Today we want to speak directly to our Age III fans.
The Age III community has continued to show incredible passion for the game and that enthusiasm hasn’t gone unnoticed. In response to your passion and feedback, we are excited to announce that a brand-new expansion is coming to Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition on September 10, 2026.
The Baltic Powers brings two new civilizations, new Challenge Scenarios, new game modes, more than 25 maps, and over 50 hero customizations. More importantly, it is built around what Age III fans value most: new strategic problems to solve, new matchups to learn, new ways to master the map, and new reasons to return for a game they love.
And starting today, we’re offering an Open Beta on Steam for all of you to check out and enjoy! It’s available NOW – more details below!
Wishlist Now!
The Baltic Powers is available to wishlist on Steam and Microsoft Store.
The Baltic Powers – Two New Civilizations, Two New Strategic Identities and More!
The Danes
Lead the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway and command a civilization built around economic intelligence, naval control, and layered defense.
The Danes are for players who like to read the battlefield and turn information into advantage. Use the Customs House to leverage shipments from other players from the start, strengthen your economy as you advance through the ages, and defend your territory with Snaphane and Gunboat levies.
When enemy pressure arrives, shelter your villagers in Round Churches and hold the line.
The Poles
Lead the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and build an agrarian powerhouse capable of turning economic momentum into devastating cavalry force.
The Poles combine lower building costs, civic bonuses, and a booming Folwark economy with battlefield-shaking cavalry options. Enrich the Sejm parliament as your population grows, choose your path through history with early Cossack uprisings or the resurrection of the Teutonic Knights, and command your mounted Hetman alongside the fearsome Winged Hussars.
New Challenge Scenarios
Commonwealth Charge
Two new Challenge Scenarios are designed around high-stakes tactical execution and score-chasing replayability.
In Commonwealth Charge, defend the Polish-Lithuanian realm against relentless invaders. Secure nearby villages, expand your resources and population, and time your Winged Hussar strikes to survive overwhelming pressure.
Havana Heat
In Havana Heat, lead a desperate Spanish defense against a British assault. Race against the clock to inflict 1,000 casualties while defending your Town Center, and control key beaches before enemy artillery can come online.
These scenarios are built for players who want more than a first clear. Master both bold new missions and prove your tactical skill to push for the highest score possible.
Two New Rule-Changing Game Modes
The Baltic Powers also introduces two new game modes that change how you think about every match.
Regicide raises the stakes from the opening moments: Eliminate the enemy Regent for an instant win! With no option for the Regent to hide inside buildings, every decision around scouting, protection, pursuit, and timing becomes more dangerous.
Independence removes the safety net of Home City support and challenges you to win through strategy, fundamentals, and battlefield execution. With adjusted civilization bonuses, this mode gives players a new way to rediscover favorite civilizations and test their skill on different terms.
Battle from the Baltic to the Arctic with 20+ New Maps
The Wars of the Three Kingdoms
The Baltic Powers adds more than 20 thematic and historical maps, expanding the fight from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic.
New thematic maps include an Arctic Map Pack stretching from Svalbard to Nunavut. Cross frozen tundra by Inuit dog sled, brave icy waters aboard a Whaling Ship, or fight further south in places like Nova Scotia and the Shetlands, where Scottish Clansmen loyal to the House of Stuart may join the conflict.
New historical maps include:
- The Livonian War
- The Dano-Swedish Wars
- The Wars of the Three Kingdoms
The Age III Free Trial Is Coming to an End
As we prepare for this next chapter, the current Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition free trial on Steam will be coming to an end on August 13.
We’re grateful to everyone who discovered Age III through the free trial, invited friends into the community, tried rotating civilizations, and joined the battlefield. Existing owners of Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition are not affected, and players who want to continue their journey will be able to purchase the full game.
Join the Steam Open Beta Today
The Open Beta for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition – The Baltic Powers is available now on Steam. With this Open Beta we’re giving the entire community an advanced look at the Danes and the Poles – everyone is invited to jump in and play the new civs, and we’re anxious for your feedback as we make the final few changes and tweaks ahead of launching the new DLC.
You might also notice some general improvements coming to the game when the DLC launches, including new balance changes, new revolutions, several Editor updates, as well as Spectator and Replay improvements to name a few. There’s a lot to be excited about and we’re thrilled to put this in your hands!
We’ve put together a handy guide for anyone who wants to join in on the Open Beta and get a sneak peek of The Baltic Powers!
One other note: There is also a small backend update today as part of our process to get ready for the upcoming DLC release.
To our Age III fans: thank you for continuing to show up and sharing your passion for this game.
Wishlist Now!
The Baltic Powers is available to wishlist on Steam and Microsoft Store.