The latest update of "Age of Empires 4" (version 15.1.6970) brings rich content and major gameplay adjustments, officially starting the twelfth season.This update coincides with the game’s launch on the PlayStation 5 early access platform, and enables full-platform cross-platform online functionality.Players can now experience a new ranked season, new season events, and multiple gameplay adjustments - including the long-awaited rework of Lancaster House Manor.In addition, the matchmaking system has been optimized and queue times have been shortened; season mode and biomes have been unlocked and can be used permanently in custom battles.

The update also previews the upcoming "Eastern Dynasty" expansion pack, which will be launched on November 4.At the same time, new maps such as "Crate", "Canyon" and "Ocean Passage" have been added to the ranked map pool.Seasonal activities such as "Holy Hearth Festival", "Seasonal Feast" and "Foreign Object in the Water" will return again, bringing unique rewards and gameplay variables to ensure that players can maintain their enthusiasm for participation during the months-long season.

Full changelog

Season 12 Overview

1. The twelfth ranked season has begun, adopting a new season content presentation method.

2. Game modes, maps and biomes (including "Map Monsters", "Full Moon" and "Seasonal Feast") can now be permanently used in custom battles.

3. Season activities will be rotated regularly, allowing players to obtain rewards that they have missed before.

Season activities

1. Holy Hearth Festival (Activity 1)

- The event returns, bringing new challenges, themed rewards and a weird atmosphere.

- The upgraded "Full Moon Mode" includes day and night alternation effects, updated werewolf appearance and optimized special effects.

- Opening hours: October 30th to December 4th.

2. Seasonal Feast (Activity 2)

- Launched a holiday-themed game mode, including collectible gift boxes and event challenges.

- Optimized generation logic ensures balanced distribution of props, and visual indicators improve recognition.

- Opening hours: December 5th to February 5th of the following year.

3. Foreign objects in water (activity three)

- Return to the "Map Monster" mode, and add special effects for monsters to appear and disappear.

- Opening hours: February 6th to April 2nd.

Twelfth Ranked Season Update

1. The season starts on October 30 and lasts until April 2.

2. Contains new challenges, rotating activities and exclusive rewards.

3. The content of the "Eastern Dynasty" expansion pack will be added for the first time (launched on November 4).

Ranked map pool rotation

1. Added new ranked maps from the "Eastern Dynasty" expansion pack: "Crater", "Canyon" and "Ocean Passage".

2. The 1v1 and team ranked map pools have been updated, replacing old maps with maps containing new terrain challenges.

3. All maps have updated biomes to bring more visual diversity to multiplayer battles.

New map preview

- "Crater": The terrain covered with meteorites contains rare gold and stone minerals.

- "Canyon": The central valley is filled with water, separating the teams on both sides, with strategic ramps and sacred object points.

- "Ocean Passage": integrates naval battles and land battles, with limited dock space and side attack routes.

Gameplay Adjustments: Lancaster Family Manor Reworked

1. The manor’s passive resource output is reduced.

2. New halo mechanism: Villagers within the range can increase food and wood production.

3. Players are encouraged to strategically place their estates to maximize resource efficiency.

Matching system optimization

After a recent server update, queue times for Quick Play and Ranked modes have been shortened.

Other instructions

Archives and match replays of older versions will no longer be compatible with version 15.1.6970.

"Age of Empires 4" is a real-time strategy game that returns to the Middle Ages, integrating classic base building, resource management and large-scale tactical battles.Players can command different civilizations through the development of four eras, participate in historical battles, or compete in multiplayer battles full of variables.The game was initially launched on the Windows PC platform on October 28, 2021, and was later expanded to the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One platforms on August 22, 2023. It will be launched on the PlayStation 5 platform for the first time on November 4, 2025.