Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition’s The Three Kingdoms expansion adds five playable civilizations—Shu, Wei, Wu, Jurchens, and Khitans—along with three campaigns spanning 15 missions. It launched on May 6, 2025, for Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox, and PlayStation 5.
Which civilizations are in The Three Kingdoms?
The expansion adds three factions associated with the Three Kingdoms period and two northern Chinese civilizations. Each has distinct units and mechanics, as described on the official expansion page.
| Civilization | Featured units or mechanic |
|---|---|
| Shu | White Feather Guard and War Chariot |
| Wei | Tiger Cavalry and Xianbei Raider |
| Wu | Fire Archer and Jian Swordsman |
| Jurchens | Iron Pagoda and Grenadier |
| Khitans | Liao Dao, Mounted Trebuchet, and a pasture-based food economy |
The expansion also adds unit lines including Hei Guang Cavalry, traction trebuchets, Lou Chuans, Fire Lancers, Rocket Carts, and Dragon Ships. Check the official page for which civilizations can use each unit; the list alone does not establish availability or matchup strategy.
What campaigns and story does it include?
The three campaigns—Shu, Wei, and Wu—follow Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and the Sun Clan. World’s Edge describes the expansion’s story as drawing on Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The launch announcement reports 15 missions across the three campaigns, with branching story decisions.
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#1 Best Overall
![Age of Empires 2 – Definitive Edition – Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61WdZYRTJBL._SL160_.jpg)
- One of the most beloved strategy games ever made is now available on Xbox consoles, Game Pass, PC, and Cloud for Xbox.
- Optimized for playing with a controller plus new tutorials to get you into the fun quickly.
- Over 200 hours of gameplay across 1,000 years of human history.
- Play from the comfort of your living room with a controller or keyboard and mouse on the best screen in your house, or on your PC.
- Head online to challenge other players with 35 different civilizations in your quest for world domination throughout the ages.
Does the DLC replace the Chinese civilization?
No. The original Chinese civilization remains playable. The official FAQ says changes to the Chinese and Korean civilizations are free for all Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition players. Those free base-game changes are separate from the five civilizations included in the paid expansion.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When did it release, and where is it available?
The Three Kingdoms launched May 6, 2025. The official launch notice names Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox, and PlayStation 5. The developer’s current DLC page links to Microsoft, Steam, and PlayStation purchase pages. Store listings and availability can vary by region; check the relevant storefront for current price and platform details.
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The 15% preorder discount mentioned in the April 2025 announcement was a launch-era promotion, not a current offer.
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- windows 95/98
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