Age of Empires II
Age of Empires II is a 1999 real-time strategy game developed by Ensemble Studios. Spanning the medieval period, it lets players guide civilizations from the Dark Age through the Feudal, Castle and Imperial Ages, gathering resources, constructing towns and fielding armies rooted in real history.
The game refined its predecessor with a wide roster of distinct civilizations, each with unique units, technologies and bonuses, plus campaigns built around historical figures such as Joan of Arc, William Wallace and Genghis Khan. Its blend of economic management, age advancement and tactical combat, along with strong multiplayer over local networks and the internet, gave it exceptional longevity, and its map editor fueled a lasting community of custom scenarios.
It is considered one of the finest strategy games ever made and retains a passionate competitive community to this day. A remastered Definitive Edition brings updated visuals, additional civilizations and new content to modern systems, keeping the classic thriving.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Age of Empires II, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northgard: Definitive Edition Indie | € 34,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition | € 19,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Xbox |
| Diplomacy Is Not an Option Indie | € 19,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC |
| Age of Empires IV | € 59,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Xbox |
| Age of Mythology: Retold | € 29,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Xbox |
Northgard: Definitive Edition Indie
€ 34,99A streamlined Viking-era RTS about claiming territory and surviving winters, easy to pick up in short sessions.
Northgard: Definitive Edition runs on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
€ 19,99The definitive 4K remaster with all expansions, new content and cross-play.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition runs on PC, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Switch.
Diplomacy Is Not an Option Indie
€ 19,99An indie medieval RTS about defending against absurdly huge enemy hordes.
Diplomacy Is Not an Option runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Age of Empires IV
€ 59,99The modern sequel with the same medieval flavour and stunning visuals.
Age of Empires IV runs on PC, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Switch.
Age of Mythology: Retold
€ 29,99Ensemble's mythological cousin to Age of Empires, fully remade with modern controls and visuals.
Age of Mythology: Retold runs on PC, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Switch.
Sign in or create an account to add an alternative or vote.