AoE2 is getting a Naval rework in 2026
As a new development, a new ship type will be tested for a new tournament in AoE2, along with new technologies and a complete overhaul of AoE2’s marine combat system.
The interesting thing here is that it won’t be a standalone mod tournament; instead, a “Cannon” mod is planned for the base game next year.
Some of the changes:
- Fishing boats can shelter in Docks (like in AoE4)
- Ships have 3 upgrade levels (like in AoE4)
- Special technologies for each type of military ship (like in AoE4)
- Some technologies will be moved to university
- New Melee Ship type: HULK LINE (The desired Boarding Ship from AoE4!!!)
Thalassocracy tournament changes are going to be Cannon:
The New Ship: HULK
Line: Hulk → War Hulk → Carrack
Good against fire ships, weak against explosives.
According to Ornlu’s testing, they’re good against almost everything, although they’re only supposed to be good against fire ships. It’s assumed they use grappling hooks to dock and board enemy ships, hence the melee damage.
While that, in AoE4
Honestly, ever since Chronicles Battles for Greece came out, I’ve been craving another sea rework so we could have more ship types and make the battles more exciting.
Considering how AoE4 has improved since its release, I feel like in the future, if they add New Campaigns, or even historical battles with some naval combat, we’ll struggle with representation if there aren’t enough ship types:
- Especially considering that many battles were done using ships as fighting platforms, so a melee, boarding, or grappling ship would be great.
Hopefully, if it turns out well for AoE2, maybe they’ll also consider making new ship types for AoE4’s naval combat. The idea of moving some techs to university is interesting.
And well, to be frank, I’m JEALOUS:
