Age of Empires 2 Download: How to Get the Classic Strategy Game on Your PC
If you are a fan of strategy games, you have probably heard of Age of Empires 2, one of the most popular and influential games in the genre. But how can you download Age of Empires 2 on your PC and enjoy its amazing gameplay and features? In this article, we will answer this question and more, as we guide you through the history, benefits, and steps to download Age of Empires 2, as well as the new content and updates in the Definitive Edition.
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What is Age of Empires 2?
Age of Empires 2 is a real-time strategy game that was released in 1999 by Microsoft Studios. It is the sequel to the original Age of Empires, which was released in 1997. Age of Empires 2 is set in the Middle Ages, from the Dark Ages to the Imperial Age, and covers various historical periods and civilizations from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
A brief history of the game
Age of Empires 2 was developed by Ensemble Studios, a company founded by Bruce Shelley, who also worked on Sid Meier's Civilization and Railroad Tycoon. The game was designed by Mark Terrano, Sandy Petersen, Greg Street, and Ian Fischer. The game was praised for its graphics, sound, gameplay, and historical accuracy, and received several awards and nominations. It sold over 20 million copies worldwide and became one of the best-selling PC games of all time.
Age of Empires 2 was followed by two official expansions: The Conquerors in 2000 and The Forgotten in 2013. The game also spawned several fan-made mods and unofficial expansions, such as Age of Chivalry, Tales of Middle Earth, Rise of Rome, and more. In 2013, a high-definition remake of the game was released by Hidden Path Entertainment, Skybox Labs, and Forgotten Empires. It included improved graphics, online multiplayer support, Steam Workshop integration, and new content. In 2019, a definitive edition of the game was released by Forgotten Empires, Tantalus Media, Wicked Witch, World's Edge, and Xbox Game Studios. It included enhanced graphics, soundtracks, user interface, performance, features, modes, civilizations, campaigns, achievements, and more.
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The main features and gameplay of Age of Empires 2
Age of Empires 2 is a game that combines strategy, management, combat, and exploration. You can play as one of 35 different civilizations from history, each with their own unique units, buildings, technologies, bonuses, and playstyles. You can choose from four different game modes: Random Map (where you start with a randomly generated map and compete against other players or computer-controlled opponents), Campaign (where you follow a series of historical scenarios based on real or fictional events), Deathmatch (where you start with a large amount of resources and fight until one player is eliminated), or Regicide (where you have to protect your king while trying to kill the enemy king).
The gameplay of Age of Empires 2 is based on the concept of ages, which represent different stages of technological and social development. You start in the Dark Age, where you have limited resources, units, and buildings. You can advance to the next age by meeting certain requirements, such as building certain structures or researching certain technologies. Each age unlocks new units, buildings, technologies, and possibilities. The final age is the Imperial Age, where you can access the most powerful and advanced units, buildings, and technologies.
Age of Empires 2 also features a rich and diverse map editor, where you can create your own custom maps, scenarios, campaigns, and more. You can also download and play maps created by other players from the Steam Workshop or other online sources. The map editor allows you to customize the terrain, resources, units, buildings, triggers, objectives, and more.
Why should you download Age of Empires 2?
Age of Empires 2 is a game that has stood the test of time and remains one of the most beloved and played strategy games in the world. There are many reasons why you should download Age of Empires 2 on your PC, such as:
The benefits of playing Age of Empires 2
Playing Age of Empires 2 can provide you with many benefits, such as:
It can improve your strategic thinking, decision making, problem solving, and resource management skills.
It can enhance your creativity, imagination, and artistic expression.
It can increase your knowledge and appreciation of history, culture, and geography.
It can foster your social skills, communication skills, and teamwork skills.
It can offer you endless hours of fun, entertainment, and challenge.
The challenges and fun of Age of Empires 2
Age of Empires 2 is a game that can challenge you and make you have fun at the same time. Some of the challenges and fun aspects of Age of Empires 2 are:
It has a variety of game modes, difficulty levels, map types, and settings to suit your preferences and skills.
It has a diverse and balanced roster of civilizations, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, strategies, and tactics.
It has a dynamic and realistic gameplay system that involves factors such as terrain, weather, day/night cycle, line of sight, morale, formations, counters, siege weapons, naval warfare, trade routes, relics, wonders, and more.
It has a vibrant and active online community that organizes tournaments, events, clans, leagues, streams, videos, guides, mods, and more.
It has a nostalgic and nostalgic value for many players who grew up with the game or discovered it later in life.
How to download Age of Empires 2?
If you are convinced that Age of Empires 2 is a game that you want to play on your PC, you need to know how to download it. There are different versions and editions of Age of Empires 2 that you can download from different platforms, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are the main options that you have:
The different versions and editions of Age of Empires 2
The original version of Age of Empires 2, also known as Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings, was released in 1999 and is no longer available for purchase or download. However, you can still play it if you have an old CD-ROM or a digital copy from a third-party source. The original version has a resolution of 800x600 pixels and does not support online multiplayer or Steam Workshop.
The high-definition version of Age of Empires 2, also known as Age of Empires 2 HD, was released in 2013 and is available for purchase and download from Steam. The high-definition version has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and supports online multiplayer and Steam Workshop. It also includes the original game, the Conquerors expansion, and the Forgotten expansion.
The definitive edition of Age of Empires 2, also known as Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, was released in 2019 and is available for purchase and download from Steam, Microsoft Store, or Xbox Game Pass for PC. The definitive edition has a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels and supports online multiplayer and Steam Workshop. It also includes the original game, the Conquerors expansion, the Forgotten expansion, the Last Khans expansion, the Lords of the West expansion, the Dawn of the Dukes expansion, the Dynasties of India expansion, the Empire Wars mode, and the CaptureAge tool.
The steps to download Age of Empires 2 from different platforms
To download Age of Empires 2 from different platforms, you need to follow these steps:
Steam
Create a Steam account or log in to your existing one.
Go to the Steam store page for Age of Empires 2 HD or Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition.
Click on the "Add to Cart" button and proceed to checkout.
Pay with your preferred method and confirm your purchase.
Go to your Steam library and click on the "Install" button for Age of Empires 2 HD or Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition.
Wait for the download and installation to finish.
Launch the game from your Steam library and enjoy!
Microsoft Store
Create a Microsoft account or log in to your existing one.
Go to the Microsoft Store page for Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition.
Click on the "Buy" button and proceed to checkout.
Pay with your preferred method and confirm your purchase.
Go to your Microsoft Store library and click on the "Install" button for Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition.
Wait for the download and installation to finish.
Launch the game from your Microsoft Store library and enjoy!
Xbox Game Pass for PC
Create an Xbox account or log in to your existing one.
Subscribe to Xbox Game Pass for PC or log in to your existing subscription.
Go to the Xbox Game Pass for PC page for Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition.
Click on the "Install" button and wait for the download and installation to finish.
Launch the game from your Xbox Game Pass for PC library and enjoy!
What are the new features and content in Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition?
If you decide to download Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, you will be able to enjoy many new features and content that were not available in the previous versions. Some of these are:
The Last Khans expansion
The Last Khans expansion was released in 2019 along with the definitive edition. It adds four new civilizations (Bulgarians, Cumans, Lithuanians, Tatars) and three new campaigns (Ivaylo, Kotyan Khan, Tamerlane). It also adds new units, technologies, maps, achievements, balance changes, and more.
The Lords of the West expansion
The Lords of the West expansion was released in 2021 as the first official DLC for the definitive edition. It adds two new civilizations (Burgundians, Sicilians) and two new campaigns (Edward Longshanks, The Grand Dukes of the West). It also adds new units, technologies, maps, achievements, balance changes, and more.
The Dawn of the Dukes expansion
The Dawn of the Dukes expansion was released in 2021 as the second official DLC for the definitive edition. It adds two new civilizations (Bohemians, Poles) and two new campaigns (Jadwiga, Jan Zizka). It also adds new units, technologies, maps, achievements, balance changes, and more.
The Dynasties of India expansion
The Dynasties of India expansion was announced in 2021 as the third official DLC for the definitive edition. It will add four new civilizations (Cholas, Delhi Sultanate, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara) and four new campaigns (Rajaraja Chola I, Muhammad bin Tughluq, Veera Ballala III, Krishnadevaraya). It will also add new units, technologies, maps, achievements, balance changes, and more.
The Empire Wars mode
The Empire Wars mode was introduced in 2020 as a new game mode for the definitive edition. It is similar to the Random Map mode, but with a twist: instead of starting in the Dark Age with a few villagers and a town center, you start in the Feudal Age with a small army and a fortified base. This means that you can skip the early game and jump right into the action. The Empire Wars mode is available for both single-player and multiplayer matches.
The CaptureAge tool
The CaptureAge tool was integrated in 2020 as a new feature for the definitive edition. It is a tool that allows you to capture and record your gameplay in high quality and with various options. You can use it to create videos, streams, screenshots, replays, and more. You can also use it to analyze your performance and statistics, as well as to watch other players' games. The CaptureAge tool is available for both single-player and multiplayer matches.
Conclusion and FAQs
Age of Empires 2 is a classic strategy game that has been loved and played by millions of people around the world for over two decades. It is a game that offers a rich and diverse gameplay experience that can appeal to anyone who enjoys strategy, history, culture, or fun. If you want to download Age of Empires 2 on your PC, you have several options to choose from depending on your preferences and budget. You can also enjoy many new features and content that have been added to the game over the years, especially in the definitive edition. Age of Empires 2 is a game that you should not miss if you are a fan of strategy games or if you are looking for a game that can challenge you and make you have fun at the same time.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Age of Empires 2:
Q: How much does Age of Empires 2 cost?
A: The price of Age of Empires 2 varies depending on the version and edition that you want to buy. The high-definition version costs $19.99 on Steam, while the definitive edition costs $19.99 on Steam or Microsoft Store. The definitive edition is also included in the Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription, which costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. The DLCs for the definitive edition cost $9.99 each on Steam or Microsoft Store.
Q: What are the system requirements for Age of Empires 2?
A: The system requirements for Age of Empires 2 depend on the version and edition that you want to play. The high-definition version requires Windows Vista or higher, 1.2 GHz processor or higher, 1 GB RAM or higher, DirectX 9.0c compatible GPU or higher, 2 GB available hard disk space or higher, and DirectX compatible sound card or higher. The definitive edition requires Windows 10 version 18362.0 or higher (64-bit), Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64x2 5600+ processor or higher, 4 GB RAM or higher, NVIDIA GeForce GT 420 or ATI Radeon HD 6850 or Intel HD Graphics 3000 or higher, 30 GB available hard disk space or higher, and DirectX compatible sound card or higher.
Q: How many civilizations are there in Age of Empires 2?
A: There are 35 civilizations in Age of Empires 2, divided into five architectural styles: Western European, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, Asian, and American. The civilizations are: Britons, Byzantines, Celts, Franks, Goths, Teutons, Vikings, Chinese, Japanese, Mongols, Persians, Saracens, Turks, Aztecs, Huns, Koreans, Mayans, Spanish, Incas, Indians, Italians, Magyars, Slavs, Berbers, Ethiopians, Malians, Portuguese, Burmese, Khmer, Malay, Vietnamese, Bulgarians, Cumans, Lithuanians, and Tatars. The definitive edition also adds four new civilizations that will be released in the Dynasties of India expansion: Cholas, Delhi Sultanate, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara.
Q: How many campaigns are there in Age of Empires 2?
A: There are 27 campaigns in Age of Empires 2, each with multiple scenarios that follow the story of a historical or fictional character or event. The campaigns are: William Wallace (tutorial), Joan of Arc (Hundred Years' War), Saladin (Third Crusade), Genghis Khan (Mongol conquests), Barbarossa (Holy Roman Empire), Attila the Hun (Hunnic invasions), El Cid (Reconquista), Montezuma (Aztec resistance), Battles of the Conquerors (stand-alone scenarios), Alaric (Gothic migrations), Sforza (Italian condottiero), Bari (Byzantine-Italian conflicts), Dracula (Wallachian prince), El Dorado (Spanish exploration), Prithviraj (Indian hero), Battles of the Forgotten (stand-alone scenarios), Tariq ibn Ziyad (Umayyad conquest of Iberia), Sundjata (Malian empire), Francisco de Almeida (Portuguese exploration), Yodit (Ethiopian legend), Gajah Mada (Majapahit empire), Bayinnaung (Taungoo dynasty), Le Loi (Vietnamese resistance), Kotyan Khan (Cuman confederation), Ivaylo (Bulgarian uprising), Tamerlane (Timurid conquests), Edward Longshanks (English king), The Grand Dukes of the West (Burgundian and Sicilian dukes), Jadwiga (Polish queen), Jan Zizka (Hussite leader), Rajaraja Chola I (Chola king), Muhammad bin Tughluq (Delhi sultan), Veera Ballala III (Hoysala king), and Krishnadevaraya (Vijayanagara king). The definitive edition also adds four new campaigns that will be released in the Dynasties of India expansion: Rajendra Chola I (Chola expansion), Ala-ud-din Khalji (Delhi expansion), Harihara II (Vijayanagara expansion), and Deva Raya II (Vijayanagara resistance).
Q: How can I play Age of Empires 2 online with other players?
A: You can play Age of Empires 2 online with other players by using the built-in multiplayer mode in the game. You can either join or host a game from the multiplayer lobby, where you can choose the game mode, map type, number of players, teams, settings, and more. You can also use the matchmaking system, where you can play ranked or unranked games with players of similar skill levels. You can also join or create a clan, where you can chat, play, and compete with other clan members. You can also use external platforms, such as Voobly, GameRanger, or Hamachi, to play online with other players who use the same platform.
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