Pre-Order Raiders of the North for Age of Empires IV
AoE Official
The war horns blare and a new age rises in Age of Empires IV – Raiders of the North is available for pre-order now! Command two new civilizations: the Vikings and the Scots. Each civilization with distinct systems and evolving playstyles, including new architecture, masteries, and music.
The Scots stand firm and resilient, their strength in disciplined infantry, fortified defenses, and a unique and fruitful food economy. The Vikings arrive as a relentless and aggressive power, fielding mobile and adaptable infantry, and the promise of glory that will echo through the ages.
Battle across two new gorgeous biomes that further transform the battlefield. From rugged highlands to dense and untamed terrain, each environment lends a new look to how you gather resources, defend territory, and engage the enemy.
Plus, the Crucible has been reforged! Raiders of the North introduces four new exclusive Crucible missions, with fresh challenges like seaborne raiders and civil war among Scottish clans. Now playable solo or in two-player co-op, the mode expands with new Objectives, Boons, Perks, Mutators, and civilization-specific Talent Tracks, delivering meaningful variety and replayability.
Dominion of the North Sea awaits!
Pre-Order Raiders of the North Now!
Raiders of the North is available for pre-order now on Steam, Microsoft Store, and XBOX.
*Raiders of the North will be available for purchase in the PlayStation 5 store on launch day.
Two New Civilizations
The Vikings
Sharpen your axe and grab your shield to join the next raid with the Vikings. A new civilization that draws from the history of the Viking Age, with Sagas to mark your accomplishments, Völur seers to help guide your path, and the Longhouse as the backbone of your economy. The Berserkers are always ready for the next charge. “For a hungry wolf is bound to wage a hard battle.”
Wolves Upon the Sea
The Vikings enter the battlefield with a reputation built on speed, aggression, and adaptability. Their early game is defined by powerful melee infantry and decisive raiding that rewards bold action. Every successful strike against an enemy economy fuels your own, turning early pressure into sustained dominance.
At the center of Viking society stands the Longhouse. More than a structure, it anchors a resilient economy that grows with your people. Through Northern Migration, your population trains for free, allowing you to focus on strategy, expansion, and control of the map.
As the match unfolds, the Viking identity evolves. The transition beyond the Viking Age introduces Knights and Militia Crossbowmen reflecting the rise of organized Scandinavian kingdoms. Their approach adapts, but their core remains. Relentless infantry, strong map control, and the ability to dictate the pace of battle.
Their legacy is carried forward through Heroic Sagas. Great deeds unlock powerful bonuses that shape your strategy and reinforce your momentum. Sacred Groves extend their influence, securing key locations while empowering nearby forces.
The Sacred Grove – Concept Art
The Scots
From the rugged Highlands to the fertile Lowlands, the Scots invest in powerful technology and quickly muster warriors to protect their kingdom. This infantry-focused civilization is hardened by their unforgiving lands and excel at ambushing their enemies from stealth forests. Protect grazing Highland Cattle, establish communal Fishponds, and command the fearless Gallowglass to meet enemies head on while the Border Reivers strike deep into enemy territory.
The Scots bring strength defined by resilience and control. Built to endure, they thrive in prolonged battles and reward players who can hold the line. Their civilization is defined by disciplined infantry, fortified defenses, and a deep connection to their land.
Their economy thrives through Highland cattle, creating a steady and reliable food source that supports sustained military production. Tower houses and grand castles anchor their territory, forcing opponents to commit fully to every advance.
The Mustering Hall allows Scots players to define their approach. Lean into the resilience of Highland warriors or the structured strength of Lowland forces. This flexibility rewards thoughtful positioning, timing, and control of the battlefield.
Snowdoun Gate – Concept Art
Achievements & Masteries
Express your inner Viking, adorn your coat of arms with your favorite tartan, and raise a fearless monument, with a whole host of new mastery unlocks for both Vikings and Scots. There are also 7 brand new achievements to collect for both civilizations.
Two New Biomes
Scottish Heathland
Mist hangs over the highlands, where heather blooms purple across the moors and old standing stones keep watch over the lochs. Nobody remembers who raised them, and the land has its own ideas about who should rule it.
Tundra Summer
For a few short weeks the frozen north thaws. The land fills with cotton grass and red shrubs, and the lakes shine under a sun that barely sets. Whoever claims this land must do so before winter returns.
New Taunts
Send 12 new Vikings and Scots themed taunts to your friends or foes. Mock their puny economy or share your disbelief when things don’t quite work out!
128: “I canne believe it!”
133: “Looks like a skill issue.”
134: “We held a meeting about your economy… everyone laughed.”
The Crucible: Reforged
From the North Sea come longships bearing a tide of raiders who crash upon your shore with a ferocity rivalling the fiercest squalls!
The Crucible is set to receive a mammoth update alongside the Raiders of the North release, including new and updated content, a massive balance update, and other improvements based on your feedback. Plus, if you own the Raiders of the North DLC, you will gain exclusive access to FOUR entirely new Crucible missions designed to test your ability to adapt under pressure.
That’s not all! The Crucible now evolves into a shared experience with new and existing missions allowing for co-op play with another player! Whether playing solo or with an ally, every run offers meaningful variation and replayability.
4 New Crucible Missions
Two Player Co-op
2 New Crucible Modes
Conqueror Mode
Custom Mode
Unique Talent Track for each Civilization
25 New Boons
25 New Mutators
Plus much, much more!
We’ll have more in-depth details to share closer to the Raiders of the North release. If you enjoy the Crucible, it’s time to get excited!
A Message from Relic Entertainment
Raiders of the North has been an incredible opportunity to bring two brand new civilizations into Age of Empires IV and the team at Relic is eager to see the Vikings and Scots in your hands very soon!
As with all civilizations, we spend countless hours conducting historical research and working with subject matter experts to advise our art and design teams. Our aim is to create an authentic and exciting take on the Vikings and Scots that tells a complete story through the ages in a way that only Age of Empires IV can. This means taking nearly 1000 years of history and lovingly curating an experience that not only tells a story of what is culturally important, but also makes for something fun and exciting to play! We want to strike a balance between easy to pick up and difficult to master with these civilizations, while also innovating and adding truly new gameplay for you to explore.
We were overwhelmed with how much positive feedback The Crucible received after its initial release. It was loud and clear that you wanted more and Co-op mode was at the top of the wish list. We’ve always had a greater vision for this game mode and we’re proud to take the next step on the path to achieving it. Playing in Co-op mode with the whole team throughout development here has been a fun and memorable addition to our Friday afternoons. Sharing our love for Age of Empires with friends has been a joy and we cannot wait for you to experience the same.
From all of us here at Relic, we’re so grateful to have such a passionate community around Age of Empires IV. We love being able to create fresh new content that continues to evolve what’s possible in Age of Empires and bring history to life. See you on the battlefield soon with Raiders of the North!
Pre-Order Raiders of the North Now!
Raiders of the North is available for pre-order now on Steam, Microsoft Store, and XBOX.
