# Age of Empires 5 speculation **URL:** \ **Category:** IV - Discussion\ **Created:** [February 11, 2026, 1:17pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965 "2026-02-11T13:17:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![MadMax8915](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/madmax8915/32/158089_2.png) [@MadMax8915](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/MadMax8915)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2026, 11:59pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/43 "2026-02-13T23:59:35Z")
> [@GoldenArmorX](#): > > As long as there isn’t another Covid-19 pandemic, another jobs crisis, or another global event (WW3?) that disrupts development, I don’t see why not. Yes, I really hope we don’t have strange events again. We need peace! Lots of peace! * * * > [@GoldenArmorX](#): > > And now that there’s better coding and operating systems than in 2019, now in 2026 they have every chance of making a good game with at least the same amount of good mechanics and historical depth as many of the AoE IV civilizations, and one that can launch with an editor, taunts, and mods from the start. Current technology is at a very pleasant level. The use of new engines with new technologies will be very interesting to see. Choosing and using an engine that facilitates easier and more stable development will be very welcome! Adding decent mod support! Yes, I love the community’s work! I hope to see that in AoE5. * * * > [@MadMax8915](#): > > Basically, it would be good for Age of Empires 5 not to try to imitate Age of Empires 4 in the aspects that hinder its development and content release. I hope they can find a perfect balance in their development and content production. When I said that, it’s because I want a different path for AoE5. Each Age of Empires followed its own style and path. For example, Age of Empires 5 could have a cooperative campaign instead of just being single-player! It could use a better and more stable engine. If what “Age of Noob” said is really close to the reality of Age of Empires 4 regarding the audio packs, I hope Age of Empires 5 finds a better balance to make things easier. * * * > [@GoldenArmorX](#): > > That said, technology is one thing, and ideas are another: > > - If your idea is bad, it doesn’t matter how you dress it up, nobody’s going to play it. > - It happened with Concord, with Suicide Squad, Atari’s E.T., and it could happen with Age of Empires V. > > Nothing is predetermined in the entertainment industry. Well, On this point, nobody knows exactly what makes one game a success and another a failure. We know that some paths tend to lead to failure, for example, when they insist on “putting an ideology” into the game and don’t worry enough about the fun and immersive part of the game. But regarding simplicity or lower visual “quality”… it has already been proven that this is not a limiting factor for success. Age of Empires 2, I would say, is far inferior to Age of Empires 4. However, AoE2 is still the most popular and preferred by the community, showing that it is still a very fun game, despite using a “simpler” engine and simpler “mechanics”. As I’ve already mentioned here: > [@MadMax8915](#): > > ## A “detailed” game with incredible visuals won’t necessarily be an absolute success. > > We have games that are very “bad” graphically and games with “few” animations, customization, and movement, and yet they are successful and extremely popular. > > **Example:** > > - Minecraft isn’t a “beautiful” game in terms of quality and detail, but it’s fun to play. It’s a very popular game worldwide. > - Counter-Strike 2, even though it’s inferior to Battlefield and Call of Duty because it lacks gameplay with various animations, gameplay mechanics, and weapon modifications, is extremely popular on Steam. Despite having extremely simple gameplay, many still prefer it. > - Tibia, a simple MMORPG, but with many players. > - World of Warcraft, despite having an incredible story, its visuals are far inferior to many other MMORPGs, yet it’s preferred by many. > > So success isn’t tied to visual “quality” or robust animations, but rather to whether it’s fun or something along those lines. So I have no idea which path Age of Empires 5 will follow. We have no idea what historical theme/period it will portray. What types of mechanics it will use. What artistic design it will adopt. Whether it will have broader support for Mods or not. And so on. ---
**Author:** ![UrbanizedGem684](https://forums.ageofempires.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/u/85f322/32.png) [@UrbanizedGem684](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/UrbanizedGem684)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 8:46am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/44 "2026-02-14T08:46:20Z")
> [@GoldenArmorX](#): > > > [@MadMax8915](#): > > > > Basically, it would be good for Age of Empires 5 not to try to imitate Age of Empires 4 in the aspects that hinder its development and content release. I hope they can find a perfect balance in their development and content production. > > As long as there isn’t another Covid-19 pandemic, another jobs crisis, or another global event (WW3?) that disrupts development, I don’t see why not. > > And now that there’s better coding and operating systems than in 2019, now in 2026 they have every chance of making a good game with at least the same amount of good mechanics and historical depth as many of the AoE IV civilizations, and one that can launch with an editor, taunts, and mods from the start. Judging from the Glassdoor reviews of Relic employees in the past, (some of which were already discussed here) if a major development disruption existed, that was coming more from the intestines of Relic itself rather than from natural disasters. Now that Relic has become a relic of its former self and is completely out of the scene, I agree with you that they have a good chance of making a good game! ---
**Author:** ![KnowingLamb8370](https://forums.ageofempires.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/9dc877/32.png) [@KnowingLamb8370](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/KnowingLamb8370)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 9:51am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/45 "2026-02-14T09:51:50Z")
> [@OperaticShip743](#): > > From what I’ve read, the variants aren’t disliked because of gameplay or mechanics. They’re disliked simply because they don’t represent a different and original culture. At some point you need to do variant civ because some civs have same architacture and language.Aslong as they did the right way its ok.First it need to be a true civ,second it need to have different unique units and landmarks. ---
**Author:** ![GorbMort](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/gorbmort/32/29103_2.png) [@GorbMort](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/GorbMort)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 10:34am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/46 "2026-02-14T10:34:04Z")
> [@MadMax8915](#): > > Well, I have different ideas than yours! Your idea boils down to closing your eyes and never criticizing. Agree to disagree again 😃 > [@MadMax8915](#): > > That doesn’t change the fact that the AoE4 engine is bad. An opinion is not, and can never be, fact. I’ve modded the Essence Engine for years. The lack of investment in the tools aside, it’s a very powerful thing, in my opinion 🙂 > [@MadMax8915](#): > > Imagine if they released Dawn of War 4 in the same way They released DoW III in a much more polished state, and that game didn’t do well at all. You have a theory, and you’re sticking to it. That’s entirely your right. But I genuinely suggest maybe taking on board different opinions. There’s nothing wrong with Essence. It’s undergone repeated evolutionary leaps. Relic _have_ engine programmers (which is a highly sought-after role). All they need is the time to invest that experience properly. Relic are even advertising a senior animator role, ideally within a proprietary engine. This has _zero_ relation to any AoE V, I’d be very surprised if Relic were involved in any hypothetical new project (vs. supporting AoE IV, which they’re still doing). But it shows the commitment to their in-house engine even as they experiment with off-the-shelf brands like Unreal. ![image](https://forums.ageofempires.com/uploads/default/original/3X/e/f/ef35397d612f5278aa485e523e8d265ee489b2b5.png) ---
**Author:** ![KnowingLamb8370](https://forums.ageofempires.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/9dc877/32.png) [@KnowingLamb8370](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/KnowingLamb8370)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 2:54pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/47 "2026-02-14T14:54:20Z")
Guys they might be really working on AoE5 because they removed the AoE 4 dlc news.Age of noob probably heard something from the inside then made the video. For AoE 5 they can use this method: > [@KnowingLamb8370](#): > > If making dlc’s for AoE 4 is hard atleast they can make cultural units and buildings in AoE 5.Like European,Middle Eastern,Central Asian,Asian,Indian and African.Every culture group will have differnet buildings and unit skins but nations in that cultures will have same units and buildings.French and english will have same unit and building skins.Every nation is gonna have maximum 2 unique units other units will have the same stats. If its going to happen in the same timeline with AoE 3 this game need serious gunpowder sounds and smoke effects(these effects should be optimized to put low pressure on pc). ---
**Author:** ![MadMax8915](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/madmax8915/32/158089_2.png) [@MadMax8915](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/MadMax8915)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 5:33pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/49 "2026-02-14T17:33:24Z")
> [@GorbMort](#): > > Agree to disagree again 😃 As far as I’m concerned, you can disagree forever. Your only intention is to disagree, since a few weeks ago, in another topic, you even changed the meaning of a “Term” just to disagree… And I had to seek out a professional in the field to show you that you were forcing a situation to the point of changing the meaning of the term. So I can no longer trust you after that point. Regarding the errors in unit development and animation flaws in AoE4… these are real facts. This didn’t happen on the same scale in games like Company of Heroes and Dawn of War. We may have differences regarding the engine change, but other things are obvious; just open your eyes and see. But it’s clear you’re pretending not to see what I’ve reported about the flaws. And you keep disagreeing, thinking everything is perfect. You fall into one of these two categories below: - You’re dating or married to a developer, so if you say something bad about the game, when you get home, she’ll scold you. - Or… - You love Age of Empires IV excessively and ignore any flaws or slip-ups in the game, pretending they never happened and that they still do. * * * > [@GorbMort](#): > > An opinion is not, and can never be, fact. My opinion isn’t just my own. I’m reporting facts, not just stating my own opinion. Look at the errors, I didn’t invent these errors, they existed and some still exist (the list of errors is longer, but it’s boring for me to keep listing each thing, that’s enough to understand): > [@Improving Age of Empires IV Section 1: Graphics, animations, and physics](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/improving-age-of-empires-iv-section-1-graphics-animations-and-physics/283424/48): > > The arrow was following a straight trajectory (It seemed more like a gunshot than an arrow, because no matter the distance, it traveled in a straight line.). But they managed to adjust it for a more realistic effect > [@MadMax8915](#): > > - Elephants didn’t have a visible and decent animation for melee combat. The animation was added much later. > - The Crossbowman and Handcannoner didn’t have reloading animations. After a long time, it was added. > - The “Bombard” cannon, when packaged, didn’t have wheels; it floated or slid across the map. Later, wheels were added so it could move. > - There was a warrior, I don’t remember his name now, who would strike with his sword using the opposite side. The non-cutting side. And they only fixed it later. > - There was another warrior, “Limitanei,” who has a horrible texture error on his head, totally crumpled and crooked. I don’t know if they fixed that one, but I believe they did. > And so it goes, > > Another problem, > The game is still “broken” in terms of its compatibility or stability. > > The game closes or freezes or shows a black screen for several people, but nothing happens to others. > > Here in my region, 6 friends abandoned the game in the last two years. And why? Because they can’t play private matches with friends… This error has happened to each of them, which shows that it wasn’t a problem for just one person. > > This error only happens with AoE4. This error doesn’t appear in any other game or any other Age of Empires. > > The strangest thing is that if you play ALONE, the error doesn’t appear. However, in private/custom matches with friends, it will happen occasionally. You can pretend that none of this ever happened. But anyone who has played since launch knows this. I repeat, I haven’t seen this happening with the Company of Heroes and Dawn of War series games. Generally, the problems with these other games are more related to balancing and changes in mechanics that alter the gameplay from one title to another, which generates some differences of opinion. * * * > [@GorbMort](#): > > I’ve modded the Essence Engine for years. The lack of investment in the tools aside, it’s a very powerful thing, in my opinion 🙂 Yes, I agree with that part. The Essence Engine is incredibly realistic, given its level of efficiency in the Company of Heroes series and its evolution in Dawn of War. However, it behaves differently in AoE4. Just look at the machine operators in Company of Heroes, who are extremely realistic, but were “deleted” in Age of Empires 4 because they were difficult for them to perform at that time. At the same time, the firing and explosion effects, which in Company of Heroes, in addition to physics, are extremely realistic, something that was left aside in AoE4. Important to highlight. There’s also the graphical issue. AoE4 doesn’t utilize the full potential of the Essence Engine, as I’ve already mentioned regarding the effects and animations of the siege engines; however, this also applies to the game as a whole: overall graphics and modeling. Everyone should already know that originally, Age of Empires IV was intended to be closer to the quality level seen in the Company of Heroes series… however, they decided to completely change the game’s design to what we have today. Photos below of the first realistic models from AoE4: ![AoE4-002](https://forums.ageofempires.com/uploads/default/original/3X/8/4/842cc5440944c90d0b2835719e88b8b4195f0b10.jpeg) ![AoE4-003](https://forums.ageofempires.com/uploads/default/original/3X/1/b/1bb865987a04fbf019e0de95a868cd9c2407ced6.jpeg) ![IMG20220717144150](https://forums.ageofempires.com/uploads/default/original/3X/c/9/c9c2495660d0af51edddf28835112c974ebf812c.jpeg) ![IMG20220717143930](https://forums.ageofempires.com/uploads/default/original/3X/b/7/b732534726601f34359f8ae8d8df37741ccc9bef.jpeg) * * * > [@GorbMort](#): > > They released DoW III in a much more polished state, and that game didn’t do well at all. You don’t know the real reason for Dawn of War 3’s failure. It’s not because the Essence Engine was more “refined” and “improved” that the game failed. The reason for the failure was mainly these 3 points: - Mixing MOBA elements with RTS - Completely removing the tactical cover style seen in their other games. - Artistic style, too colorful for the vast majority of conservative players. * * * > [@GorbMort](#): > > There’s nothing wrong with Essence. It’s undergone repeated evolutionary leaps. Relic _have_ engine programmers (which is a highly sought-after role). That’s not entirely true, in every sense. The problems seen in Age of Empires 4 didn’t happen in Relic’s games. Not on the same scale of failures. I once read something that suggests Age of Empires 4 used a modified version of the Essence Engine, perhaps there was some problem in that area. Since for Company of Heroes and Dawn of War, it works perfectly without strange errors and never had modeling and animation problems. Another important thing… this Essence Engine is LIMITING! It may be perfect for micro combat! But that doesn’t mean it performs well in all types of situations. ## Look at this: ### Dawn of War 4! This game ABANDONED the Essence Engine. ### For the first time in history, Dawn of War will not use the Essence Engine! **Research the reason behind this and you will find the answer!** * * * > [@GorbMort](#): > > All they need is the time to invest that experience properly. Yes, I agree. If they are going to do what they were supposed to do with the first official design for Age of Empires IV (and don’t abandon it), something focused 100% on realism like the Company of Heroes and Dawn of War series of games, where the feeling of war and combat immersion matters. They should use a well-updated, correct, and reliable version of the Essence Engine, without repeating the instability and compatibility flaws of AoE4. Since these flaws practically don’t exist in Relic games (my friends and I have never had problems with Relic games, nothing that prevented us from playing in peace). * * * ### I will no longer respond to you in this thread. ### Everything has been answered, and more than once. I will play my games peacefully with my friends in the coming days. If you want to disagree for random reasons and ignore the facts, that’s your conscience. ### What I REALLY want to see in Age of Empires 5: - I want an AoE5 DIFFERENT from AoE4. - I want something more realistic, detailed, immersive, with visual and physics impact! - With a better Cooperative system, also included for Campaigns (I want campaigns with friends). - Better AI, with various levels of customization. - Better stability and compatibility! No more idiotic errors and random crashes during matches. - Anything that might hinder the future development of DLCs, such as excessive audio packs as reported by “Age of Noob” and seen by “BeastyqtSC2,” where both agree on the excess in AoE4, should be considered. A balance must be found, something that doesn’t hinder or harm the future development of content. Anyway, I hope for the BEST for AoE5! ---
**Author:** ![GorbMort](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/gorbmort/32/29103_2.png) [@GorbMort](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/GorbMort)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 7:46pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/50 "2026-02-14T19:46:02Z")
> [@MadMax8915](#): > > Regarding the errors in unit development and animation flaws in AoE4… these are real facts. This didn’t happen on the same scale in games like Company of Heroes and Dawn of War. Sure they did. Again, these are not flaws with the engine. AoE IV uses Essence the same way every Relic game since CoH has done. These things, as I said originally, are because all games are released on a schedule, for a given due date. > [@MadMax8915](#): > > But it’s clear you’re pretending not to see what I’ve reported about the flaws. I don’t think you can say with any degree of confidence or accurately what problems with any game engine exist. But like I said, agree to disagree. It’s very obvious you’re trying to make this personal, and I’ve said everything I can say. Cheers 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![GoldenArmorX](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/goldenarmorx/32/30565_2.png) [@GoldenArmorX](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/GoldenArmorX)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 9:11pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/51 "2026-02-14T21:11:21Z")
I would ask the moderators if they could move this post to the Off-topic section. The topic has nothing to do with Age of Empires 4, and most of the article is based on rumors. ---
**Author:** ![KnowingLamb8370](https://forums.ageofempires.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/9dc877/32.png) [@KnowingLamb8370](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/KnowingLamb8370)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2026, 12:57pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/52 "2026-02-15T12:57:22Z")
It says AoE 5 speculation at the headline ---
**Author:** ![Chickoo1990](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/chickoo1990/32/166060_2.png) [@Chickoo1990](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Chickoo1990)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2026, 8:15am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/53 "2026-02-16T08:15:35Z")
The most important thing for Age of Empires 5 would be that it takes place in a different time period and thus adheres to the original plan (timeline). That would probably be World War I or II. ---
**Author:** ![KnowingLamb8370](https://forums.ageofempires.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/9dc877/32.png) [@KnowingLamb8370](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/KnowingLamb8370)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2026, 8:29am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/54 "2026-02-16T08:29:20Z")
It will probably be victorian era ---
**Author:** ![OperaticShip743](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/operaticship743/32/104612_2.png) [@OperaticShip743](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/OperaticShip743)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2026, 5:03pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/55 "2026-02-16T17:03:20Z")
In my opinion, it’s better to remake AOE-1 and focus on a more specific period of antiquity to avoid anachronisms. ---
**Author:** ![MatM1996](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/matm1996/32/29566_2.png) [@MatM1996](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/MatM1996)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2026, 5:41am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/56 "2026-02-18T05:41:00Z")
> [@GoldenArmorX](#): > > The game was originally going to be released this year, but then COVID-19 hit, delaying many things, preventing many expected changes, and putting the project on hold. No, they weren’t going to release it in 2020 if that year was for Age of Empires III… it was one Age of Empires game per year to prepare for the arrival of Age of Empires IV: 2018: Age of Empires I DE 2019: Age of Empires II DE 2020: Age of Empires III DE and then, in 2021: Age of Empires IV > [@GoldenArmorX](#): > > And we already got past that thing of unique units limited to 2 since AoE3, I don’t think it’s right to regress. > > In fact, the reason I switched to AoE4 from AoE2 is because it has more historical depth and representation of civilizations, exceeding the limit of 2 unique units and technologies, and even the Japanese have 14 unique units and that’s fine. > > If AoE5 is going back to the regional theme of AoE2 and limiting units and voices just to save resources, I didn’t gonna play it. Yes, they’re not going back… every civilization since AoE 3 and more in AoE 4 already has, or needs to have, 5 UUs or more to be entertaining…I even feel that the French in AoE 3 and the HRE in AoE 4 now feel somewhat simplistic with so few UUs and should improve in that aspect… > [@GoldenArmorX](#): > > **Ayyubid** was the only one that survived, precisely because: its mechanics were interesting, it had many new unique units, and it was “different” from its parent civilization (Abbasid), which, while focused on economic boom, was more of a rush-or-die strategy, with a weaker economy and a different age progression system. Yes, I feel that was the only variant from that DLC that fit well with the game… Order of the Dragon could fit well, but they would have to rework it to include Hungarian and Balkan units (Magyar Hussar, Stradiot, Boyar along with the Gilded units)… > [@GoldenArmorX](#): > > Making another Age of Empires game, even with the minimum standards of Age of Empires 4, would cost enough for a publisher to have to announce that something big is in the works, and that doesn’t seem to be the case. Yes, I think AoE 5 could arrive in 2027, but if AoE 4 does well with the DLCs, they could push the date back to the 2030s… > [@MadMax8915](#): > > Therefore, I hope that AoE5 will actually change its graphics engine and use an engine that is easy to use so that more team members can work and speed up the process. Well, if AoE 5 uses Unreal Engine 5, then that’s a point in their favor… > [@MadMax8915](#): > > Each Age of Empires followed its own style and path. > > For example, Age of Empires 5 could have a cooperative campaign instead of just being single-player! Yes, AoE 5 could end up incorporating a large Total War-style campaign map like Pharaoh if it’s set in the Bronze Age, Rome 2 if it’s in the Iron Age, Empire/Napoleon if it’s in the colonial era, Aggression if it’s in the 20th century, and if it covers all of history, RoN or EE3… > [@GorbMort](#): > > There’s nothing wrong with Essence. It’s undergone repeated evolutionary leaps. Relic _have_ engine programmers (which is a highly sought-after role). All they need is the time to invest that experience properly. > > Relic are even advertising a senior animator role, ideally within a proprietary engine. > > This has _zero_ relation to any AoE V, I’d be very surprised if Relic were involved in any hypothetical new project (vs. supporting AoE IV, which they’re still doing). But it shows the commitment to their in-house engine even as they experiment with off-the-shelf brands like Unreal. > [@MadMax8915](#): > > They should use a well-updated, correct, and reliable version of the Essence Engine, without repeating the instability and compatibility flaws of AoE4. Since these flaws practically don’t exist in Relic games (my friends and I have never had problems with Relic games, nothing that prevented us from playing in peace). Yes, I see that in the future they will incorporate elements of UE5 into the Essence Engine… > [@KnowingLamb8370](#): > > If its going to happen in the same timeline with AoE 3 this game need serious gunpowder sounds and smoke effects(these effects should be optimized to put low pressure on pc). Yes, I don’t see any problem there, because AoE always nails the soundtrack and sound… > [@MadMax8915](#): > > Photos below of the first realistic models from AoE4: Yes, it looked great… > [@Chickoo1990](#): > > The most important thing for Age of Empires 5 would be that it takes place in a different time period and thus adheres to the original plan (timeline). That would probably be World War I or II. > [@KnowingLamb8370](#): > > It will probably be victorian era > [@OperaticShip743](#): > > In my opinion, it’s better to remake AOE-1 and focus on a more specific period of antiquity to avoid anachronisms. Yes, there are 3 possibilities: 1. 20th Century (World Wars and Cold War) (1914-1991): Unlikely, since if Relic does it, they won’t want to compete with CoH 4…if Paradox or CA does it, that’s another story… 2. Victorian/Early Modern Age (actually, it could be from the Renaissance to the end of the Victorian Age) (1400-1900): Possible, given that they stopped supporting AoE 3 DE and will try to get those players to move to a new AoE set in the same era, aka AoE 5 as a chronological sequel to AoE 4… 3. Antiquity (5000 BC-500 AD) (to Copper to Dark Age where AoE 4 begins): Most likely, given that both AoE 1 DE and AoE Online are set in the same era and weren’t the expected success, and Return of Rome/Chronicles has the same technical limitations as AoE 2 DE…if AoM Retold does well, perhaps we’ll see an AoE 5 set in Antiquity as chronological prequel to AoE 4 as AoE 4 is compared to AoE 3, and even we could see an Age of Mythology 2 and leave Age of Empires 5 for later with the first two options… I would add a fourth option to cover the entire history, but I would leave that in case they make a RoN 2 after a RoN DE, or even if Microsoft acquires the IP, an Empire Earth 4 similar to Empire Eternal… ---
**Author:** ![HasanIchess](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/hasanichess/32/103811_2.png) [@HasanIchess](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/HasanIchess)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2026, 12:39am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/57 "2026-09-24T00:39:50Z")
I consider it appropriate to close this topic; thank you. > [@Today's News: Major Layoffs Hit World's Edge. What Lies Ahead for the Team?](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/todays-news-major-layoffs-hit-worlds-edge-what-lies-ahead-for-the-team/289873): > > “Adam Isgreen, longtime Creative Director at World’s Edge and the key creative lead for the Age of Empires franchise, confirmed via professional social platforms on September 22 that nearly half of the studio’s staff has been laid off in Microsoft’s latest first-party studio restructuring round. Isgreen also verified that his position was included in the layoff roster, bringing an end to his years-long tenure overseeing the creative direction and iterative development of the entireAge of Empire… ---
**Author:** ![Franknezu11](https://forums.ageofempires.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/f/a6a055/32.png) [@Franknezu11](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Franknezu11)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2026, 11:41am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/58 "2026-09-24T11:41:31Z")
![image](https://forums.ageofempires.com/uploads/default/original/3X/4/5/45deb0dab58efd5a2f36de8d673627685b68ac29.png) probably yes but… ---
**Author:** ![MatM1996](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/matm1996/32/29566_2.png) [@MatM1996](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/MatM1996)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2026, 1:45pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/59 "2026-09-24T13:45:45Z")
Yes, AoE 5 was apparently canceled…😔 ---
**Author:** ![Malloxfire](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/malloxfire/32/37978_2.png) [@Malloxfire](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Malloxfire)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2026, 2:57am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/60 "2026-09-25T02:57:17Z")
Its between Aoe 4, Starcraft 2 and Aoe 3 for me all pretty close in terms of hours spent. > [@MatM1996](#): > > Yes, AoE 5 was apparently canceled…😔 Sadly it seems so for now . . . But . . . when it does come close I hope we get another **closed beta** for us **age insiders** again. That was such a blast playing with all the civs before the game was even out and how they listened to all our feedback. I managed to convince all my friends to join the the second closed beta and become insiders and then they all bought the game when it came out. . . Good times . . . ---
**Author:** ![Malloxfire](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/malloxfire/32/37978_2.png) [@Malloxfire](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Malloxfire)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2026, 3:11am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/61 "2026-09-25T03:11:38Z")
> [@KnowingLamb8370](#): > > It will probably be victorian era I hope its antiquity to be honest as that one is in need of a remake in my opinion. Aoe 3 is still holding out in my books and will be for years to come. Though I am biased because I played aoe 3 as a kid. ---
**Author:** ![KnowingLamb8370](https://forums.ageofempires.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/9dc877/32.png) [@KnowingLamb8370](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/KnowingLamb8370)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2026, 10:04am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/62 "2026-09-25T10:04:12Z")
> [@Malloxfire](#): > > I hope its antiquity Age of empires 1 timeline? ---
**Author:** ![MatM1996](https://forums.ageofempires.com/user_avatar/forums.ageofempires.com/matm1996/32/29566_2.png) [@MatM1996](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/MatM1996)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2026, 12:29pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965/63 "2026-09-25T12:29:38Z")
Yes, something like AOEO (if they stick with the cartoon aesthetic) or 0 AD (if they go for something a bit more realistic)… ![image](https://forums.ageofempires.com/uploads/default/original/3X/b/8/b8d875c9d3e3c666d5d67a03d0e9d3567a39ebe4.jpeg) AoEO:Basically a mix between AoE 1, AoE 3 and WoW… ![image](https://forums.ageofempires.com/uploads/default/original/3X/4/5/45adcc931421b9ba36780493b70ee5b549499fb9.jpeg) 0AD: a game set in classical antiquity as a successor to the Rome at War mod (from classic AoE 2) or Romae at Bellum and Chronicles (in AoE 2 DE) but made in 3D using Unity… [Previous page](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965.md?page=2) [Next page](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-5-speculation/283965.md?page=4)