Have your eye on Age of Empires 4? We now have a release date.

Best answer: Age of Empires 4 is expected to be released Fall 2021. It will be available on PC through the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and Steam.

Age of Empires 4 is coming later this year

As was seen in Microsoft's Age of Empires Fan Preview event, the expected release date for Age of Empires 4 is Fall 2021. That leaves a few months of space open for interpretation, but at least it's not looking like we will have to wait until 2022. Even despite having to work around certain restrictions due to the ongoing pandemic, Relic Entertainment and World's Edge are confident the game will be ready on time.

The game will launch on PC, available through Xbox Game Pass PC, Microsoft Store, and Steam. Is Age of Empires 4 coming to Xbox and PlayStation? That's a question that could see its answer change over time. For now, the focus is entirely on PC.

How much content will Age of Empires 4 have at launch?

Age of Empires 4 will have eight playable civilizations at launch, with more on the way following. The game will include land and naval combat, whether within the campaign, online, or against AI. As far as civilizations go, so far we know about Chinese, Delhi, English, and Mongols.

There are four campaigns to enjoy, each with live action documentary-style cutscenes that help bridge the gap between history and the present. The campaigns span generations, with hours and hours of content to enjoy.

If you want to enjoy some Age of Empires action before Age of Empires 4 launches, be sure to check out the excellent Definitive Edition remasters of the original trilogy. All, including Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition can be purchased at once with the Definitive Collection. If you're an Xbox Game Pass PC subscriber, all three games are also available right now.

All You Can Play Buffet

Xbox Game Pass for PC

$1/mo at Microsoft

More games than your mind can handle

Microsoft's Netflix-style subscription service extends to PC (Windows 10), allowing you to download dozens of titles for a small monthly fee. From hit franchises to experimental indies, Xbox Game Pass has value for all.

Bundle Up

Age of Empires Definitive Collection

Three of the best RTS games in one place

Want to enjoy all three remastered Age of Empires games? Grab the Definitive Collection bundle and save some dough instead of buying them all separately.

$45 at Microsoft

$45 at Steam