We’re buzzing with excitement as we announce the upcoming DLC for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – The Three Kingdoms, hitting your screens on May 6th! This expansion invites you into the legendary world of China’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms, blending history and myth in an epic struggle for dominance.
Step into a world enriched with five captivating new civilizations, each bringing their own unique flair with distinct units and technologies. You’ll find the renowned Three Kingdoms—Shu, Wei, and Wu—alongside the Jurchens and Khitans, who strive for power in the broader landscape of northern China beyond the Three Kingdoms era. Challenge your friends in strategic skirmishes or lead your forces through three engaging new campaigns. Relive tales of legendary heroes like Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and the Sun Clan with game-changing features such as potent hero abilities and an interactive choice system that lets you carve out your own narrative.
Partnering once again with Forgotten Empires, we’re thrilled to deliver The Three Kingdoms to you. Whether you’re enthralled by rich historical sagas, have a passion for immersive storytelling, or are a hardened fan of Age of Empires, this new expansion promises countless hours of entertainment and excitement!
Pre-orders for The Three Kingdoms are live now, offering a 15% discount on Steam, Microsoft Store, and Xbox, and it goes up for grabs on May 6th!
What is The Three Kingdoms?
In a quote famous to the Three Kingdoms era: “The empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide. Thus it has ever been." This captures the turbulent spirit of the time when the empire’s unity was as fragile as a shattered vase.
Developed by Forgotten Empires, a passionate team known for over a decade of remarkable Age of Empires content, this DLC transports you to China during the early medieval period, spotlighting two civilizations that rose much later. The meticulously detailed Three Kingdoms offer AoE II: DE players core unit rosters, complemented by distinctive and era-specific units indicative of the unique strengths of each kingdom. This expansion is crafted for both seasoned players and newcomers eager for an authentic yet accessible strategy experience.
The saga begins with three entwined narratives covering around 25 years, complete with 15 missions across three campaigns. These stories provide branching narratives and dynamic choices, offering the kind of replay value never before seen in Age of Empires. Immerse yourself in renowned battles like Guandu, Changban, and Red Cliffs, and witness the heroic exploits of figures like the honorable Liu Bei, the cunning Cao Cao, and the tenacious Sun Clan!
What’s Included in this DLC
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5 New Civilizations:
- Shu: Experience Liu Bei’s vision to restore the Han dynasty with unique units like the White Feather Guard and War Chariot.
- Wei: Command under Cao Cao, utilizing massive cavalry armies with units like the Tiger Cavalry and Xianbei Raider.
- Wu: Lead the Sun Clan with superior infantry and navy, featuring the Fire Archer and Jian Swordsman.
- Jurchens: Rule the northeastern terrains with unique units like the Iron Pagoda and Grenadier from the Great Jin dynasty.
- Khitans: Relive the Liao dynasty era with units like the Liao Dao and Mounted Trebuchet, and innovative food gathering via Pastures.
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Several New Units and Unit-Lines:
- Hei Guang Cavalry—hardy horsemen replacing knights.
- Traction Trebuchets—formidable and mobile siege engines.
- Lou Chuans—imposing floating fortresses.
- Fire Lancers—infantry with explosive attacks.
- Rocket Carts—incendiary rocket-launching siege engines.
- Dragon Ships—the fiercest fire ships in the game.
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3 New Campaigns:
- Liu Bei (Shu): Follow the sandal maker and his brothers in their noble quest during civil unrest.
- Cao Cao (Wei): Rise as the greatest warlord, seeking to secure the throne through strategy and might.
- The Sun Clan (Wu): Pursue revenge and power as the sons of the Sun Clan avenge their father’s death.
Let these campaigns guide you through iconic events like the Oath of the Peach Garden and the Battle of Red Cliffs from unique perspectives. Get lost in strategic depth as you interact with legendary figures, unleash their heroic powers, and craft gripping narratives through key choices you make throughout the campaign.
All 5 New Civilizations Available in Ranked Play!
While The Three Kingdoms sits at the fringes of AoE II: DE’s traditional timeline, we’ve crafted a DLC that feels natural, balancing historical accuracies with the game’s design and tech tree. With an authentic feel, vibrant narratives for Romance of the Three Kingdoms enthusiasts, and innovative elements, there’s something in it for everyone.
A Message from Forgotten Empires
The Three Kingdoms is a fresh venture for us, pushing the bounds of authenticity, fun, and innovation. We aimed to inspire both new and veteran players to explore Age of Empires with renewed enthusiasm, honoring both the game’s legacy and its community.
Every project we embark on hinges on understanding what first attracted people to Age of Empires and what has kept them engaged. The epic backdrop of China’s Three Kingdoms provides the perfect canvas for storytelling that we’ve aimed to elevate throughout our historical campaigns. With an unmatched narrative richness akin to Shakespeare’s influence in the west, this era of legend offered a unique challenge and opportunity to raise the bar yet again.
We’re thrilled to introduce you to the stunning Three Kingdoms of China, with engaging civilizations, breathtaking visuals, innovative designs, diverse missions, and a narrative enriched with depth, ensuring a timeless Age of Empires II experience. We hope you revel in playing The Three Kingdoms as much as we loved bringing it to life. Thank you for your enduring passion and support for this extraordinary franchise!
Pre-Order The Three Kingdoms Now!
Explore the intertwined threads of history and legend with The Three Kingdoms! Command new civilizations – including Shu, Wei, Wu, Jurchens, and Khitans – through tumultuous times. Lead campaigns under strategic leaders such as Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and the Sun Clan with distinctive units, technologies, and heroes wielding powerful abilities.
The Three Kingdoms is ready for pre-order with a 15% discount on Steam, Microsoft Store, and Xbox – gearing up to become available on May 6th!
