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Age of Empires IV - Public Update Preview (Season Four)

The Age of Empires IV Season Four Public Update Preview (PUP) launches on January 17th!

Through January 23rd, owners of Age IV on Steam will have their first opportunity to try their hand at all the amazing content, updates, and changes coming in a future update. Read on for more information!

The Age of Empires Public Update Preview (PUP) presents an opportunity for our incredible players to get hands-on experience with exciting changes ahead of major updates. They also provide an opportunity to give feedback and help us prepare for upcoming major releases. PUP builds will generally contain new features, content and bug fixes. This PUP session provides a hands-on look at what’s coming to Age of Empires IV in our Season Four update. 

A new game mode, mini-map zoom, added challenge to Hardest AI and more!

Among the future content available in this PUP is a new game mode that many of you will remember from Age of Empires IINomad! This new mode sees players begin with three randomly placed Villagers. Choose the ideal location to build your first Town Center and begin your rise through the Ages.

In addition to Nomad mode, this Season Four Public Update Preview includes:

  • Three New Maps (Four Lakes, Continental, Marshland)
  • AI changes and updates, in conjunction with making the Hardest AI more of a challenge—please note that the changes to Hardest AI are not specifically related to the Season Four PUP and will be released prior to the official Season Four update as part of a minor patch
  • Mini-map size can now be toggled between Normal, 125%, and 150%
  • Significant improvements to the Mod Browser experience with a focus on improved discoverability
  • Landmark balance improvements—less-used Landmarks will now be present more viable strategies or have unique features to stand out as a compelling choice
  • …and a whole lot of bug fixes & balance changes

Get Ready for PUP

Revealed alongside the PUP next week will be Release Notes that list all the available content and spectacular changes coming to Age IV.

⚠️This is a preview build of an upcoming update to Age of Empires IV. Some features in this preview are not yet final.

While all feedback will be collected, this PUP is primarily focused on gathering and acting on telemetry and reports related to stability ahead of the major Season Four update.

Please note that Events, Rewards and certain Seasonal activities and surprises may not be present in the PUP—you’ll see more of what’s in store with our February release!

Don’t miss any news about this or any other Public Update Preview—sign up as an Age Insider.

Join us from January 17th through the 23rd. We’re excited to hear what you think!