Just over two months before the release of Age of Empires 4, Microsoft is supplying Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition with new content. More precisely with the paid extension that goes to the name »Dawn of the Dukes« heard.
In contrast to the Lords of the West expansion, the DLC focuses this time on Eastern Europe and brings among other things new factions. We’ll tell you what’s in the second DLC for the Definitive Edition.
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Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition introduces its new content from Dawn of the Dukes
This is in the new DLC Dawn of Dukes
Two new races for Age of Empires 2
Although it was once said that the Definitive Edition of Age of Empires 2 should not receive any new civilizations, the developers have already changed their mind with Lords of the West. So it’s no surprise that Dawn of the Dukes is also adding two new races to the strategy game:
Bohemia
The Kingdom of Bohemia, together with Moravia and part of Silesia, once formed what is now the territory of the Czech Republic. Even then, Prague was the capital. In Age of Empires 2, the Bohemians playfully rely on tough warriors and a kind of medieval tank. The special features include:
- Hussitenwagen: The forerunner of the modern tank is the Bohemian Special Forces and deadly in open combat.
- Haufnitze: This is a more technologically advanced siege cannon that makes it difficult for towers and walls.
- Wagenburg Tactics and Hussite Reforms: New technology that enhances the firepower and monks.
Poland
In the course of the migration of peoples, various tribes of the western Polans settled in what is now Poland for the first time in the Middle Ages. Accordingly, Poland as a people in Age of Empires 2 is very young and relies on cavalry. The special features include:
- Obuch: A strong infantry unit that uses a war hammer to penetrate the armor of enemy units.
- Grange: A replacement for the classic mill that makes the fields around it more efficient.
- Szlachta privileges and the Lechite legacy: New technologies to strengthen the cavalry.
Three new campaigns
In addition to the new races, which can also be played in multiplayer mode, there are also three new campaigns on the single-player front. As usual, these are completely set to music and offer the following scenarios:
- Algirdas und Kestutis: In the campaign you take over the Lithuanians and you have to defend yourself with Prince Algirdas and his brother Kestutis against the crusaders and the descendants of Genghis Khan, who threaten to destroy Lithuania.
- Jadwiga: As a young child, Jadwiga ascends the Polish throne and tries to unite Poland and Lithuania as a common kingdom. At the same time, she has to assert herself against leaders like Jogaila and Vytautas the Great.
- Jan Žižka: The eponymous bearer and former mercenary Žižka relies on technological and tactical innovations within Bohemia to defend themselves against the strong army of the Holy Roman Emperor.
In addition, Poland and Bohemia have been added to existing missions from previous campaigns to better reflect the respective historical framework. Among other things, you can now find the new races in the campaigns of Genghis Khan and Barbarossa.
That’s what the first players say
Dawn of the Dukes is now available for 10 dollars on Steam and in the Microsoft Store. Players who pre-order Age of Empires 4 will even receive the expansion for free.
The first user ratings for Dawn of the Dukes are falling mostly positive on Steam: Most of them are simply happy about new content for the strategy classic. Especially single player fans will obviously get their money’s worth with the three new campaigns. Only the multiplayer faction seems to be a bit unsure whether the two new races will be an exciting addition or will be forgotten.
By the way: It will take a while until the release of the new series part, but Age of Empires 4 is already showing a promising face in the preview:
more on the subject
The big preview of Age of Empires 4
What do you think of Dawn of the Dukes: Are you interested in the information about the new expansion or do you prefer to wait until the release of Age of Empires 4? Let us know in the comments.
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