What is included in The Viking Sagas?
- 3 new civilizations: the Danes, Saxons, and Varangians.
- 1 reworked civilization: the Vikings (available to everyone who owns the base game).
- 1 new, 3-part campaign featuring 15 missions: Harald Hardrada.
- Adjustments to legacy campaign missions (available to everyone who owns the base game).
- A completely new architecture set for the Danes, Varangians, and Vikings.
- New regional units for all new civilizations and the Vikings.
Who is featured in The Viking Sagas?
The Viking Sagas DLC covers northern Europe, primarily during the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries). This DLC focuses on the notorious warrior-king Harald Hardrada and three northern European regions, following Harald’s story as he cuts a deadly swath across the European world. Three peoples and the modern-day countries in which they primarily hailed from are represented: the Danes from Denmark, the Saxons from England, and the Varangians, who spread from Sweden to venture and settle across Eastern Europe.
What campaigns are featured in The Viking Sagas?
The Viking Sagas features three interconnected campaigns that trace the legendary journey of Harald Hardrada – one of the most formidable figures of the Viking Age.
The first campaign, The Exiled Prince, shows Harald’s rise to fame. Following the Battle of Stiklestad, Harald is forced into exile through hostile landscapes and wind-swept plains, from Scandinavia to the Kyivan Rus, and eventually to the bustling streets of Constantinople itself. In the grand courts of royalty and far-reaching empires, Harald earns wealth and renown — enough, perhaps, to retake Norway.
Yet, power brings fierce rivals. When Harald returns home in The Hard Ruler, Svein Estridsson and Magnus Olafsson both contest Norway and Denmark. There is also the problem of the nobles, increasingly divided between their pagan roots and the rising Christian faith. As the years harden Harald, he earns his now famous epithet, Hardrada — the hard ruler.
The final chapter of Harald’s story is The Last Viking. After decades as king of Norway, Harald’s ambition still hungers like the old wolf in winter. In 1066, the Saxon earl Tostig Godwinson brings word of England’s turmoil. An opportunity presents itself to claim the English throne — a road that leads straight to Stamford Bridge. Can Harald defy the fates, or will his last-gasp bid for greatness usher in the twilight of the Viking Age?
Which civilizations are being included in The Viking Sagas expansion?
In The Viking Sagas expansion, you will set sail for medieval northern Europe and take command of three formidable and unique new civilizations as history meets heroic epic in daring adventures, thrilling sagas, and ruthless raids. Challenge your friends in skirmish matches or maraud your way across northern Europe with three new civilizations. You can pillage as the Danes, who ruled the North Sea with swift navies and struck fear into the Baltic region with the legendary Jomsvikings, or ride roughshod over your foes with the Jarl, the axe-throwing cavalry of the Varangian people. Finally, parry nefarious incursions with stout fortifications and the hardy, versatile Hearth Troop as the Saxons, battling across the coveted lands of England.
Can I still play as the Viking civilization?
Yes! While The Viking Sagas expansion adds 3 brand-new civilizations centered around historical northern Europe, the original Viking civilization is still present, more authentic and powerful than ever! The Vikings have been modified to include several of The Viking Sagas new assets and attributes for an even more authentic and immersive experience.
All improvements to the Vikings are available for free to all players of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Unleash your Varangian Guards, man your Longships, and set sail into The Viking Sagas expansion!
Can the new civilizations build Longboats?
Yes! Now more aptly renamed Longships, they are now a regional ship available to the Vikings as well as the Danes, Saxons, and Varangians. While slightly adjusted as a result, Longships’ core design remains the same as before, making them just as fun to use. Hoist the sails, man your oars, and terrorize enemy coasts and rivers!
Can I still play the northern European historical battles?
Yes! The Hastings, Vinlandsaga, and York historical battles, as well as several Victors & Vanquished scenarios, have been updated and modernized. They now integrate many of The Viking Sagas’ new civilizations and units for a richer, more varied experience.
The improved northern European historical battles are available for free to all Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition players. Relive the Norman Conquest and the Viking adventures in the North Atlantic!
Pre-Order The Viking Sagas Now!
The Viking Sagas is now available on Steam, Microsoft Store, and XBOX with 15% off for a limited time.
*The Viking Sagas will be available for purchase in the PlayStation 5 store on launch day.