Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Lords of the West

New Civilizations and Strategic Depth

The expansion introduces two entirely new civilizations to the roster, each possessing unique economic bonuses, architectural styles, and specialized military units that necessitate adapting standard RTS strategies.

The Burgundians

This civilization emphasizes economic development and late-game military power. Their mechanics often reward players who can successfully leverage wealth accumulation to field powerful, specialized units, offering a distinct path to victory compared to other factions.

The Sicilians

The Sicilians are characterized by their strong defensive capabilities and cultural synthesis. Their unique features often relate to early-game resilience and the ability to fuse different cultural influences, providing a robust defensive foundation for players.

What New Content Does This Expansion Add?

The core focus of this addition is providing substantial new material for existing players. It integrates seamlessly into the main game's structure, meaning new units and technologies are available across standard multiplayer and skirmish matches once unlocked. The primary additions include:

• Two new playable civilizations: The Burgundians and The Sicilians.
• Three new historical campaigns that utilize these new factions.
• New unique units and corresponding technologies integrated into the respective civilization tech trees.

What Historical Narratives Are Included?

The expansion features three distinct campaigns set across Western Europe and the Mediterranean, allowing players to experience pivotal historical moments through new lenses.

Edward Longshanks (Britons Campaign)

This storyline follows Edward I as he seeks to consolidate power and expand English influence following periods of internal strife. The narrative takes players through conflicts in England, Wales, and Scotland, emphasizing both military command and political maneuvering.

The Grand Dukes of the West (Burgundians Campaign)

This campaign focuses on the Dukes of Burgundy and their complex political and military maneuvering against the French crown, highlighting their growing wealth and ambition to establish their own domain.

The Hautevilles (Sicilians Campaign)

This narrative traces the rise of the Hauteville family, charting their transformation from a small band of Norman adventurers into the rulers of the sophisticated Kingdom of Sicily, showcasing a fusion of diverse cultures.

How Does This Content Change the Core Experience?

As an expansion, it requires the base game on PC (Microsoft Windows) or Xbox consoles (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One). It enhances the overall strategic landscape by adding two new strategic approaches (Burgundians and Sicilians) and providing fresh, narrative-driven scenarios for single-player engagement. The scope is comparable to other major content additions for the Definitive Edition, offering significant replayability through new faction dynamics.