How to run Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition on Windows 10?

Description

Age of Empires, the pivotal RTS that launched a 20-year legacy returns in definitive form for Windows 10 PCs. Bringing together all of the officially released content with modernized gameplay, all-new visuals and a host of other new features, Age of Empires: Definitive Edition is the complete RTS package. Engage in over 40 hours of updated campaign content with new narration and pacing, jump online in up to 8-player battles with new competitive features and modes, experience 4K HD visuals with overhauled animations, get creative with the scenario builder and share your creations. There’s never been a better time to jump in to Age of Empires. Welcome back to history. * Requires a free Xbox Live account.

Published by

Xbox Game Studios

Developed by

Forgotten Empires

This page is for the original game. For the 2013 HD Edition, see Age of Empires II [2013]. For the 2019 Definitive Edition, see Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition.

Age of Empires II: The Age of KingsDevelopersPublishersEnginesRelease datesTaxonomy

	Ensemble Studios
Mac OS [Classic]	Westlake Interactive
macOS [OS X]	Westlake Interactive
	Microsoft
Re-releases	Ubisoft
Mac OS, OS X	MacSoft
	Genie
Windows	October 10, 1999
Mac OS [Classic]	October 2001
macOS [OS X]	October 2001
Monetization	One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Modes	Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing	Real-time
Perspectives	Bird's-eye view, Isometric
Controls	Multiple select, Point and select
Genres	RTS
Themes	Asia, Europe, Middle East, Pre-Columbian Americas, Medieval
Series	Age of Empires

⤏ Go to series page
Age of Empires	1997
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings	1999
Age of Mythology	2002
Age of Empires III	2005
Age of Empires Online	2011
Age of Empires II [2013]	2013
Age of Mythology: Extended Edition	2014
Age of Empires: Castle Siege	2014
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition	2018
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition	2019
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition	2020
Age of Empires IV	2021
Age of Mythology: Retold	TBA

Warnings

SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later [see Availability for affected versions]. The macOS [OS X] version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina [version 10.15] or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.

General information

Official Discord server for the series Age of Empires II Official Microsoft Site [archived] Age of Kings Heaven Community Site and Map Archive AoEZone Community site for competitive gaming /r/aoe2 Age of Empires 2 Subreddit

Availability

SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later [see above for affected versions]. Free demos are available for The Age of Kings and The Conquerors Expansion.

Version differences

Age of Empires II: Gold Edition contains the base game and The Conquerors expansion, first released in 2001. Age of Empires: Collector's Edition contains Age of Empires and Age of Empires II with their respective expansion packs. The later DVD-ROM releases include the latest patches and are DRM-free, but are missing Red Book CD audio.

Monetization

TypeNotesExpansion packOne-time game purchase

The expansion pack includes new civilizations, units, technologies [some civilization-unique] and campaigns.

The game requires an upfront purchase to access.

DLC and expansion packs

NameNotes The Conquerors

Windows version is sold separately, Mac OS version only in Gold Edition.

Essential improvements

Skip intro videos

Start game with -nostartup parameter[3]

Patches

The latest patch for the base game is Version 2.0a. The latest patch for The Conquerors is Version 1.0c. Alternately, the latest official patches are available at soggi.org.

Unofficial patches [The Conquerors]

1.0e includes exploit fixes, a fix for a rare issue with missing permissions when overwriting files, a no-CD patch and a version switcher. The uninstaller cleanly reverts to the official 1.0c version. UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update adds many fixes including widescreen support, UPnP port forwarding, and various optional tweaks. If it is installed on top of v1.0e, no CD is required.

Forgotten Empires

Forgotten Empires is a mod which adds new civilizations, campaigns, maps and other fixes. It was later made available as offical DLC for the HD Edition and is included by default with the Definitive Edition - as a result, the mod version is no longer supported.

Game data

Configuration file[s] location

Save game data location

Player settings are saved in \Player.nfp [determines unlocked scenarios etc.] Custom campaigns are saved in \Campaign\ Custom scenarios are saved in \Scenario\

Video

In-game options menu.

Input

In-game key map settings.

Audio

Audio featureStateNotesSeparate volume controlsSurround soundSubtitlesClosed captionsMute on focus lostRoyalty free audioRed Book CD audio

	On Windows, CD music might not play correctly; see the troubleshooting guide for solutions.

Localizations

LanguageUIAudioSubNotesEnglishTraditional ChineseFrenchGermanHungarianItalianJapaneseKoreanSpanish

			Fan translation by .:i2k:. and kds link #1, link #2

Network

Multiplayer types

Connection types

Ports

ProtocolPort[s] and/or port range[s]TCPUDP

2300-2400, 47624

2300-2400

Universal Plug and Play [UPnP] support status is unknown.

Issues unresolved

Dell laptop compatibility issues

On some older Dell laptop models [e.g. the M1530] an issue occurs where the OS crashes and a blue-screen of death is displayed. This issue occurs after a seemingly random amount of gameplay time [from