Age of Empires IV: The Sultans Ascend is a real-time strategy expansion that adds a focused single-player campaign and new civilizations to the core game. Set during the European Crusades in the Middle East, the expansion centers on leading Muslim forces against invading armies. Players manage resources, construct bases, train units, and direct battles across land and sea in matches that emphasize historical tactics and large-scale command.
Gameplay
The core loop involves gathering resources like wood, food, gold, and stone to build settlements, research technologies, and field armies. Combat mixes melee infantry, archers, cavalry, and siege equipment, with new emphasis on naval units for transporting troops and controlling waterways. The campaign introduces heroes with unique abilities that influence battles, such as rallying troops or disrupting enemy formations. Naval mechanics allow fleets to support land operations or engage in direct sea fights, marking the first time the series incorporates these elements into a dedicated story mode. Map design supports both defensive stands and offensive pushes, with terrain features that affect unit movement and line of sight.
New civilizations expand strategic options. The Japanese bring fast infantry and strong archery traditions suited to aggressive early pressure. The Byzantines emphasize defensive structures and versatile heavy units that excel in prolonged engagements. Four variant civilizations reimagine earlier factions with altered unit rosters and bonuses, encouraging different approaches to economy management and army composition. Ten additional maps provide fresh layouts for skirmishes, incorporating coastal areas that highlight the naval additions.
Game Modes
The expansion delivers an eight-mission single-player campaign that follows key Muslim leaders through historical events. Players assume command of resistance forces against Crusader orders and Mongol armies, progressing through missions that mix land assaults, defensive holds, and naval operations. Each chapter highlights specific commanders and their documented strategies.
Beyond the campaign, the new civilizations and maps integrate into the broader game structure. This includes matches against AI opponents on custom or random maps and competitive play with other players. Variant civilizations allow experimentation with rebalanced rosters in these formats, while unlockable rewards track progress across sessions.
New Civilizations and Mechanics
The Japanese and Byzantine additions introduce distinct playstyles that reward precise timing and adaptation. Japanese forces favor mobility and ranged dominance, while Byzantine armies leverage fortified positions and resilient frontline units. Naval gameplay extends these options by requiring players to balance fleet production with land forces, using ships for rapid reinforcement or blockade tactics. Heroes appear in the campaign with abilities that alter unit performance or provide temporary advantages, adding layers to mission objectives without changing the fundamental resource and army management loop.
Is It Worth Playing?
The expansion appeals to players who enjoy real-time strategy campaigns with historical themes and the addition of naval elements. Feedback highlights the campaign as an improvement over earlier content in the base game, with praise for its narrative focus and mechanical variety. Those interested in exploring new civilizations will find value in the expanded roster for both solo and multiplayer sessions. The content integrates directly into existing matches, extending replayability without requiring separate installs. Players seeking deeper single-player stories alongside competitive options will find the package aligns with the established strengths of the series.
