Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is not a free-to-play game — the remastered version of the beloved 1999 RTS classic, from Forgotten Empires, is priced at around $19.99 USD on Steam. It remains one of the most-played real-time strategy games decades after its original release. There’s no official free full download — this guide covers the legitimate steps to get it, requirements, and honest pros and cons.
How to Get Age of Empires 2 (Official Steps)
- Open Steam or the Microsoft Store and search “Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition”.
- Confirm the listing is published by Xbox Game Studios.
- Click Add to Cart, complete checkout, and it downloads to your library.
- Launch it, pick a civilization, and start building your empire through the Middle Ages.
- Several DLC civilization packs are available separately if you want to expand the roster.
Ways to Get It for Less
- Steam sales: Frequently discounted 74% or more during Steam seasonal sale events.
- 25th Anniversary Collection: Bundles all five mainline Age of Empires Definitive Editions together at a reduced combined price.
System Requirements for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel Core i3 or equivalent |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| GPU | DirectX 11 compatible, 1GB VRAM |
| Storage | ~14 GB free space |
Pros and Cons of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
✅ Pros
- Widely regarded as one of the greatest RTS games ever made, still actively played
- Large civilization roster with distinct playstyles
- Very active competitive and casual community
- Frequently discounted very heavily
❌ Cons
- Steep learning curve for competitive-level play
- Full civilization DLC collection adds extra cost for the newest content
- Long matches can require significant time investment
Availability by Platform
🖥️ PC
Available on Steam and the Microsoft Store.
Who Should — and Shouldn’t — Play Age of Empires 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Age of Empires 2 free to download?
No, the Definitive Edition is a paid game priced around $19.99, with no official free full-game download.
Is it safe to download from third-party “free download” sites?
No, only buy through Steam or the Microsoft Store.
Is it still actively played?
Yes, it remains one of the most popular classic RTS games with an active competitive and casual community.
Do I need the DLC?
No, the base game is a complete experience — DLC packs add optional extra civilizations and campaigns.
Does it have ranked matchmaking?
Yes, it includes ranked online multiplayer alongside casual and campaign modes.
This page is written for informational purposes to help you find the official, safe way to play Age of Empires II. It does not link to or endorse any unofficial “free download” sources.
