Exciting New DLC Coming to Age of Empires IV: Knights of Cross and Rose
Microsoft and Relic Entertainment recently announced fresh content for Age of Empires IV, indicating that support for the game remains strong. The highly anticipated first installment in their DLC strategy is titled Age of Empires IV: Knights of Cross and Rose, which promises to introduce two new factions for skirmish and multiplayer enthusiasts, alongside new maps, gameplay modes, and historical single-player missions.
Introducing Two New Armies
This upcoming DLC brings the Knights Templar and the House of Lancaster into the fray as unique variants of the French and English civilizations, respectively. Despite their status as variants, Relic has assured fans that these factions will feature an intriguing array of distinctive units, upgrades, and abilities that set them apart from their original counterparts.
Knights Templar: A Force of History
The Knights Templar will come equipped with potent advantages upon their launch. According to the developers, their influence is captured through the innovative Commanderie Age Up system, allowing players to select one of three allies at each Age transition to gain permanent bonuses and unique units. Furthermore, the Templars are renowned for constructing robust fortifications throughout Europe and the Levant, making their unique keep—the Fortress—a crucial strategic asset in gameplay.
Historically, Templar Commanderies were established in nearly every European Kingdom acting as a source of power and prestige for the Order. With Knights of Cross and Rose, this system is brought to life with the Commanderie Age Up system, in which you can select one of three allies with each Age to receive a permanent bonus and unique unit. Did we mention yet that Knights Templar have a lot of unique units?
Furthermore, the Templars built a lot (like a lot a lot) of Castles, Fortresses, and various fortifications around Europe and the Levant. Thus, the Fortress, their unique keep, plays a key strategic role in their overall gameplay.
House of Lancaster: Masters of Range
On the other hand, the House of Lancaster brings its own historical legacy to the battlefield. Renowned for their superior ranged combat tactics and commitment to the arts, this faction introduces gameplay mechanics inspired by their rich history. Notably, they will have a powerful ability called Synchronized Shot, enabling a widespread volley attack, complemented by their unique resource-generating building, the Manor.
The Lancasters were known for their unparalleled ranged tactics on the battlefield and an unyielding patronage of the arts and sciences.
These historical elements inspired much of the gameplay when bringing the House of Lancaster variant civilization to life in this upcoming DLC. Not only does this variant civilization come equipped with a powerful ability called Synchronized Shot, which allows for a wide-ranging volley shot, but they’re also bolstered by the Manor, a unique building that generates resources.
Engaging Campaign Content with Historical Battles
For fans of single-player campaigns, the new Historical Battles mode will deliver exciting gameplay opportunities. This feature allows players to immerse themselves in significant historical moments, experimenting with strategies to rewrite outcomes of pivotal battles. Each Historical Battle will include secrets, traps, and various objectives to enhance replayability.
A comprehensive scoring system will also be included, offering players insights into their efficiency in battle and exploration across the maps.
Release Information
The Age of Empires IV – Knights of Cross and Rose DLC is scheduled for release in spring 2025 and will be available on PC (via Steam and Microsoft Store) as well as Xbox Series X|S consoles.
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