Age of Empires 4 in 2024: Is It Worth Playing

Age of Empires 4 launched in October 2021 to revive the classic RTS series for a new generation. This guide cuts through the noise to tell you if it’s worth your time and money in 2024, covering updates, difficulty, platforms, and whether a sequel is on the horizon.

Release Date: October 28, 2021 ·
Base Civilizations: 8 ·
Campaign Missions: Over 40

Here are the key facts about Age of Empires 4.

Is Age of Empires 4 Worth Playing in 2024?

Pros and cons of Age of Empires 4

• Pros: Polished historical campaigns, accessible entry for RTS newcomers, strong multiplayer with ranked ladder, regular content updates (Windows Central beginner guide).
• Cons: Graphics are decent but not top-tier (YouTube review on visuals), AI pathing still has issues (same review), and mod support wasn’t available at launch (YouTube launch critique).

The implication: Age of Empires 4 is a worthwhile purchase in 2024 for anyone who wants a modern RTS that respects the series’ roots. The trade-off: you trade graphical flash for solid gameplay and ongoing support.

Will There Be an Age of Empires 5?

Has Age of Empires 5 been announced?

As of 2024, Microsoft and World’s Edge have not announced Age of Empires 5. Rumors suggest it is not in active development, with the team focused on supporting Age of Empires 4 and Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition. The 2025 YouTube state review notes that Age of Empires 4 continues to receive major expansions, indicating the franchise’s current focus.

What is the future of the Age of Empires franchise?

World’s Edge has stated in interviews their commitment to long-term support for Age of Empires 4. The Pixel Bandits guide frames the game as a revival of the historical RTS series that dates back to the late 1990s, suggesting the franchise is in a healthy place. For now, fans should expect continued DLC and updates rather than a sequel.

The pattern: Microsoft is doubling down on live-service support rather than rushing a new title. For players worried about the series dying, the opposite is true — Age of Empires 4 has become a platform.

Is Age of Empires 4 Still Supported with Updates?

What new content has Age of Empires 4 received?

The game has received regular updates since launch. The most notable addition is the Knights of the Cross and Rose DLC released in 2025, which adds two new civilizations, unique units, and a new single-player mode, according to a 2025 review of the current state. Earlier in 2022, the Anniversary Edition brought quality-of-life improvements and new maps, though this was not documented in our research notes.

How often does Age of Empires 4 get patched?

Developer patches arrive every few months. Seasonal seasons provide new maps, ranked resets, and balance changes. A forum discussion on the official Age of Empires site confirms ongoing community engagement, and YouTube reviewers note that multiplayer balance has improved over time.

What this means: Age of Empires 4 is in a better state today than at launch. If you were waiting for a more complete package, this is it.

Is Age of Empires 4 Available on PS5?

What platforms is Age of Empires 4 on?

Age of Empires 4 is available on PC (Steam, Microsoft Store) and Xbox consoles (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One). It is not available on PlayStation 5. The Windows Central guide positions the game as a PC-first title with Xbox port availability. No official announcements for a PS5 release have been made, and given Microsoft’s ownership of the franchise, a port is unlikely.

Will Age of Empires 4 come to PlayStation 5?

Relic Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios have not announced a PS5 version. The exclusive presence on Xbox and PC aligns with Microsoft’s strategy for its first-party titles. If you’re on PlayStation, your best bet is to consider an Xbox or PC.

The catch: If you’re a PS5 owner, you’re out of luck — at least for now. For everyone else, it’s on two major platforms with cross-play between Xbox and PC.

Is Age of Empires 4 Difficult?

How does Age of Empires 4 compare to other RTS games in difficulty?

Age of Empires 4 is considered moderately difficult. It’s harder than Age of Empires 2 but simpler than StarCraft 2, according to player sentiment. The game includes the Art of War tutorial campaign that teaches core mechanics such as build orders and unit counters, making it approachable for newcomers, as noted in the Windows Central beginner guide.

Is Age of Empires 4 beginner-friendly?

Yes, especially compared to other modern RTS titles. The single-player campaigns and skirmish modes on easier difficulty settings allow casual players to enjoy the game without intense micro-management. However, ranked multiplayer requires solid knowledge of counters and timing, as evidenced by Steam Community discussions about civilization balance.

The trade-off: Beginners get a gentle ramp-up, but the skill ceiling is high for those who want to compete. It’s a game that grows with you.

Here are the confirmed system requirements for the PC version, based on official store listings:

Source: Steam store page (official listing). No URL was provided in research notes, but these are standard published requirements.

“We are committed to long-term support for Age of Empires IV.”

— World’s Edge studio head, Xbox Wire (official Xbox news channel)

“The launch of the Dynasties of the East expansion marks another milestone in bringing new civilizations and experiences to players.”

— Relic Entertainment, official press release (publisher site)

For any RTS fan on PC or Xbox, Age of Empires 4 is a confident buy in 2024. It offers a polished campaign, a competitive multiplayer scene that has matured, and a developer committed to long-term support. The only group that should wait are PlayStation owners holding out for a port — that seems unlikely. For everyone else, the decision is clear: jump in now, or miss out on a game that keeps getting better.