The Age of Empires series is one of the most popular and influential real-time strategy (RTS) franchises in video game history. First launched in 1997, the games allow players to lead civilizations from the Stone Age through the Middle Ages and beyond, gathering resources, building towns and armies, researching technologies, and battling for supremacy.
There are currently four main entries in the Age of Empires series, each set in a different historical era:
Age of Empires (1997) – Set in the ancient era, covering the Stone Age to the Classical period. Developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft. Originally released for PC.
Age of Empires II (1999) – Set in the Middle Ages, from the Dark Ages to early Renaissance. Also by Ensemble Studios and Microsoft. Launch platform was PC.
Age of Empires III (2005) – Set during the discovery and colonization of the New World by European powers. Developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios for PC.
Age of Empires IV (2021) – Returns to medieval era of knights, castles and gunpowder. Developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios for PC.
The games share the same core RTS gameplay foundations – gathering resources, building a base, training units, researching techs and battling enemies. But each title built upon the previous one with both graphical and gameplay enhancements. For example, AOE3 introduced the Home City system, while AOE4 expands on aged-up gameplay from AOE2.
Are Any Age of Empires Games Completely Free?
The short answer is no – none of the main Age of Empires games are 100% free to download and play in their entirety. However, there are still several ways you can play Age of Empires games for free or at very low cost:
Free Trials and Demos
- Age of Empires II and III both have free demos that allow you to play the early game.
- Age of Empires IV has a 10 hour free trial via Xbox Game Pass for PC.
Xbox Game Pass for PC
- Get access AOE1: Definitive Edition, AOE2: Definitive Edition, AOE3: Definitive Edition and AOE4 for just $1 for your first month via Microsoft‘s Netflix-style gaming subscription.
Bundled Versions
- AOE1, AOE2 and AOE3 are all included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for console and PC.
- Check for deals that bundle Age of Empires games together – can reduce total cost.
Sales and Promotions
- Look for discounts on digital storefronts like Steam and Microsoft Store. Sales can slash 50% or more off the list price.
Free Game Giveaways
- Periodic free game promotions – AOE2 was free on Microsoft Store in 2019.
Free-to-Play Spin-offs
- Age of Empires Online (shut down), Age of Empires: Castle Siege (mobile)
Fan-Made Games and Mods
- Open source recreations like FreeEmpire and 0 A.D.
- Scenario, campaign and mod kits for existing AOE games.
So while you can‘t get the full commercial Age of Empires games gratis, there are still avenues to play them free or cheap. Keep reading to learn more details on each version and platform.
Age of Empires Definitive Editions
In recent years, Microsoft and new AOE developer World‘s Edge have released remastered Definitive Editions of the original games with updated graphics, quality of life features and new content:
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition (2018) – AOE1 remaster
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (2019) – AOE2 remaster
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition (2020) – AOE3 remaster
The Definitive Editions are the best modern way to play the classic Age of Empires entries. They combine the original games with new 4K visuals, redesigned UI, quality of life enhancements, and new civilizations and campaigns.
However, like the original versions, the Definitive Editions are paid titles starting at $19.99 USD. But there are ways to reduce the cost:
- Try a free demo before buying – available on Microsoft Store and Steam
- Buy during a seasonal sale – prices can drop 50% or more
- Get bundled version with Xbox Game Pass or Game Pass for PC
Below are more details on each Definitive Edition and playing them affordably.
Age of Empires Definitive Edition
- Originally released in 2018 for Windows 10 PCs
- Available on Microsoft Store and Steam
- Minimum system requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 version 18362.0 or higher
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon X2 CPU
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel Skylake GPU / AMD Radeon HD 7870 or better
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 30 GB available space
This remaster of the original 1997 game includes:
- 4K Visual Upgrade – Higher resolution textures, improved environments
- New zoom levels – Zoom in close or pull back for full battle views
- Revamped UI, controls and user experience
- Quality of life enhancements – Build queue, unit grouping, etc.
- Improved AI and pathfinding
- New narrated campaign content
- Multiplayer via LAN or internet (requires Xbox Live account)
- Steam Workshop mod support
As mentioned above, the Definitive Edition isn‘t free. But you can often find it 50% off for $9.99 on sales via Steam or Microsoft. Or play via Xbox Game Pass for PC.
Age of Empires II Definitive Edition
- Originally released in 2019 for Windows PCs
- Available via Microsoft Store and Steam
- Minimum system requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 version 18362.0 or higher
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon X2 CPU (1 core minimum)
- Memory: 4GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT or ATI Radeon HD 2670 or better
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 30 GB available space
AOE2 Definitive includes:
- 4K Visual Upgrade with new art, animations, environments
- Improved UI and user experience
- Enhanced AI and pathfinding
- 35+ New Campaigns and civilizations added
- Improved multiplayer – ranked matchmaking, ELO, etc.
- Modding via Steam Workshop
This critically acclaimed remaster of the fan favorite AOE2 regularly goes on sale for 50% off or more, dropping the price to around $10. And it is included free with Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.
Age of Empires III Definitive Edition
- Originally released in 2020 for Windows PCs
- Available via Microsoft Store and Steam
- Minimum System Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD FX-6300
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 2GB or AMD Radeon HD 7850 2GB
- DirectX: Version 11
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 50 GB available space
The AOE3 remaster includes:
- Enhanced graphics – 4K compatible, new textures and animations
- Improved UI, controls and experiences
- Additional civilizations, maps and modes
- New Home City content
- Multiplayer ranked matchmaking
- Modding via Steam Workshop
This Definitive Edition goes on sale frequently for 50% off, dropping it to around $10-15. It is also included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Age of Empires IV
The newest game in the franchise, Age of Empires IV was released in October 2021. It is developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios exclusively for Windows PCs.
Unlike the Definitive Editions which are remasters, AOE4 is a completely new entry in the series. It returns to the medieval era with four distinct civilizations, new campaigns recounting historic battles and events, and fresh gameplay innovations.
Is Age of Empires IV Free?
No, Age of Empires IV is a fully paid title with an MSRP of $59.99. However, you can play AOE4 for free right now via:
Xbox Game Pass for PC – AOE4 is included with a Game Pass for PC subscription, which offers a $1 first month promo
Free Trial – On Windows PC, you can play a 10 hour free trial of AOE4 through the Xbox app
Other ways to save on AOE4 include:
- Watch for sales – digital prices drop during seasonal promos
- Buy a discounted game key from a third party retailer
Age of Empires IV System Requirements
Given its 2021 release targeting modern PCs and laptops, AOE4 requires a relatively robust system:
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6300U or AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel HD 520 or AMD Radeon RX Vega 11
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 50 GB available space
Recommended Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit
- Processor: 3.6 GHz 6-core (Intel i5) or AMD Ryzen 5 1600
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 970 GPU or AMD Radeon RX 570 GPU
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 50 GB HD space
- Internet: Broadband connection
So you‘ll need a reasonably modern PC built within the last 5 years or so to play AOE4. The graphics and CPU demands go up from the Definitive Editions of the earlier AOE titles.
Other Free Age of Empires Options
Beyond the main real-time strategy series, there are some other ways to experience Age of Empires gameplay for free:
Age of Empires: Castle Siege
- Free-to-play mobile RTS game loosely based on Age of Empires
- Simplified gameplay designed for touchscreens
- Optionally purchase in-game currency and upgrades
- Shut down in 2019 but still playable if already downloaded
Age of Empires Online
- Free-to-play online PC game released 2011, shut down in 2014
- Used simplified gameplay tailored for casual audience
- Players collected resources, built bases, trained troops and battled
- Additional content and upgrades available for purchase
- Game relaunched on Steam in 2022 but now paid
Fan Projects
There are several open source, fan-made Age of Empires clones you can download and play for free:
- 0 A.D. – Historical RTS set in ancient world, similar to AOE1.
- FreeEmpire – Clone of Age of Empires II with some differences.
- Age of Conquest – Attempt to mimic AOE2 gameplay.
And there are countless player-created mods, scenarios and campaigns for existing Age of Empires titles that significantly expand gameplay for free. Search sites like ModDB and Steam Workshop for options.
Getting Started with Age of Empires on the Cheap
While no Age of Empires game is 100% free, there are plenty of ways for new players to get started without breaking the bank:
- Try free demos of Age of Empires II and III to preview the gameplay
- Use Microsoft‘s $1 Game Pass for PC deal to access four Age of Empires titles
- Look for discounted Steam keys for Age Definitive Editions, often 50% off or more
- Claim free games when AOE promos and giveaways pop up occasionally
- Install free fan projects and mods like 0 A.D. to sample AOE-style RTS gameplay
- Get an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and play AOE 1-3 on console as well as PC
With a little patience and effort, you can explore the acclaimed Age of Empires series without spending much cash at all. The games‘ highly engaging blend of history, strategy and competition provides hours of enjoyment across single and multiplayer. And with new content still being added, it‘s a great time to establish your empire and start building your skills.
