Age of Empires IV: Raiders of the North is available now on Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox, and PlayStation 5, the Age of Empires team confirmed in its October 29 release announcement. The expansion launched with the Vikings and Scots, four exclusive Crucible missions, and a range of changes to the mode.
The Vikings and Scots take different routes to power
Vikings focus on speed, aggressive infantry, and economic momentum. Their Longhouse supports the Northern Migration system, which lets population train for free, while Völur seers, Berserkers, Heroic Sagas, and Sacred Groves give the civilization several ways to build power across a match.
Viking armies can move into a later-game lineup built around Knights and Militia Crossbowmen. Successful attacks against an opponent’s economy also feed into the Viking economy, giving early raids a purpose beyond disruption.
Scotland takes a more defensive route, relying on disciplined infantry, fortified positions, Highland Cattle, communal Fishponds, and the Gallowglass and Border Reiver units. The Mustering Hall lets players favor Highland warriors or a more structured Lowland force, creating different approaches within the same civilization.
The Crucible adds co-op and new progression
Four exclusive Crucible missions bring scenarios built around seaborne raiders and conflict between Scottish clans. The mode supports solo play and two-player co-op, and existing missions can also be played together.
New Objectives, Perks, Mutators, and civilization-specific Talent Tracks give each run more ways to develop. The progression additions include Boon Ascension and 25 new Boons, while Conqueror Mode gains 25 new weekly Mutators. Custom Mode, a broad balance pass, and other changes based on player feedback round out the Crucible update.
New biomes add Scottish moors and northern tundra
Raiders of the North adds two biomes, Scottish Heathland and Tundra Summer. Scottish Heathland covers the battlefield in purple heather, standing stones, and misty waterways, while Tundra Summer brings a short warm season to a frozen region filled with red shrubs, cotton grass, and conifer forests.
The expansion also includes new architecture, music, mastery unlocks, seven achievements tied to the two civilizations, and 12 themed taunts. The taunts are available to all players, including those who do not own the expansion, as detailed in the Update 17.0 preview.
Which side of the expansion’s split between Viking raids and Scottish defenses suits your approach? Follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram for more coverage of the new civilizations and Crucible updates.
Age of Empires IV
Developed by Relic Entertainment
One of the most beloved real-time strategy games returns to glory with Age of Empires IV, putting you at the center of epic historical battles that shaped the world. Featuring both familiar and innovative new ways to expand your empire in vast landscapes with stunning 4K visual fidelity, Age of Empires IV brings an evolved real-time strategy game to a new generation.
- Genre Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
- Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Perspective Bird view / Isometric
- Modes Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
- Release October 28, 2021
- Publisher Xbox Game Studios
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Age Rating
