Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition launches on Oct. 15

One of the best real-time strategy games of all time is finally getting a 4K treatment this October. Earlier today at Gamescom 2020’s Opening Night Live, Microsoft premiered a trailer for the much-awaited Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition, sporting enhanced graphics and soundtrack, modernized UI, as well as cross-play multiplayer support.

The Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition will feature a series of Historical Battles set within the game’s time period along with the Art of War challenges designed to test your RTS skills. Apart from two new game modes, there are two new civilizations that are joining the roster: the Swedes and the Incas, bringing the total number of civilizations to 16.

The Swedes are a new addition to the game and described as “a small European nation which eclipsed all military convention and became a powerhouse on the European battlefields.” The Incas, meanwhile, are "a more traditional Age of Empires civilization, covering one of the largest empires in South America, where they constructed mighty stone cities, citadels and palaces."

“It’s been years since we kicked off the idea of bringing back the Age of Empires series in definitive form, and through each game we’ve listened to our fans, learned, and refined our process to make the best possible true Age experience of each game that we can,” says World’s Edge creative director Adam Green. “In just a few months, long-time Age fans will be able to complete their collection, and those yet to try Age III will be able to experience this groundbreaking game in the best version possible, continuing our mission of setting the standard of what it means to create “definitive” editions of classic games.”

Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition launches on PC via steam, Windows Store and Xbox Game Pass on October 15.