Is Age of Empires 4 coming to Xbox?

Age of Empires 4
(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Is Age of Empires 4 coming to Xbox?

Best answer: Yes, the Age of Empires franchise is coming to Xbox. Our sources suggested that Age of Empires 4 is coming to Xbox with a 2022 reveal, which later proved to be correct.

Age of Empires 4 on Xbox: Why did it take so long?

(Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

Age of Empires 4 released first on PC, as did its earlier siblings. The Age series has always been about precision pointing and performing as many actions per minute as possible, which translates well to a keyboard and mouse. However, many RTS games have made a smooth transition to the controller, and meanwhile console accessories like the Razer Turret are coming into fashion.

The Age 4 developers stated that they're focusing first on the PC experience. The first major Age of Empires 4 patch of 2022 went out Jan. 19, and there's still a lot of work to be done to get the game in tip-top competitive shape. That doesn't mean there's not also an Xbox version being worked on. The developers never ruled out an Age 4 console version, instead going with a "stay tuned for now" message.

What Age of Empires games are coming to Xbox?

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

After speculation and rumors, during a 25th anniversary event for the franchise, Microsoft officially confirmed that both Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires 4 are coming to Xbox consoles. Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is slated to launch on Jan. 27, 2023, while Age of Empires 4 will be coming to Xbox consoles at a later date.

This is in line with information from our sources before the announcement, as well as the developers' intentionally vague answers when asked about a console version. 

If you're looking to get in on the Age action on Windows PC, you already have access to the game if you're a PC Game Pass subscriber. The game is also available as a standalone title via the Microsoft Store and Steam, if you prefer to just purchase games outright.

Age of Empires 4
Buy from: Xbox | GreenManGaming (Steam)

Age of Empires 4

Age of Empires 4 hasn't reinvented the RTS genre, but it has perfected many aspects. The campaign is absorbing, the multiplayer is competitive, and the visuals and audio are a near-perfect fit. If you're a fan of the Age of Empires series, this is an easy recommendation.

Buy from:
Xbox | GreenManGaming (Steam)

Age of Empires 2: Definitive EditionBuy from: Xbox | GreenManGaming (Steam)

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition

The classic king of strategy games was rebuilt for modern PCs, and now it's heading to Xbox consoles as well. Build your kingdom, amass armies, and conquer the world with numerous civilizations.

Buy from: Xbox | GreenManGaming (Steam)

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you'll get PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass. That means being able to play Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires 4 on console or PC at no extra cost.

Buy from: Amazon | Xbox | Best Buy

Cale Hunt
Contributor

Cale Hunt brings to Windows Central more than eight years of experience writing about laptops, PCs, accessories, games, and beyond. If it runs Windows or in some way complements the hardware, there’s a good chance he knows about it, has written about it, or is already busy testing it. 

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