It’s always bittersweet when a beloved game reaches the end of its lifecycle, and Steam has recently announced that the iconicAge of Empires 3will no longer be available for purchase. Plus, on Jun 22, 2025, online multiplayer mode services will cease and that adds even more to the sense of finality. However, online multiplayer is the only area of the game that will no longer be available.
Those who own the game will still be able to play campaign and skirmish modes. The reported reason behind discontinuing multiplayer is that the technology is no longer supported on the platform.Age of Empires 3and the franchise itself has been a cult-favorite through decades and while the previous games were mainly only known for their campaign modes,Age of Empires 3was still loved by its community and thoroughly enjoyed on multiplayer too.
Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition Will Continue To Be Supported
It’s good to know, however, thatAge of Empires 3: Definitive Editionwill continue to be supported, offering players an updated experience with modern improvements and new content. TheDefinitive Editionis available on both Steam and Windows Store with 4 DLC additions that expand the civilizations and campaigns even further. For players who aren’t familiar with the edition and would like to try the game before converting to it, a free trial version of the game is available as well.
For those who enjoyed the multiplayer aspect of the original 2007 version, the transition may feel like the end of an era, but at least the campaign andskirmish modesfrom the original will still be accessible. Plus, theDefinitive Editionoffers additional content and enhancements that could attract both veteran players of the game as well as newcomers.
The Definitive Edition Offers a Similar Experience With Improvements
TheAge of Empires 3: Definitive Editionalso brings several quality-of-life updates, such as improved AI, revamped UI, and better multiplayer matchmaking services. This makes the experience smoother for both single-player andcompetitive multiplayer gamers. Based on years of community feedback, this edition includes refined game balance and improvements to the mechanics that weren’t as polished in the original.
Skirmishers and Crossbowmen, for instance, have had their damage and cost adjusted to better balance early-game infantry rush strategies. Artilleryunits inAge of Empiressuch as the Culverin and Falconet have been rebalanced with tweaks to their cost-effectiveness and counters, making them more viable in various stages of the game — in addition to several more updates.
How Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition Multiplayer Is Better Than Original
The sole reason for discontinuing theAge of Empires 3multiplayer is the lack of Legacy support. So the players who are solely interested inmultiplayer gameplay, theAge of Empires 3: Definitive Editionfully supports multiplayer. In fact, it offers an enhanced multiplayer experience compared to the original 2007 version.
The multiplayer system has been upgraded with better matchmaking algorithms to ensure fairer games by matching players of similar skill levels. Plus, it also offers cross-platform support asplayers on Steamand Microsoft Store can compete against each other, allowing for a larger player base and more diverse matchups. The game also continues to get more frequent updates and patches based on player feedback, which was not the case with the original game.
Age of Empires 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition completes the celebration of one of the most beloved real-time strategy franchises in definitive form with enhanced features and modernized gameplay.Command mighty civilizations from across Europe and the Americas or jump to the battlefields of Asia in stunning 4K Ultra HD graphics and with a fully remastered soundtrack.Now featuring two new game modes: Co-Op Historical Battles and The Art of War Challenge Missions, including all previously released expansions and all 14 civilizations, plus two brand new civilizations – the Swedes and Inca.Head online to challenge other players with updated online multiplayer with cross network play and enjoy modern gaming features including spectator modes and mod support.Complete your collection with this final chapter in the Age of Empires Definitive Edition journey.
