Age of Empires III

The African Royals

August 2026

Dive into the heart of Africa as you explore a new continent for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition with two brand new civilizations and their kingdoms, the Ethiopians and the Hausa!

Using an Age up mechanic unique to the African civilizations, gain new Alliances with every age and use your Influence to hire your allies’ units or research their technologies. Construct a Palace to recruit Mercenaries, Alliance units, Imported Artillery or the new Gatling Camel. Build a Granary to lure hunted animals and boost your food gathering, or a Livestock Market to trade Sanga and Zebu Cattle, or go all in with a legendary Royal Banquet, securing a generous amount of Influence for your allies to strengthen your armies.

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Civilizations

Age of Empires III Definitive Edition - Pirates of the Caribbean

Ethiopians

Placed on the “Roof of Africa”, Ethiopia was able to assert its influence over the surrounding lowlands, thriving in the safety of its mountains. A high ground badly needed against hostile attempts to take the empire down. Ethiopia and its King of kings defied not just its African neighbors but also European imperialism attempts rendering it as one of the few African regions that eluded the talons of European imperialism.

Tewodros

In Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition. Tewodros is the daring and impetuous leader that he was in reality. Having known what it means to nearly lose everything and then work his way to the pinnacle of power, he is not afraid to act decisively and take risks to secure victory. Whether it be through swift aggression or savvy battlefield maneuvers, Tewodros will triumph at any cost.

Hausa

The wealthy Hausa kingdoms were magnets for merchants, intellectuals, and enemies. Their extensive trade relations and diplomacy enabled them to exert powerful influence over vast stretches of West Africa. The Hausa kings and emirs deployed powerful cavalry armies to compete with each other and conquer neighboring empires.

Amina

In Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, Amina is the shrewd, charismatic, and resourceful leader that she was in reality. Knowing that there is always more than one path to triumph, she will utilize the versatile skill sets and array of strategies that made her such an effective ruler in real life. Whether it be through the construction of strong fortifications to protect a robust economy, or with deft use of aggressive cavalry maneuvers and raids, Amina will bring the full might of the Hausa people to bear against her enemies.

Historical battles

Flag of Aztecs in Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition

Battle of the Three Kings

Sebastian of Portugal, a young and jealous king, has launched an invasion into Morocco under the pretense of a crusade. The Saadis, however, are not impressed and gather their army to meet the invaders. The Iberians may have superior technology, mercenaries, and the help of a local puppet sultan, but the sultan’s forces are fighting to protect their homes.

Fall of the Hausa

Exiled from the Hausa city-state of Gobir for criticizing the greed and immorality of the city’s elites, the scholar, writer, and military leader Usman dan Fodio united Fulani nomads, Hausa peasants, and escaped slaves to spark a revolution on West Africa’s Sahel.

The Era of the Princes

For over a century, Ethiopia struggled as local warlords vied for power in the declining old empire. There seemed to be no way out of the conflict until a man named Kassa Hailu stepped in. Kassa, a veteran of the Ethiopian-Egyptian wars, could no longer bear to watch as his country was torn asunder. He would fight the warlords and gift the loot to the impoverished Ethiopian peasants.