Learn more about the Age of Empires IV Expansions!
Knights of Cross and Rose
This DLC for Age IV launches April 8th, 2025. Here are a few commonly asked questions about it:
What is this expansion?
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
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?
Active Game Pass subscribers are able to purchase Knights of Cross and Rose with a 10% discount.
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?
Active Game Pass subscribers are able to purchase The Sultans Ascend with a 10% discount.