For nearly 25 years, Age of Empires has given fans endless hours of entertainment while highlighting important events throughout world history. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition continues that tradition with the new United States DLC, which is just as unique as the United States itself, introduces a ton of new strategies for fans to sink their teeth into.
Much like the US, the civilization doesn't follow the conventional structure of other AoE societies. It has its own unique advancement system that evolves through union development rather than political structures. Players will add new states to the union as they progress through the ages instead of appointing politicians or aristocrats. Each state comes equipped with two special abilities that strengthen the budding civilization. The abilities target military growth, age advancement, technological breakthroughs and more.
The United States also replaces settler cards with immigrant cards, allowing them to borrow special features from other civilizations. This allows players to create their own cultural melting pot and generate unique builds with each additional playthrough. Much like the special abilities, the borrowed features offer a wide range of bonuses that help the United States thrive during the perils of war. It is one of the United States' most unique features and plays a vital part in its economic structure.
Unlike other civilizations, the United States starts with a general rather than an explorer. Generals are strong military leaders that can boost morale by placing an inspiring flag next to sluggish soldiers. The flag grants surrounding militias an additional attack bonus while increasing military unit production in applicable buildings. Setters will also construct buildings faster if they are close to the set flag. Unfortunately, Generals can't build town centers. Instead, they assemble powerful forts to amplify their military presence in uncharted territory.
One of the best aspects of the United States DLC is that players can unlock it without spending a single cent. A recent Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition update added new challenges that allow players to unlock the DLC by completing 50 in-game challenges focusing on each US state. Gamers can play through three challenges a day and unlock new profile icons along the way. Once a player completes all 50 challenges, they receive the United States DLC free of charge. The challenges are only available for a limited time, though an end date has yet to be announced. The developers have assured participants that it will give players at least a month’s notice before concluding the event.
The Age of Empires franchise seems to be enjoying its second wind. The long-running RTS series has been captivating fans for nearly 25 years and isn't showing signs of slowing down anytime soon. The new Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition DLC is proof that the franchise still has plenty of fight left in it. The United States is a welcomed addition to the Age of Empires lineup and will surely tide over fans until Age of Empires IV makes its way to store shelves later this year.
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