After an exceptionally content-rich 2025, the first half of 2026 is shaping up to bring major expansions, new civilizations, and long-awaited mythological additions. Both the Age of Empires and Age of Mythology teams are preparing significant updates that deepen gameplay and broaden the historical and mythical scope of the franchises. For long-time fans, 2026 may become another milestone year in the legacy of these iconic strategy series.
Developers say that 2025 delivered more new content than any previous year in the Age franchise: six major expansions launched across three titles, and the arrival on PlayStation 5 broadened the global player base. Today, more than 70 million players engage with the Age universe worldwide. Now the studios have revealed what awaits players in early 2026 for both Age of Empires and Age of Mythology.
Age of Mythology Retold – expanding further in 2026
Next year brings four new mythic drops for Age of Mythology Retold as part of the Expansion Pass, culminating in the most ambitious add-on the series has ever attempted. The much-requested Aztec pantheon finally arrives, featuring a 12-mission campaign that spans continents and celestial realms. Players can wield divine creatures, call upon gods such as Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl, and guide their civilization through a brutal age of obsidian fire and ritual sacrifice.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – heading to South America in February 2026
The next expansion for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, titled *The Last Chieftains*, arrives in February 2026. This chapter transports players to medieval South America, merging history and folklore into dramatic conflicts and rich storytelling. The expansion introduces three new civilizations and a deeper look into the region’s ancient past.
Age of Empires IV – two expansions planned for 2026
Following the strong performance of Knights of Cross and Rose and Dynasties of the East this year, Age of Empires IV will receive two major expansions in 2026. The first arrives in spring with a large-scale campaign inspired by Chinese history. Later in the year, another expansion will add two new base civilizations – including the long-awaited Vikings – while expanding the content available for The Crucible.
Source: Xbox PR
