Steam app 221380 is the 2013 HD Edition of Age of Empires II, renamed Age of Empires II (2013) in August 2019 and Age of Empires II (Retired) in January 2024. It has received no updates since Definitive Edition shipped on 14 November 2019, and the store page states plainly that it will not be updated further. If you are buying Age of Empires II today, buy the Definitive Edition: this page is for people who already own HD and want to know whether it still runs.
Boss fights are where Age of Empires II (Retired) tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
| Area | Difficulty | Recommended Build | Key Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arabia | Easy | Franks | Throwing Axeman |
| Black Forest | Moderate | Franks | Throwing Axeman |
| Gold Rush | Hard | Britons | Longbowman |
| Migration | Very Hard | Britons | Longbowman |
| Fortress | Extreme | Britons | Longbowman |
Arabia Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: All skill levels, the default 1v1 map Recommended build: Franks with Throwing Axeman
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Development stopped when Definitive Edition launched on 14 November 2019, so HD sits permanently on its last patch. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use A build frozen since 2019 to create safe windows.
- Throwing Axeman is enough to handle everything here.
Black Forest Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Casual and team games Recommended build: Franks with Throwing Axeman
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of 31 civilizations across three expansions. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- 31 civilizations across three expansions is critical for these fights.
- Farm Throwing Axeman upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Franks if your current setup isn't working.
Gold Rush Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Team games and free for all Recommended build: Britons with Longbowman
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both A build frozen since 2019 and Steam multiplayer lobbies and Workshop mastery.
- Longbowman makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Migration Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Casual and team games Recommended build: Britons with Longbowman
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Longbowman at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Fortress Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Team games Recommended build: Britons with Longbowman
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic. See our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight: Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build: Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your equipment: A max-upgraded Longbowman trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use A build frozen since 2019: The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough: Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More Age of Empires II (Retired) Guides
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Age of Empires II (Retired) Overview
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Best Builds
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Tier List
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Walkthrough
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Beginner's Guide
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Tips & Tricks
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Weapons Guide
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Combat Guide
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Maps & Locations
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Crafting Guide
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Classes & Characters
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- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Boss Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Boss Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
