Age of Empires 2 and 3 Definitive Editions are getting new content this year

AoEII:DE without Enhanced Graphics pack
AoEII:DE without Enhanced Graphics pack (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The second expansion for Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, called Dawn of the Dukes, was announced at the Age of Empires Fan Preview event.
  • It is expected to be released Summer 2021.
  • Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition is getting its first major update April 13, 2021.
  • A full expansion for Age of Empires 3: DE is in the works for later this year.

The Age of Empires: Definitive Collection — which includes all three Age of Empires remakes — is getting even more content. While the first Age of Empires has been snubbed, the next two games in the series will be bolstered throughout the year.

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is arguably the most popular entry in the series. Following the success of its first expansion Lords of the West, a second expansion called Dawn of the Dukes is on the way. This expansion is taking players to Eastern Europe with new campaigns and more. There didn't seem to be any new architecture in the teaser we saw during the event, so it's unclear if new civilizations are on the way. Keep in mind that the first expansion delivered two new civilizations and a whole host of supporting content. This expansion is expected Summer 2021.

Age of Empires 2: DE is also getting, for the first time ever, co-op battles. Certain campaign missions and historical battles were carefully picked out for the game mode. We're expecting to get more info in the coming months. The co-op mode is expected later this year. If you'd like to get in on the action but don't have the right hardware, our collection of the best laptops for playing Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition can help.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

As for Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition, it looks as though it will also be receiving an expansion focusing on African civilizations. Information is short at the moment, but we can expect more details in the coming months.

However, Age of Empires 3: DE isn't going without new content at a much closer date. On April 13, 2021 the game is getting a significant update. The USA civilization is being added to the game, complete with a unique explorer, new home city (which looks to be Washington, DC), nine new units, a new age-up mechanic, and more.

Best part? The new USA civilization can be gained for free by completing a new 50-state challenge (assumed to be within the game itself). If you miss the limited-time challenge or don't want to partake, the new content can be purchased through the Microsoft Store or Steam.

Cale Hunt
Senior Editor, Laptop Reviews

Cale Hunt is formerly a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He's been reviewing laptops and accessories full-time since 2016, with hundreds of reviews published for Windows Central. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.