The Best Age Of Empires Games

Video Game Info
Updated November 9, 2023 67.6K views 15 items
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Game must be part of the Age of Empires series.

The best Age of Empires games, ranked from greatest to worst from readers everywhere. If you think the coolest Age of Empires game to play isn't as high as it should be then make sure to vote it up so that it has the chance to rise to the top. Are you and a friend arguing over what the greatest Age of Empires game of all time is? Use this list of fun to play AoE video games to see how many people would agree with you and end the squabble once and for all. 

Thist list features all the games in the series, from Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings to Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition and more.

If you're wondering, "What are the greatest Age of Empires games?" or "What is the best Age of Empires game of all time?" then this list should answer your questions.

  • Set in the Middle Ages, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings offers players the chance to lead one of 13 civilizations to greatness, from the Dark Ages up to the Imperial Age. Boasting an intriguing campaign filled with historical figures like Joan of Arc, Genghis Khan, and Saladin, this game stands out as a masterful blend of real-time strategy and historical accuracy. Packed with several game modes, including campaigns, random maps, and multiplayer battles, Age of Kings provides endless hours of entertainment. Moreover, its robust AI and diverse tech trees combine for a truly strategic and engrossing gameplay experience.

  • As an expansion to Age of Kings, Age of Empires II: The Conquerors brings new civilizations, campaigns, and units to the already extensive Age of Empires II universe. Players get to relive the exploits of infamous conquerors such as Attila the Hun, El Cid, and Montezuma, adding a fresh perspective to the historical RTS genre. Featuring enhanced game mechanics, including the ability to set formations and issue attack orders to individual units, the strategic depth of this expansion is truly remarkable. The addition of new maps, unique technologies, and the thrilling King of the Hill mode only helps solidify its place among the best Age of Empires games.

  • Age of Mythology
    3
    490 votes
    Nov 01 2002

    Diverging from its historical predecessors, Age of Mythology takes players on a fascinating journey through ancient mythology, pitting Greek, Egyptian, and Norse gods and heroes against each other in epic real-time strategy battles. With an engaging single-player campaign that follows the fallen hero, Arkantos, players must reclaim their honor while navigating a world filled with mythical creatures and divine interventions. This game introduces the revolutionary concept of "god powers," enabling players to harness the forces of nature and unleash divine wrath upon their enemies. Age of Mythology's seamless blend of strategy and mythology, coupled with its unique unit types and celestial deities, creates an immersive gaming experience like no other.

  • Age of Empires III
    4
    476 votes

    Set during the European colonization of the Americas, Age of Empires III thrusts players into an era filled with conquest, exploration, and technological progress. Offering eight European civilizations, each with unique abilities and units based on their historical counterparts, the game provides unmatched diversity in tactics and strategy. A standout feature, the inclusion of a Home City for each civilization, allows players to gain support from their motherland, adding an extra layer of depth to gameplay. Age of Empires III combines rich historical detail with stunning graphics and innovative mechanics, solidifying its place among the best titles in the series.

  • Age of Empires
    5
    282 votes
    Jan 01 1997

    The game that started it all, Age of Empires invites players to embark on an epic journey through history as they guide their civilization from humble Stone Age beginnings to the heights of Iron Age grandeur. Featuring twelve distinct civilizations and historical campaigns based on ancient empires like Egypt, Babylon, and Rome, this title laid the groundwork for future installments and catapulted the series into the spotlight. A groundbreaking combination of real-time strategy, resource management, and military tactics set Age of Empires apart from its contemporaries. Despite its age, the game remains a cornerstone of the RTS genre and a must-play for any fan of the series.

  • Building upon the successful foundation of the original Age of Empires, The Rise of Rome expansion adds four new civilizations and additional campaigns centered around Rome's rise to prominence. Players can command the mighty Roman legions, as well as the forces of Carthage, Macedonia, and Palmyra, each with their own unique units and technologies. New gameplay features such as unit queuing and right-click commands streamline the strategic experience, further cementing the expansion's reputation as a worthy successor. The Rise of Rome enriches the Age of Empires experience by providing a well-rounded and engaging dive into the annals of ancient history.

  • Breathing new life into the classic Age of Empires II, The Forgotten expansion adds five new civilizations, four new campaigns, and several unique units and technologies to the already beloved game. Players will delve into the largely untold stories of legendary figures such as Vlad the Impaler and the Italian condottiero Sforza, immersing themselves in the unexplored realms of medieval history. A plethora of gameplay improvements and additions, including new maps, special events, and an increased population limit, further elevates the replayability of this iconic title. The Forgotten not only revamps Age of Empires II for the modern era but also expands upon the game's rich strategic depth and captivating historical narrative.

  • Showcasing the grandeur and intrigue of Asian civilizations, Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties introduces three new playable factions: China, India, and Japan. Each of these nations boasts a unique campaign, filled with captivating historical narratives and legendary figures like Chinese admiral Zheng He or Japanese daimyo Tokugawa. The addition of Wonders, a new building type that grants powerful bonuses and acts as a victory condition, injects fresh strategic possibilities into gameplay. Asian Dynasties excels at expanding upon the core Age of Empires III experience, offering new units, technologies, and maps that highlight the rich and storied past of Asian civilizations.

  • Age of Empires II HD: Rise of the Rajas
    9

    Rise of the Rajas brings the Age of Empires II experience to the vibrant and diverse lands of Southeast Asia, introducing four new civilizations, each with its own distinct architecture, units, and technologies. Players can experience the rise of Burmese, Khmer, Malay, and Vietnamese empires through their respective campaigns, filled with fascinating historical insights and unforgettable moments. This expansion also adds new maps, terrains, and game modes to the mix, ensuring that even seasoned players will find something to love. Rise of the Rajas breathes fresh life into Age of Empires II HD, offering a welcome exploration of Southeast Asian history and culture.

  • The African Kingdoms expansion takes players on a journey into the heart of Africa, showcasing the rich history and untapped potential of Berber, Ethiopian, Malian and Portuguese civilizations. Featuring four new campaigns centered around iconic figures such as Queen Amina and the explorer Vasco da Gama, The African Kingdoms enlightens players while providing a thrilling strategic experience. New units, technologies, and map types, including the innovative “terrain-object” system, keep gameplay fresh and engaging. Overall, The African Kingdoms succeeds in offering a fresh perspective on the Age of Empires II universe, presenting an often-overlooked setting with the depth and strategic nuance fans have come to expect.

  • Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs
    11

    The WarChiefs expansion pack extends the Age of Empires III experience to include Native American civilizations, introducing the proud Iroquois, Sioux, and Aztec nations. Each civilization comes with unique units, buildings, and technologies, offering a fresh perspective on the colonization of the Americas. The addition of legendary figures such as Chief Pontiac and Crazy Horse further enriches the game's historical narrative, inviting players to explore the untold stories of these indigenous peoples. With new maps, game modes, and a revamped "Revolution" feature that allows players to lead a colony to independence, The WarChiefs strengthens Age of Empires III's position as a premier real-time strategy title.

  • Expanding upon the mythological landscape of Age of Mythology, The Titans introduces a new race known as the Atlanteans, who possess the power to wield mighty Titan units in battle. Players can experience a captivating single-player campaign that follows the story of Kastor, son of Arkantos, as he encounters new gods, heroes, and creatures from Atlantean lore. With over 20 new units, new god powers, and the ability to control the fearsome Titans themselves, this expansion pack adds another level of depth to the already engrossing gameplay. Age of Mythology: The Titans is a must-play for fans of the original game, taking the mythological experience to even greater heights.

  • Inspired by the wildly popular Age of Empires II, The Age of Kings is a turn-based strategy title designed specifically for the Nintendo DS system. The game offers players the chance to command one of five medieval civilizations - Britons, Franks, Mongols, Saracens, and Japanese - as they strive for supremacy on both land and sea. With over 45 campaign missions, streamlined resource management, and an intuitive touch-screen interface, The Age of Kings delivers a satisfying and strategic gaming experience on the go. This handheld adaptation retains the essence of its PC counterpart while introducing innovative features tailored for a portable console, making it a standout title in the Age of Empires franchise.

  • Blending the worlds of Age of Empires and Age of Mythology, this handheld strategy game for Nintendo DS invites players to explore the rich mythologies of Greek, Egyptian, and Norse civilizations. Featuring an engaging turn-based combat system and an assortment of divine powers from each pantheon, Age of Empires: Mythologies provides a unique twist on traditional Age gameplay. The game boasts a single-player story mode, as well as skirmish and multiplayer modes, offering hours of entertainment for those seeking strategy on the go. Age of Empires: Mythologies masterfully combines historical and mythological elements, creating an enjoyable portable gaming experience fans of the series will appreciate.

  • Age of Empires Online
    15
    181 votes

    Taking the beloved franchise into the realm of massively multiplayer online gaming, Age of Empires Online offers an engaging blend of real-time strategy and role-playing game elements. Players can choose from six distinct civilizations, including Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, Celts, Babylonians, and Norse, each with its own unique units, buildings, and technologies. As they progress through the game, players can also build and customize their capital cities, trade resources, and form alliances with others. Although Age of Empires Online is no longer officially supported by its developers, it remains a memorable and innovative chapter in the series' history, forging new territory in the realm of online gaming.