We Love It's Guide to…
Build a medieval empire in real time: gather resources, advance through ages, and command distinct civilizations in historical battles.
Released 28 Oct 2021
Harvest Four Resources
Advance Through Ages
Lead Distinct Civilizations
Celebrating its first year of delighting millions of global players, the award-winning and best-selling strategy franchise continues with Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition, putting you at the center of even more epic historical battles that shaped the world.
Developed by World's Edge, Relic Entertainment, Forgotten Empires, Climax Studios · Published by Xbox Game Studios









Lead a civilization through medieval history, building settlements and armies as you compete for control of the map. The game includes campaigns following historical conflicts across several centuries, alongside skirmishes and multiplayer matches.
Assign villagers to gather food, wood, gold, and stone, then use those resources to construct buildings, research upgrades, and raise troops. Scout the map, defend your settlement, and fight on land and at sea.
Advance through historical ages and adapt to civilizations with different units and economic or military mechanics. Campaign missions, AI skirmishes, and competitive or cooperative multiplayer offer different ways to play.
Players in the supplied reviews often praise the distinct playstyles of the civilizations and the strategic choices they create. Campaigns also earn appreciation for their missions and documentary-style historical segments, while some players enjoy the challenge and variety of skirmishes and multiplayer.

| Platforms | Windows |
|---|---|
| Achievements | 175 |
| Age ratings |
|
| Players | 1–8 |
| Play modes |
|
| Other modes |
|
| Multiplayer | Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition supports single-player and online multiplayer. The official description states players can compete, cooperate, or spectate online with up to 7 friends in PvP and PvE modes, implying up to 8 total players. Steam features list Online PvP, Online Co-op, and Cross-Platform Multiplayer. Reviews also mention ranked play, team games, free-for-all, custom matches, co-op, spectator/observer mode, and play versus AI. |
| Multiplayer & mods | The description says mods and the Mod Editor beta can create skirmish and multiplayer maps, tuning packs, mission scenarios, and new play modes. This indicates multiplayer can be modified with custom maps and rules, but no further constraints are stated. |
| Controller support | PlayStation, Xbox |
| Controller required | No |
| DLC / extras | 8 listed on Steam |
| DRM / EULA |
|
| Content notices |
|
| Metacritic | 81/100 View on Metacritic |
| Website | Official website |
Games similar to Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition