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.
Combat in Age of Empires II (Retired) rewards knowledge over reflexes. Understanding how each mechanic works (and how they interact) is what turns a struggling player into a dominant one. New here? Start with our beginner's guide for the basics.
Core Combat Mechanics
1. A build frozen since 2019
Development stopped when Definitive Edition launched on 14 November 2019, so HD sits permanently on its last patch. Nothing added to Age of Empires II after that point exists here, including every new civilization, balance pass and quality of life change.
Why it matters: This is the foundation of all combat. Everything else builds on this.
2. 31 civilizations across three expansions
The 2013 base release shipped 18 civilizations. The Forgotten added five on 7 November 2013, The African Kingdoms added four on 5 November 2015, and Rise of the Rajas added four more on 19 December 2016, taking the full HD roster to 31.
Why it matters: The most underrated mechanic. Players who master this early have a massive advantage.
3. Steam multiplayer lobbies and Workshop
Multiplayer runs through Steam rather than the original 1999 matchmaking, so lobbies, friend invites and Steam Workshop mods all still function. The population is a small fraction of Definitive Edition's, so expect to arrange games rather than queue for them.
Why it matters: Unlocks a new layer of gameplay depth once understood.
4. Original Age of Kings and Conquerors campaigns
Every single player campaign from The Age of Kings and The Conquerors is present in its original form, including William Wallace, Joan of Arc, Saladin, Genghis Khan, Barbarossa and Attila the Hun. Definitive Edition rewrote and re-recorded several of these, so HD is the closest thing to the 1999 and 2000 releases on modern hardware.
Why it matters: The tactical edge that separates average players from advanced ones.
5. Pre Definitive Edition unit pathing
Unit pathing, formation behavior and hitboxes are all the pre 2019 versions. Large groups of siege and cavalry snag on terrain in ways Definitive Edition specifically fixed, and that is the most noticeable difference in an actual match.
Why it matters: The endgame optimization mechanic. Small improvements here compound into massive gains.
How These Mechanics Combine
Understanding how mechanics interact is where real optimization happens:
A build frozen since 2019 + 31 civilizations across three expansions
Development stopped when Definitive Edition launched on 14 November 2019, so HD sits permanently on its last patch. When combined with 31 civilizations across three expansions, the 2013 base release shipped 18 civilizations. This combination is the core of every effective build.
Steam multiplayer lobbies and Workshop + Original Age of Kings and Conquerors campaigns
Multiplayer runs through Steam rather than the original 1999 matchmaking, so lobbies, friend invites and Steam Workshop mods all still function. Paired with Original Age of Kings and Conquerors campaigns, every single player campaign from the age of kings and the conquerors is present in its original form, including william wallace, joan of arc, saladin, genghis khan, barbarossa and attila the hun. This is why the tier list favors builds that leverage both.
Pre Definitive Edition unit pathing as a Multiplier
Unit pathing, formation behavior and hitboxes are all the pre 2019 versions. Large groups of siege and cavalry snag on terrain in ways Definitive Edition specifically fixed, and that is the most noticeable difference in an actual match. This system amplifies everything else. The better your Pre Definitive Edition unit pathing optimization, the more your other mechanics pay off.
Combat by Build
Each build approaches combat differently:
Britons (A-Tier)
Combat approach: Balanced combat style. Key equipment: Longbowman Primary mechanic: A build frozen since 2019
Britons offers a solid combat experience. Full setup in our builds guide.
Franks (A-Tier)
Combat approach: Balanced combat style. Key equipment: Throwing Axeman Primary mechanic: 31 civilizations across three expansions
Franks offers a solid combat experience. Full setup in our builds guide.
Mongols (A-Tier)
Combat approach: Balanced combat style. Key equipment: Mangudai Primary mechanic: Steam multiplayer lobbies and Workshop
Mongols offers a solid combat experience. Full setup in our builds guide.
Aztecs (A-Tier)
Combat approach: Balanced combat style. Key equipment: Jaguar Warrior Primary mechanic: Original Age of Kings and Conquerors campaigns
Aztecs offers a solid combat experience. Full setup in our builds guide.
Vietnamese (A-Tier)
Combat approach: Balanced combat style. Key equipment: Rattan Archer Primary mechanic: Pre Definitive Edition unit pathing
Vietnamese offers a solid combat experience. Full setup in our builds guide.
Advanced Combat Techniques
Damage Optimization
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities
- Exploit A build frozen since 2019 for maximum damage windows
- Chain 31 civilizations across three expansions and Steam multiplayer lobbies and Workshop for combo damage
- Use Original Age of Kings and Conquerors campaigns to create openings
Survivability
- Learn enemy patterns before committing to attacks
- Check whether you already own HD before spending anything. Definitive Edition sits at app 813780, is still patched, and goes on sale regularly, while the $19.99 HD listing buys a build that stopped receiving updates in 2019.
- Position using A build frozen since 2019 to control spacing
- Save defensive options for guaranteed survival, not comfort
Boss Combat
Bosses test your understanding of every mechanic. See our boss guide for fight-specific strategies.
- Phase awareness: Most bosses change behavior at health thresholds
- Patience over aggression: One extra hit per opening beats dying to greed
- Build preparation: Swap gear and equipment for specific fights when needed
Common Combat Mistakes
- Button mashing: Committed attacks have recovery frames. Mashing locks you into animations.
- Ignoring 31 civilizations across three expansions: This mechanic exists for a reason. Players who use it take significantly less damage.
- Wrong equipment for the situation: Check our weapons guide for situational picks.
- Not learning from deaths: Every death teaches something. If you don't know why you died, you'll die the same way again.
- Overcommitting: Trading hits works in Arabia but will get you killed in Fortress.
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) Boss Guide
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Maps & Locations
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Crafting Guide
- Age of Empires II (Retired) Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Age of Empires II (Retired), check out these related guides:
- Sid Meier's Civilization V Combat Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Combat Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Combat Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
