AoE4 adheres to the traditional RTS loop: exploring the map, gathering resources (Food, Wood, Gold, and Stone), and advancing through four historical ages—the .
: Standard victories include Landmark Destruction (eliminating the enemy's main structures), Sacred Site Capture (holding specific map points for a duration), or building and defending a Wonder .
At launch, the game featured eight civilizations. As of April 2026, the roster has grown significantly through major expansions like (2023), Knights of Cross and Rose (2025), and Dynasties of the East (2025). Age of Empires IV - Before You Buy
