Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings vs Age of Empires II: The Conquerors
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
Age of Empires II: The Conquerors is the acclaimed expansion to the classic real‑time strategy masterpiece, adding five new civilizations, new campaigns, and a wealth of gameplay refinements. It builds on the solid foundation of the original, delivering deeper strategic options and richer historical scenarios for both solo and multiplayer experiences.
- Deep strategic depth with multiple civilizations
- Rich historical campaign and lore
- Strong multiplayer community and LAN support
- Extensive modding and map‑creation tools
- Rich addition of new civilizations
- Deep strategic depth
- Strong multiplayer community
- Extensive modding tools
- Outdated graphics compared to modern RTS titles
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Limited official support and updates
- Graphics are dated compared to modern RTS titles
- AI can still be predictable on higher difficulties
- Limited native support for newer operating systems without patches
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Lead civilizations through 15 epochs of human history in this epic real-time strategy game.
Alternatives to Age of Empires II: The Conquerors
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Lead Japan, China, or India to glory in the epic Asian expansion of Age of Empires III.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataIf you want the base game with classic content, go with Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings; if you want extra civilizations, campaigns, and HD upgrades, choose The Conquerors.
Key differences
- •The Conquerors adds five new civilizations and three new campaigns, expanding content beyond the original.
- •The Conquerors offers HD graphics and widescreen support, while the original has only its 1999 visual style.
- •The Conquerors has a higher critic score (86 vs 80) indicating better reception.
- •The Conquerors includes an upgraded AI, though both still have predictable behavior at high difficulty.
- •Both share the same price and platform (PC), but The Conquerors may need patches for newer OSes.
Gameplay & fun factor
More civilizations, campaigns, and upgraded AI in The Conquerors increase strategic variety.
Platform availability
Both are PC-only titles with identical pricing and system requirements.
Price & value
Both cost $39.99, offering comparable value for the base game.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both support up to 8 players online or LAN with identical multiplayer features.
Content & replayability
The Conquerors adds new civs, campaigns, units, and map editor enhancements, boosting replay value.
Difficulty & accessibility
The original’s simpler AI may be easier for newcomers than The Conquerors’ more challenging AI.
Graphics & performance
HD graphics and widescreen support in The Conquerors give a visual edge over the original.
Choose Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings if…
New RTS players who prefer classic feel and simpler AI.
Choose Age of Empires II: The Conquerors if…
Experienced players seeking extra content, HD visuals, and deeper strategic options.
Common questions
Do I need to buy both to get the new civilizations?
No, The Conquerors includes the new civilizations and campaigns as a standalone expansion.
Will the games run on modern Windows without extra patches?
The Conquerors may require patches for newer OSes; the original’s support is not specified.
Is there any price difference between the two titles?
Both are priced the same at $39.99.