Age of Empires II: The Conquerors vs Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
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.
- Rich addition of new civilizations
- Deep strategic depth
- Strong multiplayer community
- Extensive modding tools
- Deep strategic depth with multiple civilizations
- Rich historical campaign and lore
- Strong multiplayer community and LAN support
- Extensive modding and map‑creation tools
- 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
- Outdated graphics compared to modern RTS titles
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Limited official support and updates
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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 Conquerors if…
Experienced players seeking extra content, HD visuals, and deeper strategic options.
Choose Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings if…
New RTS players who prefer classic feel and simpler AI.
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.