Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition review

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition takes first place because no other game here gives an RTS player as much to do for the price. Xbox Game Studios sells it on Steam for $34.99 with three expansions, Lords of the West, Dynasties of India and Dawn of the Dukes, already included. The store listing counts 42 civilizations and 229 campaign missions, and the game supports single-player, co-op, online multiplayer with cross-play, an in-game scenario editor and mods. It also runs on modest hardware: the minimum spec asks for 4 GB of RAM, a GT 420 class card and 15 GB of storage, and Steam lists both Windows and macOS. Among English Steam reviewers, 94% of 62,580 are positive, the best share on this list. The downsides are the 16 DLC listed on Steam, which add civilizations at extra cost, and a classic economy and build-order system that takes time to learn if you have never played an Age game.

Who it is for

Players who want the deepest classic RTS with a huge campaign library

Price

$34.99 one-time purchase on Steam (US store).

Dawn of the Dukes, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Dynasties of India View info $34.99 Buy on Steam
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Steam lists 42 civilizations and 229 campaign missions
• Lords of the West, Dynasties of India and Dawn of the Dukes expansions included with the base game
• Single-player, co-op and online multiplayer with cross-play
• In-game scenario editor and mod support
• Quick Play mode for casual online matches

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 94% of 62,580 English Steam reviews are positive, the highest share on this list
• Strength: $34.99 covers the base game and three expansions
• Strength: Minimum spec is 4 GB of RAM and a GT 420 class graphics card
• Weakness: Steam lists 16 DLC, so the full civilization roster costs more than the base price
• Weakness: Minimum requirements list a broadband internet connection
• Weakness: Systems built in 1999 have a steep learning curve for new players

Key facts

• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Released on Steam: November 14, 2019
• Minimum RAM: 4 GB
• Storage: 15 GB
• English Steam reviews: 94% positive of 62,580

Where it ranks

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is No. 1 in our Best RTS Games verdict.