Microsoft unveils massive 2026 expansions for Age of Empires and Mythology series

The Age of Empires franchise has been back in a big way for years now, both thanks to Definitive Edition remasters as well as new games like Age of Empires IV. With 2025 now coming to a close, Microsoft is looking towards where the franchise will go in 2026. Today, the development team shared a roadmap that details these plans, and there are plenty of good news for fans.

Starting with the newest release, Age of Mythology Retold, this fantasy entry remaster finished receiving its promised post-launch content earlier this year. However, 2026 will bring at least four more pieces of premium DLC. This includes the Demeter gods pack, cosmetic items, a dynamic blood system, as well as a 12-mission campaign featuring Aztec gods.

"Wield divine monsters, call upon gods like Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl, and lead your civilization through an era of obsidian fire and sacrifice," says the Age of Mythology Retold development team, describing the Aztek addition. "This is more than an add-on - it’s a full-scale expansion introducing an entirely new culture, pantheon, and divine playstyle."

Meanwhile, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is receiving The Last Chieftains as its next expansion in February, 2026. Set in medieval South America, this expansion will bring along three new civilizations (Mapuche, Muisca, and the Tupi) with unique units and technologies. These will be fully playable in multiplayer as well as in the three new campaigns that will be included in the content.

"These Campaigns feature memorable moments and characters like the berserker Galvarino, or Nicolas Durand the swashbuckling adventurer," says the developer. "The Muisca campaign can even be played from two unique perspectives, depending on whether you decide to serve the noble Nemequene or the greedy Quemuenchatocha."

The last expansion announcement was for Age of Empires IV. This entry is receiving two new premium pieces of content. The first drop is slated for spring 2026, which will focus on Chinese history with a brand-new story campaign. Following that, two new base civilizations (not variants) will be introduced with the second expansion, which will include the Vikings.

"We’ve heard your feedback around co-op missions for Crucible and this is something the team is looking into alongside their work on the two 2026 expansions," added the announcement. "We don’t have specifics to share just yet in terms of timeline, but we’re incredibly happy to see your response to the new mode and excited to expand on it in the future."

Microsoft also attached an early 2026 launch window to Age of Empires Mobile: PC Edition, which will bring mouse and keyboard controls, UI enhancements, 4K visuals, and even crossplay with mobile devices.

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Posted Wednesday 10 December 2025 at 1:33 pm AEST (my time).

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