Free online version of the strategy classic

The download of Age of Empire Online is no longer available for new players. Take a look at Age of Empires III instead.

Age Of Empires Online is a free to play online version of the hugely popular real time strategy series. The game is loosely based on real history, and you can start by choosing Greek or Egyptian civilization.

The first thing anyone who’s played these games before will notice is that Age Of Empires Online looks dramatically different. They art style is straight out of a Disney cartoon – it is extremely well done, and beautifully animated, but means the game loses its serious tone. The core gameplay is unchanged, though there are more repetitive tasks that mirror the ‘grinding’ often found in online gaming.

Basic gameplay in Age Of Empires Online is about collecting resources and managing them to build towns that can support armies you will use to expand your influence. While the game is free to play, there are many limitations to your growth if you do not pay for some premium features. While the core gameplay is still fun, Age Of Empires Online doesn’t feel like an MMO; the social and multiplayer features aren’t perfectly integrated.

If you enjoy real time strategy, and especially if you’re a beginner, you’ll enjoy Age Of Empires Online.