'Age Of Empires 4' Is Free To Play Right Now, Here's How

This year has seen some pretty significant gaming anniversaries, from 20 years of Kingdom Hearts, to 30 years of Kirby and Mario Kart - there’s even Final Fantasy’s 35th birthday in December. Also on that important birthday list is the Age of Empires series, which will be turning 25 in October. 

As PC Gamer reports, in celebration, the most recent Age of Empires title, Age of Empires IV, is currently available to play totally free on Steam - perfect for anyone who’s new to the series (or anyone who just happened to miss the latest game). Literally anyone can get in on this, there’s no catch - just head over to the game’s Steam page, and click “play game” to download it and get in on the action.

Take a look at the gameplay trailer for Age of Empires IV below.

It’s only free to play for a limited time, mind you - you’ve got until Monday (29 August) to try it out. The regular and Digital Deluxe editions of the game are also 50% off until then, so if you end up getting hooked, now’s an ideal time to pick it up and continue your battles. 

On 25 October, Age of Empires IV will also be getting a special free anniversary update, which will introduce two new civilisations, the Ottomans and Malians. There’ll also be new achievements, maps and masteries included.

“Lead the mighty Malians of West Africa as one of the richest trading nations of all-time as you focus on strong economic prowess in mining and investing in gold,” the devs wrote in an update post on Steam. “Or assemble one of the longest-lasting empires in history with the Ottoman civilisation and its well-trained military force, which features the largest gunpowder siege weapon available – the Great Bombard.”

Play Age of Empires IV for free now on Steam, here.