Age of Empires II gets a Viking expansion — three new civs and a doomed king

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is getting a new expansion this fall. The Viking Sagas, announced by developers World's Edge and Forgotten Empires, adds three civilizations — Danes, Saxons, and Varangians — alongside a full three-part campaign centered on one of history's most compelling also-rans: Harald Hardrada. For longtime AoE2 players, it follows the same formula as fan-favorite expansions like Dawn of the Dukes and Dynasties of India.

The campaign

The story tracks Harald Hardrada across three interconnected storylines, each tied to one of the new civilizations. "Prince in Exile" puts you in the role of a young Harald fleeing Norway and joining the Byzantine Varangian Guard, only to find his ambitions threatened by Empress Zoe's court intrigues. "Ruthless Ruler" shifts to the Danes as he wages war for control of Denmark and Norway — and risks becoming the tyrant he swore to fight. "The Last Viking" closes with the Saxon perspective, following his 1066 invasion of England, historically ending at the Battle of Stamford Bridge where Hardrada was killed — an event most historians mark as the close of the Viking Age.

It's a structurally clever setup: the same man seen from three different sides, across three different theaters of war.

The civs and units

Each civilization comes with a distinct playstyle and a unique unit. The Danes are built around naval dominance, with fast longships and the Jomsviking — a hardy infantry unit that hurls flaming torches to burn enemy buildings and ships. The Saxons lean defensive, fielding a heavy spearman who opens combat with a javelin throw. The Varangians control rivers and trade routes, supported by the Jarl, a mounted warrior who throws axes at range.

All three civilizations also share access to three new generic units: the Varangian Guard (heavy assault infantry), Mounted Crossbowmen, and Drakkars — fast, powerful warships.

What we don't know yet

The Steam store page lists the expansion with a fall 2026 release window but no price. Based on prior AoE2 DLC — Lords of the West, Dawn of the Dukes — expect somewhere in the $10–15 range. There's also no confirmed timing for the PS5 and Xbox versions, which received the base game; the PC Steam launch will almost certainly come first.

AoE2: Definitive Edition is available on PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.