The Age of Empires franchise is heading into the rest of 2026 with several expansions, new platforms, and a major content package for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition. In an official 2026 update published July 30, the team recapped the series’ first six months and detailed what players can expect through the fall.
The franchise has passed 75 million players across its games. During the first half of the year, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition received The Last Chieftains, while Age of Mythology: Retold continued its content rollout with the Demeter Gods Pack, Ultimate Fan Pack, Blood & Bones Pack, and the Aztec-focused Obsidian Mirror content.
Age of Empires IV also received Yue Fei’s Legacy, which added a campaign centered on the Song Dynasty and its conflict with the Jin Dynasty. The series expanded beyond its traditional platforms as well, with Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition arriving on macOS through Steam in May with help from Feral Interactive.
The competitive scene also had a major moment in London, where fans gathered for Red Bull Wololo: Londinium. The franchise’s first-half recap also confirmed that Age of Empires Mobile: PC Edition arrived on Steam and the Microsoft Store, with access included through Xbox Game Pass. The PC version supports keyboard and mouse controls, 4K resolution, crossplay with mobile devices, and shared progress.
Players with an active PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass subscription can also receive a reward pack containing one Monthly Pass Token, one Custom Resource Chest, ten Universal 60-Minute Speed-Ups, 1,000 Empire Coins, and an exclusive Player Portrait Frame.
Raiders of the North brings Vikings and Scots to Age of Empires IV
Raiders of the North will arrive in fall 2026 as the second Age of Empires IV expansion planned for the year. The add-on will introduce the Vikings and Scots, along with four new missions for The Crucible, new boons, a challenge mode, two-player co-op, and two new biomes.
The Vikings will focus on fast melee infantry, naval strength, early religion, and the Longhouse. Their roster includes the Bondi, a shield-bearing Spearman replacement with a group shield-wall ability, the higher-ranking Hirdman, and the fast Berserker, which can enter a berserkergang state.
Viking players will also complete Sagas for lasting bonuses and establish Sacred Groves on Relic sites. The civilization’s mechanics are built around supporting an aggressive army while giving its economy and religion a distinct Scandinavian identity.
The Scots will rely on ambushes, defensive structures, and strong infantry formations. Their Mustering Hall can produce units at a discount, including the Gallowglass and Border Reivers. Gallowglass warriors can fight alongside Scottish Pike and Lochaber Axes to form a schiltron against cavalry charges.
Highland Cattle will provide a steady food source by eating berry bushes. Tower Houses can protect the herd from raids, with a barmkin allowing the animals to move inside for safety.
Raiders of the North will also be available for purchase through the PlayStation 5 store on launch day.
The Viking Sagas adds three civilizations to Age of Empires II
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition will receive The Viking Sagas in fall 2026. The expansion will add the Danes, Saxons, and Varangians, plus three campaigns following Harald Hardrada.
The Danes will use the Jomsviking to raid opponents and throw flaming torches. The Saxons will field the Hearth Troop, a heavy infantry unit that opens an engagement with a ranged javelin. The Varangians will bring the Jarl, which can throw axes and cut through enemy infantry.
The campaigns will follow Harald Hardrada through the Mediterranean, the Danish coast, and his invasion of England in 1066. The story will also feature Empress Zoe, King Svein Estridsson, and King Harold Godwinson as major opponents. Players will travel through Scandinavia, the Kyivan Rus, and the Byzantine Empire before reaching England.
The Viking Sagas will launch this fall, with pre-orders planned for later in summer. The expansion will also be available through the PlayStation 5 store on launch day.
The Baltic Powers reaches Age of Empires III in September
The Baltic Powers is scheduled to launch for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition on September 10, 2026. The expansion will add the Danes and Poles, two challenge scenarios, Regicide and Independence modes, more than 25 new maps, 20 thematic maps, three historical maps, and over 50 hero customizations.
The Danes will focus on economic strength and naval control, while the Poles will build around rich resources and a large agricultural economy. The Steam open beta is running through August 6, giving players a chance to try the expansion and provide feedback before release.
The expansion is available to wishlist on Steam and the Microsoft Store. Pre-orders are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
Age of Empires III is changing its base-game package
From August 13, new purchasers of Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition will receive the base game, the United States Civilization, the Mexico Civilization, and the Lizzie, Kunoichi, and Vol1 Hero Cosmetic Packs. The package will replace the current Free Trial offering and provide the extra content at a discount.
Existing owners on Steam or the Microsoft Store will automatically receive any of those items they do not already own. Players who want to download the additional content can use the official support instructions.
Free Trial owners can upgrade to the full game now, or wait until September 10 to receive the expanded package on Steam or the Microsoft Store.
Age of Empires Mobile expands to PC
Age of Empires Mobile: PC Edition is now available through Steam and the Microsoft Store. The PC release brings kingdom building, alliance battles, and hero recruitment to keyboard and mouse, while crossplay lets players continue their progress between PC and mobile devices.
The PC version is also available through Game Pass. Players can find the PC edition through the official Xbox store page.
The second half of 2026 will give the franchise plenty of room to grow, from new civilizations and campaigns to fresh ways to play across PC and console. Share your thoughts on the upcoming Age of Empires content in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram.
