Age of Empires IV’s latest update, version 15.1.6970, ushers in Season Twelve with a wealth of content and major gameplay changes. The update coincides with the game’s PlayStation 5 Early Access launch, introducing crossplay across all platforms. Players can now experience a refreshed Ranked Season, new seasonal events, and several gameplay adjustments, including the long-awaited rework to the House of Lancaster’s Manors. Additionally, matchmaking has been improved for faster queue times, while seasonal modes and biomes have been unlocked for permanent access in custom matches.
The update also teases the upcoming Dynasties of the East expansion, set to launch on November 4. Alongside this, new maps such as Craters, Canyon, and Ocean Gateway are now available in the ranked map pool. Seasonal events including Hallow’s Hearth, Season’s Feast, and Something in the Water return with unique rewards and gameplay twists, ensuring continuous engagement throughout the months-long season.
Full Patch Notes
Season Twelve Overview
- Ranked Season Twelve begins with a refreshed approach to seasonal content.
- Game modes, maps, and biomes (Map Monsters, Full Moon, Season’s Feast) are now permanently available in custom matches.
- Seasonal events will rotate periodically, allowing players to earn missed rewards.
Events
- Hallow’s Hearth (Event 1)
- Returns with new challenges, themed rewards, and a haunting atmosphere.
- Features enhanced Full Moon mode with night-time transitions, updated werewolf visuals, and improved effects.
- Available October 30 to December 4.
- Season’s Feast (Event 2)
- Introduces a festive game mode with collectible gift boxes and event challenges.
- Improved spawn logic ensures balanced placement and better visibility with visual indicators.
- Available December 5 to February 5.
- Something in the Water (Event 3)
- Revisits Map Monsters mode with new monster spawns and despawn effects.
- Available February 6 to April 2.
Ranked Season Twelve Updates
- Season begins October 30 and continues through April 2.
- Features new challenges, rotating events, and rewards.
- Includes debut of Dynasties of the East expansion content (launching November 4).
Map Pool Rotation
- New ranked maps added from Dynasties of the East: Craters, Canyon, Ocean Gateway.
- 1v1 and Team map pools have been refreshed, replacing older maps with new terrain challenges.
- All maps now feature updated biomes for visual variety in multiplayer.
New Maps (Preview)
- Craters: Meteorite-filled terrain offering rare Gold and Stone deposits.
- Canyon: Water-filled central valley dividing teams with strategic ramps and relic placement.
- Ocean Gateway: Combines naval and land combat with limited dock space and flanking routes.
Gameplay Adjustments
- House of Lancaster Manor Rework:
- Manors now generate fewer passive resources.
- Introduces a new aura mechanic where Villagers within range produce Food and Wood.
- Encourages strategic Manor placement for optimal resource efficiency.
Matchmaking Improvements
- Faster queue times for Quick Match and Ranked modes following recent server updates.
Additional Notes
- Saved games and match replays from previous builds are no longer compatible with version 15.1.6970.
Age of Empires IV is a real-time strategy experience that revisits the Middle Ages, combining classic base building and resource management with large-scale tactical warfare. Players can command diverse civilizations through four ages of progression, participate in historical campaigns, or compete in dynamic multiplayer battles. The game originally launched on October 28, 2021, for Windows PC, later expanding to Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One on August 22, 2023. Age of Empires IV will debut on PlayStation 5 on November 4, 2025.
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