Age of Empires IV review
Four campaigns, multiplayer, AI skirmishes, and mod tools shape this Windows strategy game.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Age of Empires IV brings real-time strategy to historical campaigns and skirmishes. Players explore maps, gather resources, build settlements and armies, and lead civilizations through four single-player campaigns. It also supports online player-versus-player and cooperative matches, along with skirmishes against AI opponents. The Anniversary Edition includes ten civilizations with distinct units and gameplay. That mix makes it a fit for players who want both structured historical scenarios and match-based play, rather than a game focused on a single-player story alone.
The game’s range comes from its modes and creation tools. Beyond the campaigns, players can compete or cooperate online, or set up skirmishes against AI. Mod tools support creating custom maps, mission scenarios, and gameplay modes, giving players ways to shape matches beyond the included content. Controller interface and controller-specific play features are also part of the offering, alongside Windows PC support. Buyers should weigh the appeal of those options against the central strategy loop: resource gathering, settlement construction, and army production remain core activities across play.
Age of Empires IV is a paid game, and it does not have a free plan. Its pricing model is paid, but the published product information does not give a purchase amount, so buyers should check the purchase channel for current terms. For someone seeking historical strategy with campaigns, PvP, co-op, AI skirmishes, and mod creation, it offers several ways to play and customize. It is less suited to someone looking for a free game or a different genre; its confirmed PC platform here is Windows. Those who value controller features or creating custom scenarios may also find its breadth more relevant than players seeking only a fixed campaign experience.
Age of Empires IV pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Four historical campaigns plus competitive and cooperative online play
- Choose from ten civilizations in the Anniversary Edition
- Create maps, mission scenarios, and gameplay mods
- Where it doesn't
- Paid game with no free plan
- Windows PC is the only confirmed platform in this listing
- Strategy play centers on gathering resources, building settlements, and raising armies
Age of Empires IV fact sheet, pricing and score →
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