Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
Strategy
Single-player
Multi-player
PvP
Online PvP
Co-op
Online Co-op
Cross-Platform Multiplayer
Steam Achievements
Family Sharing

Celebrating its first year of delighting millions of global players, the award-winning and best-selling strategy franchise continues with Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition, putting you at the center of even more epic historical battles that shaped the world.

Developers: World's Edge Relic Entertainment Forgotten Empires Climax Studios
Publishers: Xbox Game Studios
Release Date: Oct 28, 2021
Price (USD): $39.99
Current Players: 6.4k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(86%)
historical accuracy
unique civilizations
immersive graphics
developer updates
modern mechanics
campaign length
presentation quality
multiplayer emphasis
connectivity issues
DLC monetization
balance problems
AI criticism
Overall, the reviews reflect a strong appreciation for the historical elements and immersive presentation in Age of Empires IV. However, persistent technical issues like crashes and connectivity problems significantly undermine the experience for many players. The game also sparks debate over its modern mechanics versus classic gameplay, with some enjoying the fresh approach while others miss the depth of older iterations. Monetization and DLC challenges are common criticisms, suggesting areas where the game could improve in player satisfaction.

Positive Points

  • Many players praise the game's historical accuracy and educational elements, making it an engaging experience for history enthusiasts.
  • The game offers a rich variety of civilizations, each with unique gameplay mechanics that keep the experience fresh and enjoyable.
  • Graphics, sound design, and overall visual presentation received positive feedback, contributing to an immersive experience.
  • The game has been continually updated with new content and fixes, reflecting active developer support.
  • Negative Points

  • Significant criticism has been directed at connectivity issues, with frequent game crashes and the lack of a reconnection feature disrupting gameplay.
  • Some players feel that the game is not as fun or engaging as its predecessors, particularly Age of Empires 2, due to less compelling AI and fewer strategic options.
  • DLC and monetization practices have been criticized by some players, who feel they are being pushed to buy additional content for a more complete experience.
  • Balance issues, especially with newer civilizations, have been a sore point, causing frustration among players in competitive environments.
  • Mixed Points

  • While the modern updates and new mechanics are appreciated by some, others believe they detract from the classic feel of the series.
  • The game's campaigns are praised for their production quality but criticized for being too short or not as engaging as previous titles.
  • Common Themes

  • The nostalgia factor is strong, with many long-time fans comparing it to previous titles in the series.
  • The game's historical aspect is frequently noted, with players appreciating the learning experience it provides.
  • There's a notable split between those who prefer multiplayer and those who enjoy single-player or cooperative modes.
  • Updated 5/8/2026, 12:01:28 AM UTC