinding or just popping in occasionally, this patch might not overhaul gameplay, but it will definitely clean up some rough edges and add some fun challenges starting July 30th.
Winds of Change Event
The new event drops on July 30th and is themed around shifting seasons and unpredictable battlefield conditions. It features challenges tied to the Chaotic Climate game mode, pushing you to adapt and overcome. Here are some of the cool rewards you can unlock:
| Challenge | How to Unlock Reward |
| Winds of Change 2025 | Log in during Winds of Change 2025 Profile Icon – Beneath the Wings |
| Full Circle | Survive 4 seasonal effects during 1 match of Chaotic Climate in Skirmish or Multiplayer. Profile Icon – Changing Seasons |
| Decisive Strike | Win a match of Chaotic Climate in Skirmish or Multiplayer. Coat of Arms Sigil – Lightning Strike |
| Wind in Your Sails | Recruit 50 naval units in Skirmish or Multiplayer matches. Coat of Arms Sigil – Strong Winds |
| Block Out The Sun | Recruit 200 ranged units in Skirmish or Multiplayer matches. Coat of Arms Sigil Frame – Clouded Sky |
| Weather Master | Win 3 matches of Chaotic Climate in Skirmish or Multiplayer. Coat of Arms Sigil Banner Pattern – The Weather of the Seasons |
| Weathered | Play 4 matches of Chaotic Climate in Skirmish or Multiplayer. Coat of Arms Sigil Banner Pattern – Rolling On |
| Endless Assault | Kill 1000 enemy units in Skirmish or Multiplayer matches. Coat of Arms Sigil Banner Shape – Endless Tide |
Patch Fixes and Changes
- Season Ten Shepherd monuments now show correctly when equipped.
- Naval units get the right buffs in the Chaotic Climate mode.
- The Abundant Kindling buff in Chaotic Climate properly modifies attack damage.
- Warm Pelts buff now grants one extra armor instead of 1% armor, fixing previous override issues.
- Added missing text in the Chaotic Climate game mode.
- Increased chances of getting buffs or debuffs from the seasonal pool in Chaotic Climate.
- Chaotic Climate and Map Monsters modes now use the unranked map pool instead of only Dry Arabia.
- Mongol buildings keep their seasonal buffs and debuffs when packing/unpacking in Chaotic Climate.
- Rus Lodya ships retain their seasonal buffs and debuffs when changing roles via upgrades in Chaotic Climate.
Heads Up
Keep in mind, any saved games or observed matches created on previous builds won’t load after upgrading to this patch. So, if you’re like me and love revisiting those epic comebacks, better save them elsewhere or watch them before updating!
