Hello, and welcome to the official release of Age of Empires: Definitive Edition on Steam! For those of you who have been playing and waiting for this moment to play with your friends, there’s just one more step for you to take:
In order to enjoy all the benefits of cross-network play, existing owners of AoE: Definitive Edition on the Windows Store will need to download a brand-new client. This is a completely free download for anyone who already has AoE: Definitive Edition in their Windows Store library.
Note: If you see a GREY client image, you are running the OLD game client.
Don’t panic; all your existing game saves, progress, and even your unlocked achievements will be transferred. In fact, any achievements you’ve earned in AoE: Definitive Edition will automatically unlock in the new client and even count towards your Xbox Gamerscore—so enjoy the double points!
Updating to the NEW AoE:DE client…
If you already own Age of Empires: Definitive Edition in your Windows Store game library, you can download the new version of the game for free:
IMPORTANT
You must be on Windows 10 version 1903 to be able to play on the new client. Be sure to run your Windows Updater if you are not already on the latest version of Windows. More information on how to update Windows here.
1.Open the Microsoft Store . You can do this by pressing the Windows key and then typing ‘Store.’
2. Search for Age of Empires: Definitive Edition .
3. Click on the Age of Empires: Definitive Edition tile to enter the store page.
4. Click Get. The game should be automatically added to your library.
5. Click Install to begin downloading the game.
You may safely remove the old client at any point during the process to free up space; your progress will still transfer even if you’ve removed the old client. Note that you will still be able to access and play the original AoE: Definitive Edition if you desire, but it will no longer receive updates nor be available for purchase in the Microsoft Store.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to upgrade to the new client if I purchased the game on or after August 19, 2019?
Answer...
Not at all! If you don’t own Age of Empires: Definitive Edition yet, you can purchase it on the Windows Store or Steam to download the correct client version:
I own the game on the Windows Store; will it be unlocked for free on Steam?
Answer...
No. Though after August 19, 2019, anyone who owns the game will be able to play cross-network with any other player regardless of their platform.
What happens if my friend buys the old client?
Answer...
As of this announcement, the old client is no longer available on the Store. This means that anyone who buys Age of Empires: Definitive Edition after August 19, 2019 will automatically download and receive the new client.
What is transferred to the new client?
Answer...
When you download the new Age of Empires: Definitive Edition client, here is the information that will be maintained from the original game client:
- Game Saves
- Campaign Progress
- Unlocked Achievements
- Custom Scenarios
What is NOT transferred to the new client?
Answer...
Unfortunately, there are a few things that could not be transferred:
- Cross-network play will not be available between the original AoE: DE client and any other platform
- ELO will not be transferred
- Keybinds and other settings will not be transferred
- Progress on partially-completed achievements is NOT carried over
It is recommended that you take note of your keybinds before removing your old client, as you will need to customize them again when you launch the new client.
Wait; can I still unlock achievements on the old client?
Answer...
Yep! In fact, both the old client and new client can be played to up your Gamerscore. If you’re dedicated enough to play and unlock everything, all the power to you!