Age of Empires Online

Age of Empires Online takes the classic Age of Empires real-time strategy gameplay, and places it into a quest-based online structure. Similar to the previous games in the series, most missions ask you to build up an economy, then an army, then crush all those who oppose you, with occasional more unusual missions. The differences come between missions; your capital city allows you to equip your soldiers, unlock technologies, craft items, and so on. Items, either found in missions, bought, or crafted, give per-unit-type benefits. For example, a copper sword might give a 3% damage bonus to Hoplites. Technologies are unlocked using technology points, which are acquired through gaining levels. Only unlocked technologies can be researched in a mission. Both story missions and side missions are available, with some missions repeatable to gain more XP, items, and gold.

At the time of release, Greek and Egyptian civilizations are available, with more civilizations promised. Each civilization has unique art, units, and storylines. Age of Empires Online is a free-to-play game, but each civilization can be upgraded by paying real money. The upgrade will unlock high-end items, units, and abilities. Other upgrades include quest packs and cosmetic items.

As of 3 January 2013, Microsoft ceased further development on the game. A Microsoft representative later announced on the forums that on August 22, 2013, the Games for Windows – Live Marketplace would be shut down, leaving the game only accessible by current or former players. In September 2013, it was announced that the game would remain functional until July 1, 2014 when the service would be shut down. The closure was due to the content being too expensive to maintain.

In 2017 Age of Empires Online was reestablished using Microsoft's publicly released developer-kit. A fan-made community server (Project Celeste ) that brings the excellent Age of Empires Online back to life! Play every civilization for free! free! There is no paid content – no need to buy anything!