Learn more about the Age of Empires IV Expansions!
Yue Fei's Legacy
This DLC for Age IV launched May 7th, 2026. Here are a few commonly asked questions about it:
What is this DLC?
Join Yue Fei, the Chinese nation hero and the Song Dynasty general, in Age of Empires IV: Yue Fei’s Legacy, an epic eight-mission campaign across medieval China. Battle the Jin Dynasty along the Yellow River, crush bandits in the mountains, and survive deadly intrigue in the imperial palace. From southern bamboo forests to China’s heartland, lead one of history’s greatest generals against overwhelming odds.
- 8 new campaign missions
- The new civilization the Jin Dynasty
- 4 New Maps for Skirmish and Multiplayer
Are there new Single Player Campaign missions?
Yes! Players can join the Song Dynasty General Yue Fei in 8 new campaign missions set in medieval China where strategy, survival, and fierce battles will decide the fate of the Song dynasty.
Players will be able to experience a sweeping narrative experience, with a wide range of battles, challenges, and objectives, distinct mission mechanics that introduce new strategic twists throughout the campaign, and a character-focused story that brings Yue Fei’s journey and the struggle of the Song dynasty to life through professional voice acting and stunning hand-painted cinematics.
Will there be an DLC-exclusive Ranked ladder?
Similar to Sultans Ascend, Knights of the Cross and Rose, and Dynasties of the East, owners of Yue Fei's Legacy DLC will be able to select the new Jin Dynasty Civilization when queueing in Ranked ladders. Players without the expansion will not be able to play as the new civilization but may still queue with players that do have access to the new civilization.
Will the new civilization and maps appear in Quickmatch or Ranked queues?
Yes - The Jin Dynasty is available for owners of Yue Fei's Legacy to select in Quickmatch and Ranked queues. You may see expansion-exclusive maps occasionally join the map pool roster allowing anyone to play on that map for a limited time.
Is the expansion included with my Game Pass subscription?
No, the expansion is not included with Game Pass subscriptions.
Dynasties of the East
This DLC for Age IV launched November 4th, 2025. Here are a few commonly asked questions about it:
What is this DLC?
Take command of legendary factions and unleash their unique strengths on the battlefield—lead the unstoppable Golden Horde as they sweep across continents with raw force, rise to glory with the visionary Macedonian Dynasty and rewrite history, outmaneuver rivals with the cunning and strategic Sengoku Daimyo, or adapt to any challenge with the resourceful Tughlaq Dynasty. Each new variant civilization unlocks thrilling new tactics, legendary leaders, and dynamic gameplay experiences that will test your strategic mastery and redefine your quest for victory.
- Four New Variant Civilizations: Golden Horde, Macedonian Dynasty, Sengoku Daimyo, and the Tughlaq Dynasty
- 8 New Maps for Skirmish and Multiplayer and 6 new Biomes
- New Game Mode: the Crucible
Are there new Single Player Campaign missions?
No new missions were added to Single Player Campaigns this time, but get ready to jump into The Crucible—a completely new solo roguelite RTS mode! In The Crucible, you’ll take on unpredictable waves of enemies, tackle random objectives, and unlock awesome upgrades as you play. Every run is different, so your choices really matter and shape how your game unfolds.
Whether you’re holding the line to protect your Wonder, stacking powerful Perks, or pushing your limits, The Crucible puts a whole new spin on classic Age of Empires IV action. Get in and see how long you can survive!
Will there be an DLC-exclusive Ranked ladder?
Similar to Sultans Ascend and Knights of the Cross and Rose, owners of the Dynasties of the East DLC will be able to select the new Variant Civilizations when queueing in Ranked ladders. Players without the expansion will not be able to play as the new civilizations but may still queue with players that do have access to the new civilizations.
Will the new civilizations and maps appear in Quickmatch or Ranked queues?
Yes - The Golden Horde, Macedonian Dynasty, Sengoku Daimyo, and the Tughlaq Dynasty are available for owners of Dynasties of the East to select in Quickmatch and Ranked queues. You may see expansion-exclusive maps occasionally join the map pool roster allowing anyone to play on that map for a limited time.
Is the expansion included with my Game Pass subscription?
No, the expansion is not included with Game Pass subscriptions.
Knights of Cross and Rose
This DLC for Age IV launched April 8th, 2025. Here are a few commonly asked questions about it:
What is this DLC?
Delve into the action of the next DLC for Age of Empires IV – Knights of Cross and Rose! Experience rich, historically-inspired design across a variety of additional content, including a different design philosophy behind two new variant civilizations – the Knights Templar and House of Lancaster.
- Two New Variant Civilizations: Knights Templar and House of Lancaster
- 10 New Maps for Skirmish and Multiplayer
- New Game Mode: Historical Battles
Are there new Single Player Campaign missions?
No new Single Player Campaign missions were added with this release, but you do get an awesome new game mode featuring four fresh Historical Battles! Located under the Proving Grounds, jump in and command legendary armies, and experience epic showdowns inspired by real history. Plus, try to earn medals and put your tactics to the test with the optional Conqueror mode for an extra challenge!
What is the difference between a 'regular' civilization and a variant civilization?
We introduced Variant Civilizations to Age of Empires IV with Sultans Ascend. Since then, the team has pushed things even further to explore a broad range of history by highlighting specific moments in time. With the feedback from Sultans Ascend in mind, we’ve applied a more direct “civilization treatment” and aimed for as high a level of authenticity as possible. We’ve added more content, more unique units, more upgrades and more abilities.
We’re excited to present two exciting new Variant Civilizations: Knights Templar and the House of Lancaster.
Will there be an expansion-exclusive Ranked ladder?
Similar to Sultans Ascend, owners of the expansion will be able to select the new civilizations and Variant Civilizations when queueing in Ranked ladders. Players without the expansion will not be able to play as the new civilizations but may still queue with players that do have access to the new civilizations.
Will the new civilizations and maps appear in Quickmatch or Ranked queues?
Yes - The Knights Templar and the House of Lancaster are available for owners of Knights of Cross and Rose to select in Quickmatch and Ranked queues. You may see expansion-exclusive maps occasionally join the map pool roster allowing anyone to play on that map for a limited time.
Is the expansion included with my Game Pass subscription?
No, the expansion is not included with Game Pass subscriptions.
The Sultans Ascend
The expansion for Age of Empires IV launched November 14th, 2023. Here are a few commonly asked questions about the expansion:
What is this expansion?
Lead powerful forces in defense of your homeland in The Sultans Ascend – the exciting new expansion to Age of Empires IV. Experience a brand-new campaign set in the Middle East, or command new civilizations with the Japanese and Byzantines.
- 2 new civilizations
- 4 new variant civilizations
- 8 new campaign missions
- 10 new maps
- 2 new biomes
What is the difference between a 'regular' civilization and a variant civilization?
Variant civilizations are re-imaginings of existing civilizations, with exciting new heroes, units, and strategies. The Abbasid Dynasty, Chinese, French and Holy Roman Empire will receive these new Variant Civilizations and players will have new ways to play as seasoned favorite civilizations in skirmish and multiplayer, including Ranked, Nomad, and Empire Wars!
The Sultans Ascend: Variant Civilizations Deep Dive
Will there be an expansion-exclusive Ranked ladder?
Owners of the expansion will be able to select the new civilizations and Variant Civilizations when queueing in Ranked ladders. Players without the expansion will not be able to play as the new civilizations but may still queue with players that do have access to the new civilizations.
Will the new civilizations and maps appear in Quickmatch or Ranked queues?
Yes - The Japanese, Byzantines, and our Variant Civilizations are available for owners of The Sultans Ascend to select in Quickmatch and Ranked queues. You may see expansion-exclusive maps occasionally join the map pool roster allowing anyone to play on that map for a limited time.
Is the expansion included with my Game Pass subscription?
No, the expansion is not included with Game Pass subscriptions.