Age of Empires II: HD Edition vs Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Age of Empires II: HD Edition brings the beloved medieval RTS to modern PCs with updated graphics and all original content from Age of Kings and The Conquerors. Players guide villagers, build empires, and battle across four ages, from the Dark Age to the Imperial Age, using 18 distinct civilizations.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings is a classic real‑time strategy game that lets players command medieval civilizations across multiple ages. Build economies, train armies, and wage wars on detailed historical maps. The game offers both a robust single‑player campaign and competitive multiplayer modes, delivering deep strategic gameplay that has stood the test of time.
- Faithful HD remake of a classic RTS
- Extensive content from both base game and expansion
- Robust multiplayer and co‑op options
- Active modding community
- Deep strategic depth with multiple civilizations
- Rich historical campaign and lore
- Strong multiplayer community and LAN support
- Extensive modding and map‑creation tools
- Graphics, while HD, are still dated by modern standards
- Limited to PC platform only
- Some AI behaviors feel outdated despite updates
- Outdated graphics compared to modern RTS titles
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Limited official support and updates
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Age of Empires II: HD Edition
View all →Lead historic civilizations to victory in timeless real‑time strategy battles.
Free-to-play MMO RTS that blends classic Age of Empires strategy with online RPG elements.
Alternatives to Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
View all →
Expand your empire with historic Roman campaigns and deep strategy
Command history’s greatest battles in real‑time strategy glory
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataAge of Empires II: HD Edition offers more content and cheaper price with modern online multiplayer, while the original Age of Kings scores higher critically and provides the classic experience.
Key differences
- •Price: HD Edition $19.99 vs. original $39.99.
- •Content: HD Edition includes the Conquerors expansion and 18 civilizations; original has only the base game with 15 civilizations.
- •Multiplayer: HD Edition adds Steam matchmaking and co‑op campaign; original relies on LAN/online without co‑op.
- •Critical reception: original has an 80/100 critic score, HD Edition 50/100.
- •Graphics: HD Edition is HD‑upscaled but still dated; original uses 1999 graphics.
Pricing & value
HD Edition costs $19.99, half the price of the $39.99 original, delivering more content for less money.
Gameplay & fun factor
Both are classic RTS with similar core mechanics; HD adds expansion content, original has higher critic score.
Platform availability
Both are PC‑only titles; no difference in platform support.
Multiplayer / co‑op
HD Edition offers Steam matchmaking and cooperative campaign; original lacks co‑op and relies on LAN/online only.
Content & replayability
HD Edition includes both original campaigns and The Conquerors expansion plus 18 civs, versus 15 civs in the original.
Difficulty & accessibility
Original’s higher critic score (80) suggests better balance and polish; HD Edition’s AI still feels outdated.
Graphics & performance
HD Edition is presented in high‑definition graphics, whereas the original uses 1999‑era visuals.
Choose Age of Empires II: HD Edition if…
Budget‑conscious players wanting more civs, expansion content, and modern online/co‑op multiplayer.
Choose Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings if…
Players who prioritize critical acclaim, classic feel, and LAN multiplayer over price.
Common questions
Which version is cheaper?
Age of Empires II: HD Edition costs $19.99, while Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings costs $39.99.
Do both versions support online multiplayer?
Yes. HD Edition uses Steam matchmaking and supports co‑op; the original supports online and LAN but no co‑op.
Which version has more civilizations and campaigns?
HD Edition includes the Conquerors expansion and 18 civilizations; the original includes only the base game with 15 civilizations.