Age of Empires II gets The Viking Sagas expansion with three new civilizations

Studios World’s Edge and Forgotten Empires continue to develop the legendary strategy game Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. The upcoming expansion, The Viking Sagas, scheduled for release this autumn, will bring new content to the game, focusing on the Scandinavian expansion of the early Middle Ages.

The Viking Sagas Expansion

The main innovation will be three factions: Danes, Saxons, and Varangians. Each of them possesses unique characteristics and tactical features that will diversify the gameplay. The expansion also offers three interconnected campaigns telling the story of Harald Hardrada — from his travels to the struggle for the English throne.

Gameplay features and new units

Each side has received its own unique tools for warfare. The Danes rely on the sea, the Saxons fortify their borders, and the Varangians use powerful cavalry.

Faction features:

• Danes: dominance on the water thanks to fast longships; unique unit — Jomsviking (capable of burning buildings).
• Saxons: focus on defense and fortified settlements; unique unit — heavy infantryman with a javelin throw.
• Varangians: control of waterways; unique unit — Jarl (cavalryman with throwing axes).

Three universal units available to the new factions are also introduced: Varangian Guard (assault infantry), horse archers, and longships.

Story campaigns for Harald Hardrada

Harald’s story is divided into three logical parts:

• “Prince in Exile” (Varangians): the search for glory and conflicts with Empress Zoe.
• “Cruel Ruler” (Danes): a fierce struggle for power and the transformation from a leader into a tyrant.
• “The Last Viking” (Saxons): the culmination of Harald’s life path and his invasion of England.

Is the DLC worth buying?

The Viking Sagas will be one of the largest historical expansions for Age of Empires II in recent times. The new civilizations and campaigns should interest both fans of the series and players who appreciate tactical variety and historical atmosphere.

The project is available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series. You can purchase the game through official stores, including Steam.