Imperial dynasties rise and fall, legacies are forged, and the fate of a realm hangs in the balance. The timeless universe of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is set to expand, drawing inspiration from one of history’s most storied periods. The Three Kingdoms Expansion, a meticulously crafted addition to the real-time strategy classic, is now available for pre-order. Based on the epic events of China’s turbulent 2nd and 3rd centuries, this expansion pack promises an immersive gaming experience that delves into the intricate world of feudal politics, epic battles, and ancient philosophies that defined the legendary Three Kingdoms period. Get ready to march into a realm of uncharted territories and witness the rebirth of a legendary era.
Immersing in Ancient Chinas Epic History
Step into a realm of legendary heroes, mighty empires, and monumental battles that shaped the destiny of a nation. Inspired by the timeless classic, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this epic addition transports you to a world where honor, loyalty, and strategy reign supreme. With four new factions – Shu, Wu, Wei, and the minor faction of Jin – master the art of diplomacy, warfare, and economic dominance in a bid for supremacy.
Experience the thrill of new campaigns and game modes, inspired by the rich tapestry of ancient China’s history:
- Embody the mighty warlords of the Three Kingdoms era, as you unite and conquer the fragmented landscape.
- Wage wars, forge alliances, and make far-reaching decisions that will impact the fate of your kingdom.
- Harness the power of the Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain, and Water to boost your economy, military, and technological advancements.
| Faction | Unique Unit | Unique Technology |
| Shu | Fire Lancer | Iron Maiden |
| Wu | Geared Rams | Sea Turtle Ship |
| Wei | Leather Archer | Naphtha |
Exploring New Factions and Unique Units
The Three Kingdoms Expansion brings a wealth of new content to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, with the addition of three new factions: Shu, Wu, and Wei. Each faction comes with its own unique set of units and abilities, reflecting the distinct strengths and weaknesses of the historical period.
Some of the unique units that players can expect to encounter in The Three Kingdoms Expansion include:
- Crossbowmen of Wu, who wield powerful and accurate crossbows, exceling at ranged combat.
- Archer Warrios of Shu, skilled in both archery and melee combat, making them versatile on the battlefield.
- Arcers of Wei, well-rounded and sturdy units capable of delivering significant damage.
| Faction | Unique Unit | Strength |
| Shu | Archer Warriors | archery and melee |
| Wu | Crossbowmen | powerful and accurate |
| Wei | Arcers | well-rounded and sturdy |
Mastering the Expanded Campaigns and Scenarios
The ever-popular Conquerors mode is now enhanced with the new Chinese kingdoms, enabling up to 12 players, twice as many as before. Explore your strategic possibilities within the powerful Empires mode, which features the same Three Kingdoms factions. The co-op mode is now more challenging than ever with your friends either online or over a local network.
Delve into a multitude of alternate historical storylines in the What If Scenarios mode, where historical events take an alternate path from what really happened. (Choices in player decisions affect how history may have unfolded.). Be creative as scenarios can be custom made with an entirely in-game editor – unlocking all possibilities, introducing a creative side as you will.
Known factions in the release update will be
| Release Types | Three Kingdoms Factions |
|—————|————————-|
| New Factions | The Jin, Shu, |
| | Wu and the “Other” |
| | Han and the “Other” |
| Original | Mongols, Mayans |
| New Rise of | The Wu Kingdom |
You can pre-order in 3 different formats
Physical copy [Xbox and PC Windows only].
Digital download for Play anywhere across platforms
* Ultimate edition has bonus related digital content
Unlocking Enhanced Game Mechanics and Features
Experience the renowned Three Kingdoms period in a whole new light, as our expansion delves deeper into the intricacies of China’s vast history. Expect a plethora of gameplay enhancements and additions, carefully designed to captivate both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike.
Within this comprehensive update, several crucial areas have received a significant boost:
- Bingji Ranged Cavalry: capitalizing on the strengths of traditional mounted archery and close-range capabilities.
- Meng Huo: transforming the landscape of battles with the emergence of a powerful and mystical warrior.
Discover a myriad of fresh game-changing features, including:
- Civilization Unique Units: harnessing distinct attributes unique to each respective faction
- Game-Changing Technologies: immerse yourself amidst captivating updates, leading to brand-new battlefield strategies and altered perspectives
| Unique Units by Civilization | Key Attribute |
|---|---|
| Weibin Cuirassier | |
| Sejong Dragonscale | Heavy Siege and Powerful against Structures |
| Chinese Shoutiao soldiers | Strong with two handed axe and stealthy killer. Can attack enemy from out of vision areas. |
Battle Tested Strategies for Multiplayer Conquests
Bold tactics and strategic battle plans will separate the champions from the vanquished. Whether you’re vying for dominance in China, Korea, or Japan, each campaign brings its own set of challenges and opportunities to turn the tide of battle in your favor. To help you rise to the top, we’ve compiled some battle-tested strategies for multiplayer conquests:
- Master your military composition. Balance infantry, archers, and cavalry to outmaneuver your opponents and capitalize on their weaknesses.
- Fortify your defenses. Utilize terrain, walls, and defensive units to keep your enemies at bay and funnel them into kill zones.
- Diversify your economy. Mix and match farming, trade, and raiding to stay adaptable and solvent.
- Keep a close eye on your mini-map. Quickly respond to enemy movements and take advantage of scouting opportunities to stay one step ahead.
Action unfolds rapidly on the battlefield, and one misplaced decision can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Knowing when to garrison units for defense, execute tactical retreats, and engage in feints and flanking maneuvers will test the mettle of even the most seasoned players. Adapt your playstyle to counter the diverse factions and ever-changing circumstances. Below are a few stats to illustrate some common battle scenarios:
| Scenario | Popular Counters | |
|---|---|---|
| Enemy infantry massing | Archers (50%) | Cavalry Arquivers (30%) |
| Enemy archer superiority | Cavalry (40%) | Shield infantry (35%) |
| Rapid base expansion | Rapid scouting (55%) | Early tower construction (25%) |
Redefining the Age of Empires Experience
In an effort to bring a fresh perspective to the ever-expanding world of Age of Empires II, the upcoming expansion – The Three Kingdoms – promises to elevate the already iconic game to unprecedented heights. By drawing inspiration from China’s rich history and the storied Three Kingdoms period, the expansion seamlessly weaves a captivating narrative with painstakingly detailed historical accuracy, making it an absolute must-have for fans of the series.
Here are some key features and enhancements that players can look forward to in The Three Kingdoms expansion:
- New Factions: Lu Bu, Cao Cao, and Sun Jian join the fray, each boasting unique abilities and strengths that are sure to shake up the gameplay experience.
- Historic Battlegrounds: Explore the vast expanse of ancient China, from the snow-capped mountains to the majestic Yangtze River, as you wage war across four dynamic maps.
- Three Kingdoms Era Exclusive Units: Field the likes of the fearsome Nanman Warriors, the storied Jing Province Cavalry, and more as you wreak havoc on your enemies.
- New Campaigns and Missions: Embark on three episodic mini-campaigns that’ll test even the most skilled commanders, each with multiple difficulty levels and unique objectives.
- Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics:** Soak up a host of improvements and tweaks aimed at elevating your Age of Empires II experience to new heights.
| Unit | Faction Benefits |
|---|---|
| Nanman Warriors | Increased infantry damage |
| Jing Province Cavalry | Enhanced movement speed |
| Han Archer | Long-range damage boost |
Play as Legendary Warlords and Heroes
Experience the legendary tales of ancient China’s greatest warlords and heroes as you take on their roles in the Three Kingdoms expansion. Each warlord has a unique storyline, playstyle, and set of abilities, allowing you to explore different strategies and master new tactics.
Here’s a sneak peek at the legendary warlords and heroes you’ll encounter:
- Cao Cao, the cunning and ambitious leader of Wei
- Liu Bei, the virtuous and just warlord of Shu
- Sun Quan, the fearless and expansionist leader of Wu
- Zhuge Liang, the ingenious strategist and inventor of Shu
- Guan Yu, the loyal and valiant general of Shu
Play as these legendary figures and forge your own path through the tumultuous Three Kingdoms era with their unique set of abilities and strengths.
| Warlord Abilities | Special Units | Playstyle |
| Cao Cao | Imperial Chancellor, Strategist, and Han Dynasty troops | Aggressive, Economical |
| Liu Bei | Five Tiger Generals, Wu Hou, and Heavily Armored troops | Defensive, Morale-boosting |
| Sun Quan | Naval Admiral, Wu Hou, and Elite Archer troops | Expansionist, Maritime-based |
What to Expect from the Improved Tech Tree
With the Improved Tech Tree, you’ll be able to navigate the vast array of technologies more efficiently, unlocking new paths to victory for your favorite civilizations. This major overhaul includes a more intuitive layout, simplifying the tech tree’s complex network of interconnected research options. As a result, you’ll have more time to focus on the actual gameplay, experimenting with novel strategies and combinations that were previously difficult to discover.
One of the key highlights of the Improved Tech Tree is the reorganization of its various branches. Now, related technologies are grouped together, making it easier to find the ones you need to achieve your goals. This change also opens up new opportunities for skill-based playstyles, allowing you to tailor your civilization’s development to suit your unique strengths and preferences. Consider the following examples:
- Resource management: Boost your economy with the new trade and commerce technologies.
- Military supremacy: Unleash the full potential of your army with advanced warfare research options.
- Cultural achievement: Pursue the secrets of mythology and the mysteries of ancient ruins.
| Category | New Technologies | Improved Mechanics |
|---|---|---|
| Infantry | Prosperity and Discipline | Increased health and damage output. |
| Naval Warfare | Corvettes and Torpedoes | Enhanced naval unit combat and maneuverability. |
| Archery | Bow Saw and Chain Mail | Better archer unit stats and defense. |
Maximizing Your Gameplay Experience with AI Enhancements
Unlock Limitless Possibilities
Experience the future of real-time strategy with our cutting-edge AI enhancements, designed to take your gameplay to new heights. These innovative features allow for a more immersive experience, with enhanced pathfinding, smarter unit micro-management, and improved resource gathering. Dive into a world of limitless possibilities with AI-powered opponents that adapt to your playstyle, pushing your strategic skills to the limit.
Key AI Features:
- Dynamic difficulty adjustment: Enemies adapt to your performance, ensuring a challenging experience every time.
- Intelligent unit behaviors: Smarter units that respond to threats and opportunities, making gameplay more realistic.
- Enhanced resource gathering: AI-controlled villagers optimize resource collection, streamlining your economy.
- Smart pathfinding: Units navigate terrain with ease, reducing congestion and improving overall movement.
| AI Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| AI-powered opponents | Challenge your strategic skills with adaptive opponents. |
| Advanced unit micro-management | Experience more realistic battles with intelligent unit behaviors. |
Factions That Will Bring New Challenges and Opportunities
Get ready to experience the epic conflict of the Three Kingdoms period, with three factions that bring new challenges and opportunities: Shu, Wu, and Wei.
Each faction has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and a new set of innovative technologies and units. Players will need to adapt their strategies to suit their chosen faction’s playstyle. Some key differences between the factions include:
- Shu: Highly effective against cavalry with their esteemed Imperial Army and the fearsome Warrior Monk. The faction’s team bonus focuses on faster experience point gain.
- Wu: Strong naval powers with a distinct bonus that provides ships a combat damage boost against enemy transport ships. Unique unit – the Geared Beast delivers an intense experience.
- Wei**: Offers durable and resilient units but slower to experience point progress for each individual unit. Its exclusive unit, the Organ Gun, stands out as a sharp-shooting unit from a distance.
The differences between these factions do not stop there, with additional variations in unique technologies, such as:
| Faction | Unique Technology | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shu | Weaken the herd | Deal bonus damage to enemy scout cavalry. |
| Wu | Shipwright | Greatly boosts transport ship cargo. |
| Wei | Flanking Tactics | Increases the damage of siege units significantly when there is a friendly unit engaging the target. |
Optimizing Your Multiplayer Experience with Custom Matches
Customizing your multiplayer experience in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has never been more streamlined. With the ability to create Custom Matches, you can tailor your gameplay to suit your preferences, enforcing specific victory conditions, map sizes, and more.
Diving deeper into the customization options, you’ll find a multitude of settings at your disposal. For instance, you can restrict certain civilizations or units from being used, while also setting specific time limits or resource availability. This level of customization allows for endless possibilities and replayability.
| Victory Conditions |
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| Gameplay Settings |
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| Restrictions |
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In Conclusion
The Three Kingdoms Expansion is poised to breathe new life into the legendary world of Age of Empires II, transporting players to the iconic era of ancient China. As pre-orders begin to roll in, enthusiasts and newcomers alike can eagerly anticipate immersing themselves in a rich tapestry of historical battles, legendary heroes, and ever-unfolding diplomacy. Will you answer the call of the Han, unite the warring states, or perhaps forge your own path to greatness? The fate of China is in your hands. Pre-order Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – The Three Kingdoms Expansion today and get ready to shape the destiny of a dynasty.
