Anticipation for the next chapter in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has culminated with the official unveiling of "The Three Kingdoms" expansion. Following earlier confirmations of a new expansion being in development, Microsoft and the dedicated Age development team at Forgotten Empires have now detailed this exciting addition, which immerses players in China’s epic Romance of the Three Kingdoms period, a time where historical fact and legendary tales intertwine in a dramatic struggle for power. This expansion promises a deep dive into one of China's most formative and turbulent eras. Central to "The Three Kingdoms" are three brand-new campaigns, collectively spanning 15 missions and focusing on the intertwined destinies of the era's key factions. Players will navigate the complex political and military landscape of early medieval China through the eyes of distinct leaders. The campaigns are: Liu Bei (Shu): Chart the course of the honorable sandal maker Liu Bei and his sworn brothers as they strive against formidable odds, including the ruthless warlord Cao Cao, in an attempt to restore the declining Han dynasty.Cao Cao (Wei): Assume the role of the brilliant strategist Cao Cao, rising from a cavalry commander to become the true power behind the throne, maneuvering through ambitious schemes to potentially establish his own dynasty over the Middle Kingdom.The Sun Clan (Wu): Guide the sons of the murdered Sun Jian as they seek vengeance and carve out their own domain in southern China, fighting for legitimacy and the Mandate of Heaven. Forgotten Empires highlights that these campaigns introduce branching narratives and pivotal decision-making points, aiming for a level of replayability previously unseen in the Age of Empires series, allowing player choices to shape the unfolding historical saga. Beyond the rich single-player narrative experience, "The Three Kingdoms" significantly expands the multiplayer and skirmish roster by introducing five new civilizations, all fully integrated with ranked play access. Each civilization brings unique units and strategic possibilities to the battlefield. The new additions include: Shu: Command unique units like the White Feather Guard infantry, which slows enemies, and the bolt-barraging War Chariot.Wei: Dominate with cavalry forces, featuring the Tiger Cavalry that grows stronger with kills and the arrow-storming Xianbei Raider cavalry archer.Wu: Leverage infantry and naval strength with the Fire Archer wielding incendiary arrows and the heavily shielded Jian Swordsman.Jurchens: Utilize skilled hunters, armored cavalry like the Iron Pagoda (which can block melee attacks), and gunpowder units like the Grenadier.Khitans: Terrorize foes with mobile hordes, featuring the Liao Dao infantry causing lasting damage, the camel-mounted Mounted Trebuchet, and a unique food gathering mechanic using Pastures tended by two Villagers. These diverse civilizations offer fresh tactical approaches and matchups for veteran and new players alike. Strategists eager to command these new forces and relive the Romance of the Three Kingdoms won't have long to wait. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – The Three Kingdoms is scheduled for release on May 6 across PC (via Steam and the Microsoft Store) and Xbox consoles, priced at $19.99. An introductory 15% pre-order discount is currently available, bringing the price down to $16.99 for early adopters. Coinciding with the expansion's launch, May 6 also marks the arrival of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition on the PlayStation 5 platform. PlayStation players who opt to pre-order the Premium Edition of the base game will gain a five-day head start, unlocking access on May 1. This expansion represents a substantial content addition, bringing a celebrated historical period to life within the beloved Age of Empires II framework, promising hours of engaging strategic gameplay through its innovative campaigns and diverse new civilizations.
