Age of Empires is one of the most iconic real-time strategy series in gaming history. Since 1997, when Ensemble Studios released the first installment, the series has sold over 25 million copies and defined the RTS genre for decades. From ancient civilizations to medieval empires, each title lets players build armies, develop economies, and conquer enemies on procedurally generated maps. This guide walks you through every Age of Empires game, from the original to the latest release, and shows you where to buy Steam keys the cheapest.
What Makes Age of Empires a Legendary Series?
Unlike fast-paced RTS games like StarCraft, Age of Empires emphasizes economic development and historical progression. You start with a few villagers in the Stone Age (or Dark Age), gather resources, research technologies, and advance through civilization eras until you command a mighty empire. The signature four-resource system (wood, food, gold, stone), unique units for each civilization, and epic siege battles have kept the series alive for 25 years — with an active esports scene and millions of players worldwide. The remastered Definitive Editions breathed new life into classic titles, and Age of Empires IV proved the formula still works in a modern package.
Age of Empires Series — Games Ranked
1. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition — The RTS Masterpiece (Metacritic: 83)
The undisputed king of the series. AoE2 is the largest, deepest, and most polished historical RTS ever made. 35 civilizations, each with unique units and technologies, dozens of campaigns based on real historical events (from Joan of Arc to Genghis Khan), and a legendary multiplayer mode that still draws thousands of players to ranked ladders daily. The Definitive Edition added 4K graphics, redesigned UI, new civilizations, and mod support. If you play only one Age of Empires game — make it this one. Buy Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition cheap →$14.62Buy Now
2. Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition — A Modern Return to Form (Metacritic: 81)
After a 16-year gap, AoE4 returned under Relic Entertainment (creators of Company of Heroes). The game blends the classic AoE2 formula with modern 3D graphics, asymmetric civilizations (Mongols can pack up their entire base and relocate!), and documentary-style campaigns featuring real historical footage. The Anniversary Edition includes additional civilizations (Japanese, Byzantines) and campaigns — this is the best starting point for new players. Buy Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Deluxe Edition cheap →$22.29Buy Now
3. Age of Empires: Definitive Edition Bundle — Classics Remastered (Metacritic: 84)
A bundle combining all three remastered versions: AoE Definitive Edition, AoE2: Definitive Edition, and AoE3: Definitive Edition. The best option for anyone who wants to dive into the entire series at once. Buy Age of Empires: Definitive Edition Bundle cheap →$20.02Buy Now
4. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition — Gunpowder & Exploration (Metacritic: 77)
The third installment moves to the colonial era (16th-19th century), adding gunpowder, Home City shipment cards, and a unique trading system. Less popular than AoE2 due to the controversial card system and smaller fan base, but the Definitive Edition added two new civilizations (Swedes, Incas) and improved balance. Still a great RTS with the best graphics in the series. Buy Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition cheap →$7.28Buy Now
5. Age of Empires: Definitive Edition — Where It All Began (Metacritic: 69)
A remaster of the original 1997 AoE. 4K graphics, new soundtrack, improved UI — but the same classic gameplay. 16 ancient civilizations (Egypt, Greece, Babylon, Persia, Yamato, and more). For nostalgics and ancient history fans. Less content than AoE2, but still playable. Buy Age of Empires: Definitive Edition cheap →$5.08Buy Now
6. Age of Empires II HD — Budget Classic (Metacritic: 68)
The 2013 HD version that preceded the Definitive Edition. A cheaper alternative for players who want to check out the classic without spending much. Fewer civilizations and features than DE, but still the same legendary gameplay. Buy Age of Empires II HD cheap →$26.61Buy Now
7. Age of Mythology EX + Tale of the Dragon — Myths & Legends (Metacritic: 66)
A spin-off that brings the gameplay to the world of Greek, Egyptian, Norse, and Chinese mythology. Instead of historical civilizations, you command gods and mythical units (cyclopes, sphinxes, dragons). Tale of the Dragon adds the Chinese pantheon with a new campaign. Different vibe from the main series, but still a solid RTS. Buy Age of Mythology EX + Tale of the Dragon cheap →$25.14Buy Now
Where to Buy Age of Empires Keys Cheap?
All Age of Empires titles are available on Steam as digital CD keys. Official Steam store prices rarely drop below $15-20 for Definitive Editions, but on digital key platforms you can find them significantly cheaper — especially older titles and bundles. All links in this article lead to our store with instant delivery and a guarantee of genuine keys. Just click any game link, add to cart, and activate on Steam.
Which Age of Empires Should You Play First?
- For new players: Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition — most content, best balance, huge community, and tons of YouTube tutorials.
- For modern history fans: Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition — colonial era, gunpowder warfare, beautiful graphics.
- For mythology fans: Age of Mythology EX — cyclopes, dragons, and god powers instead of cavalry and archers.
- For completionists: Definitive Edition Bundle — all three remastered titles in one package.
Conclusion
Age of Empires is the series that defined real-time strategy and has remained at the top for over 25 years. Whether you are an AoE2 veteran with hundreds of hours on the clock, or a new player looking for your first RTS — every entry in this series offers dozens of hours of engaging, strategic gameplay. And with our Steam key prices, building your own empire has never been this affordable.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Leave a Comment