Age of Empires IV: Deluxe Edition brings the real-time strategy genre to PlayStation 5 with its focus on historical empire building and tactical combat across centuries of conflict. Players select from multiple civilizations and guide them through resource gathering, settlement expansion, and large-scale battles that emphasize planning and adaptation over direct confrontation.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on collecting wood, food, gold, and stone to construct buildings and train units while advancing through technological ages. Each civilization features distinct units, structures, and bonuses that shape different approaches to expansion and warfare. Commanding armies involves positioning troops on varied terrain, using formations, and coordinating land and naval forces during engagements that can involve dozens of units at once.
Campaign missions recreate key historical events with objectives that mix defense, conquest, and economic goals. Skirmish matches against AI opponents allow practice with different starting conditions and map types. The PS5 version supports DualSense controls with on-screen prompts and tutorials designed specifically for gamepad input, enabling precise selection and movement without a mouse and keyboard.
Game Modes
Single-player options include four campaigns totaling 35 missions that follow the development of selected civilizations through the Dark Ages to the Renaissance. Skirmish mode provides customizable matches against computer opponents on numerous maps and biomes. Multiplayer supports competitive matches where players test strategies against others in real time.
Additional modes introduced through expansions expand variety with specialized scenarios that alter standard rules for resource use or victory conditions. These options cater to both short sessions and extended playthroughs focused on mastery of specific civilizations.
Civilizations and Mechanics
Ten civilizations offer varied playstyles, including the English with strong defensive structures, the Chinese emphasizing early economic growth, the Delhi Sultanate focusing on unique military traditions, and the Malians centered on trade and mobility. Each brings specialized buildings and units that reward experimentation with different build orders and army compositions.
Mechanics such as age advancement unlock new technologies and unit types, while landmark buildings provide civilization-specific advantages. Naval combat integrates with land battles on maps featuring waterways, requiring players to balance fleet production with ground forces. The system encourages scouting and adaptation as opponents reveal their strategies over the course of a match.
Current State on PS5
The Anniversary Edition available on PlayStation 5 incorporates all prior expansions, delivering the complete set of civilizations and content at launch. Regular balance adjustments continue to refine unit interactions and multiplayer fairness. The version runs at stable frame rates on both standard PS5 and PS5 Pro hardware, with visual scaling that maintains clarity during large battles.
Is It Worth Playing?
Age of Empires IV suits players who enjoy methodical real-time strategy with historical themes and deep faction variety. The PS5 release provides accessible controls that lower the barrier for console users while preserving the tactical depth of the original design. Reception on the PlayStation Store shows an average rating of 3.87 from over one thousand reviews, reflecting solid performance for those comfortable with the genre's pace and learning curve.
Those seeking quick matches may prefer the skirmish or multiplayer options, while campaign fans receive structured single-player content spanning multiple eras. The game rewards repeated play as mastery of each civilization's mechanics opens new strategic layers. It stands as a strong choice for strategy enthusiasts looking for a console-friendly entry in the series without requiring prior experience with mouse-and-keyboard setups.