Step into Return of Rome, a groundbreaking expansion that resurrects the legendary title that launched the Age of Empires franchise, seamlessly embedding it as a self-contained sub-game within Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition.

Within this standalone experience, pit yourself against friends using all sixteen of the original Age of Empires civilizations — alongside one brand-new civilization exclusive to Return of Rome, the Lac Viet — and rediscover the glories and struggles of the ancient world. Three fully realized campaigns await, placing you in the sandals of conquerors, visionaries, and military masterminds locked in desperate struggles against destiny! Additional Age of Empires campaigns will be introduced gradually to keep the battles fresh!

As an exciting bonus, the Romans break free from the boundaries of their era, emerging as a fully playable civilization in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, ready to wage war in a new age and available NOW for Ranked Play with our latest update!

17 Ancient Civilizations:

• Assyrians
  
• Babylonians
  
• Carthaginians
  
• Choson
  
• Egyptians
  
• Greeks
  
• Hittites
  
• Macedonians
  
• Minoans
  
• Palmyrans
  
• Persians
  
• Phoenicians
  
• Romans
  
• Shang
  
• Sumerians
  
• Yamato
  
• Plus 1 completely new, Return of Rome exclusive: Lac Viet — The storied ancient civilization of Southeast Asia

PLUS 1 long-awaited, fan-requested civilization for standard Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition play:

• Romans — Ascend to the seat of an empire commanding the Mediterranean and hold your frontiers against relentless barbarian onslaughts. The Romans field two unique units: the Legionary, a resilient and battle-hardened infantry soldier, and the Centurion, a powerful heavy cavalry unit capable of bolstering the combat effectiveness of nearby Militia-line units. Available in singleplayer and unranked multiplayer games.

New! A Rise of Rome Exclusive Game Mode:

Introducing the D3 Game Mode — inspired by a beloved ruleset originating from Vietnam — now officially enshrined as part of the franchise!

3 New, Fully Voiced Campaigns:

Sargon of Akkad — From the humblest of origins, a mere cupbearer serving a king in the city-states of ancient Mesopotamia, Sargon's life is forever transformed when the war goddess Ishtar visits him in his dreams. Guided by her divine hand, he forges a path that unites the fractious Sumerians under a new order — yet the seductive grip of power forces him to confront a choice between sacred purpose and personal desire. In this campaign, you will play as the Sumerians.

Pyrrhus of Epirus — Amid the turbulent Wars of the Diadochi, where Alexander the Great's heirs plunged the Greek world into devastating conflict, Pyrrhus of Epirus entered the stage as a minor figure surrounded by giants. Can he earn the legendary Hannibal Barca's celebrated praise as one of history's finest generals, or will his relentless struggle against overwhelming odds ultimately break him? In this campaign, you will play as the Macedonians.

Trajan — Marcus Ulpius Trajanus rose steadily through the legions' ranks while Emperor Domitian's oppressive reign cast a long shadow over Rome's dignity. When fate unexpectedly places the imperial crown upon his head, Emperor Trajan inherits an empire teetering on the edge of ruin. Can his ingenuity, moral strength, and martial prowess rescue Rome and guide it toward its greatest historical heights, or will the empire crumble centuries ahead of its fated fall? In this campaign, you will play as the Romans.

Experience Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Quality of Life Improvements Brought to Age of Empires Gameplay:

• Gates
  
• Formations
  
• Trade carts
  
• UI improvements
  
• Visual improvements
  
• Spectator mode
  
• A significantly enhanced AI for computer opponents
  
• And much more!