Age of Empires 2 vs. 3 vs. 4 – Which Game is the Most Played and Why?

Though the Age of Empires series has changed with time, Age of Empires 2 remains the greatest game among them. Its top position has been maintained by its sophisticated strategy, balanced civilizations, and committed community.

Conversely, AOE3 and AOE4 felt cut off from the basic mechanics of the series—AoE3 with its new systems and AOE4 needing high-end hardware and a costly price tag at launch.

Let’s start with Age of Empires 2 and work our way down to Age of Empires 4 to understand the history and the mistakes that Microsoft made in the past.

Why Age of Empires 2 Still Holds the Throne

Age of Empires 2 was released on 30 September 1999.

It was freely available on CD-ROMs and via torrents during the age of desktop computers over twenty years ago.

In fact, I remember stumbling upon a Spanish CD of the AoE2 trial version among a stack my uncle gave me.

From that moment, I was captivated.

The MSN Zone multiplayer platform connected hundreds of players with ADSL internet…

No internet? No problem.

AoE2 yet supported LAN play for up to eight computers.

It was accessible entertainment, even if your household couldn’t afford internet.

In 2001, the game saw its first major tournament—“The Age of Empires II: The Conquerors International Tournament” sponsored by Microsoft.

This event ignited the competitive scene.

When MSN Zone ceased hosting games in 2005, the community didn’t fade.

Voobly emerged around 2007, sustaining multiplayer engagements until the release of Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition in 2019.

Today, AoE2 has a massive player base on Steam and the Microsoft Store.

What Makes AoE2 the Most Played?

Now coming to the reasons that make AoE2 what it is today.

1. Runs Smoothly on Any Computer: You don’t need a high-end PC. Even modest setups handle it effortlessly.
2. Deep Game Mechanics: The game is rich with hidden mechanics. For instance:
   • Units attacking from higher ground deal 25% bonus damage and receive 25% less damage.
   • Spearmen have bonus damage against cavalry units, Huskarls inflict bonus damage on archers, etc. These mechanics add layers of strategy and reward players who delve deeper into the game’s intricacies.

    

3. Balanced and Diverse Civilizations: Almost every civilization has access to core units, upgrades, and technologies. When a civilization lacks a standard unit—like the Spanish missing crossbowmen—they’re compensated with a unique unit, such as the Conquistador, to fill that role. This ensures fair matchups and equal opportunities across the board.
4. Nostalgia and Historical Campaigns: Reliving historical events through the campaigns adds depth and educational value. It’s strategy intertwined with storytelling.
5. Clear 2D Graphics: The simplicity of the 2D sprites keeps everything clear and accessible. The visuals are straightforward, making gameplay intuitive.
6. Abundant Content: With a vast array of maps, campaigns, mods, civilizations, and DLCs, there’s always something new to explore. The Definitive Edition has only expanded this content.
7. Active Streaming Community: Prominent streamers like TheViper, T90Official, MembTV, and Hera keep the community engaged with live streams, tutorials, and tournaments.
8. Thriving Competitive Scene: AoE2 has the largest competitive scene in the series, with regular tournaments like Red Bull Wololo drawing international attention.

Where Did Age of Empires 3 and 4 Fall Short?

Age of Empires 3 launched on 18 October 2005.

But it didn’t run well on many computers of that era.

Players expected it to build upon AoE2, but Microsoft took a different path.

They revamped nearly everything:

• Units and Mechanics: Introduced the Home City system with shipments and an XP system to unlock units. Villagers no longer required drop-off sites for resources.
• Graphics and Camera: The visuals had a lack of contrast, making everything appear foggy. Camera angles and zoom levels felt unfamiliar compared to AoE2.

These drastic changes made AoE3 feel disconnected from its predecessor.

The new mechanics were overwhelming, and many felt the game was oversimplified.

Mechanics from AoE2 were dismissed, leaving most players feeling disappointed.

Age of Empires 4, released on 28 October 2021, faced its own challenges.

It demanded high-end hardware, limiting accessibility.

At a hefty $50 price tag initially, was a significant investment.

Only after the price dropped to $20 did it become more approachable.

While AoE4 attempted to reintroduce some classic mechanics, it missed key details.

For example, the removal of food decay when hunting, and villagers inability to herd or claim sheep, only scouts can and siege units became stronger, etc.

Compared to AoE2, both AoE3 and AoE4 offered less content in terms of maps, civilizations, and campaigns.

What Happened to Age of Empires 3?

In 2023, Age of Empires 3 transitioned to a free-to-play model.

The player base had dwindled, and multiplayer lobbies were sparse.

Making the game free was an effort to rejuvenate the community.

While the core game is free, DLCs are available for purchase, unlocking additional civilizations and content.

For more details, you can visit the official announcement on the Age of Empires website.

FAQs

Is Age of Empires 2 still worth playing today?

Absolutely.

With the Definitive Edition enhancing graphics and gameplay, coupled with an active community, AoE2 remains vibrant.

You can find it on Steam.

Why didn’t Age of Empires 3 achieve the same popularity as AoE2?

AoE3 deviated significantly from AoE2’s core mechanics and aesthetics.

The introduction of new systems like the Home City and changes in resource management made it feel like a different game.

These shifts didn’t resonate with fans expecting a continuation of AoE2’s legacy.

Can my computer run Age of Empires 4?

AoE4 requires more robust hardware compared to its predecessors.

Here are a minimum requirements and that being sad the game yet runs in poor performance with those:

OS: Windows 10 64bit | Windows 11 64bit.
Processor: Intel Core i5-6300U or AMD Ryzen 5 2400G | CPU with AVX support required.
Memory: 8 GB RAM.
Graphics: Intel HD 520 or AMD Radeon RX Vega 11.
DirectX: Version 12.
Storage: 50 GB available space.

Is Age of Empires 3 free now?

Yes, as of 2023, AoE3 is free-to-play.

While the base game is free, DLCs that unlock all civilizations are available for purchase.

Visit the official Age of Empires website for more information.

Which Age of Empires has the largest player base?

Age of Empires 2 continues to have the largest and most active player community in the series.

Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless design and engaging gameplay.

Final Thoughts

Perhaps it’s nostalgia.

Maybe it’s the depth of mechanics and balance.

But Age of Empires 2 possesses a unique charm that its successors haven’t replicated.

Microsoft may have missed the mark with AoE3 by straying too far from what made AoE2 beloved.

AoE4 has potential, especially with its price reduction.

However, challenging the legacy of AoE2—a game with over 25 years of community support and affection—is a monumental task.

In the end, choosing between Age of Empires 2, 3, and 4 isn’t just about the newest release or the flashiest graphics.

It’s about the experience.

And for many of us, AoE2 remains unmatched.