Hear the clash of steel, the thunder of hooves, and the echoes of a legendary era reborn. The highly anticipated ‘Knights of Cross & Rose’ expansion for Age of Empires IV has finally arrived, plunging players into the midst of medieval grandeur and treacherous politics. This long-awaited add-on promises to breathe new life into the critically acclaimed real-time strategy game, introducing a web of intrigue and noble pursuits that will test the mettle of even the most seasoned commanders. As the pendulum of power swings in this unforgiving realm, will your kingdom rise to dominance, or succumb to the ravages of war? The fate of the medieval world rests in your hands, as the ‘Knights of Cross & Rose’ expansion for Age of Empires IV is now available.
Unlocking New Campaigns and Heroes
Two new campaigns and eight new heroes will be added with the Knights of Cross & Rose Expansion, offering a fresh set of challenges and opportunities for conquest. Explore the struggles of Edward, the Black Prince, as he navigates the complexities of warfare and chivalry, or follow the journey of Bertrand du Guesclin, the rise of a French hero that altered the landscape of the Hundred Years’ War.
Each hero has their own set of unique bonuses and abilities. Some will allow you to strengthen your economy, while others will grant military advantages or provide specific combat boosts. Decide which one to play as, to take your gaming experience to a whole new level.
New Heroes:
| Edward, the Black Prince | Military commander and heir to the English throne |
| Bertrand du Guesclin | Skilled French knight and military leader |
Furthermore, you will be able to choose among 5 other new heroes with intriguing storylines and abilities, including:
Gilbert of Lannoy, to boost your knight’s movement and speed.
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- Joan of Arc
- James Audley
- Pierre de Maupertuis
- Regnault de Châtillon
Additional heroes with special rewards will also be included with the latest expansion.
A Deep Dive into the Medieval Setting
In the medieval world of Age of Empires IV, the Knights of Cross & Rose expansion takes you on a journey through the turbulent Middle Ages. This era, marked by the struggles of powerful kingdoms, the rise of legendary figures, and the unwavering dedication to one’s cause, serves as the perfect backdrop for a truly immersive gaming experience.
As you delve deeper into the medieval setting, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks, bustling marketplaces, and formidable fortresses that bring this era to life. Notable Figures in the Knights of Cross & Rose Expansion include:
- Their Legendary Leaders: Powerful figures who ruled their lands with iron fists and inspired loyalty among their people.
- Feared Warriors: Men-at-arms who charged into battles with unwavering courage and unshakeable resolve.
- Cunning Diplomats: Skilled negotiators who wove complex webs of alliances and rivalries that shaped the course of history.
| Medieval Landmarks | Description |
|---|---|
| Castles | Mighty fortresses that served as symbols of power and seats of authority. |
| Cathedrals | Grandiose structures that reflected the deep-seated faith of the people. |
| Marketplaces | Bustling centers of commerce where people from all walks of life gathered to exchange goods and ideas. |
In the medieval world, the struggle for power and survival is ever-present. With the Knights of Cross & Rose expansion, you’ll have the opportunity to navigate these treacherous waters, forge your own destiny, and leave your mark on the annals of history.
Gameplay Mechanics Redefined
Experience a fresh take on real-time strategy with new innovations in resource gathering, unit management, and town planning. The Knights of Cross & Rose expansion introduces the Farmstead, a key structure where villagers gather, produce, and store food. Upgrade it to unlock new food-gathering options, increase production rates, and boost your economy.
Explore a revamped tech tree, courtesy of the Château landmark building, offering a multitude of strategic routes for players to experiment and discover. Unleash the power of Benedictions, special abilities granted by your chosen patron, which bestow unique advantages to aid in warfare and resource management.
- New Farmstead features:
- Improved food gathering rates
- Enhanced resource storage
- Unlockable farmstead upgrades
- Château landmark building:
- Mastery-based research paths
- Unlockable Patron Benedictions
- Discoverable strategic options
| Farmstead Upgrades | Resource Boost | Production Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Granary Upgrade | 20% | 15% |
| Fields Upgrade | 15% | 10% |
| Orchard Upgrade | 10% | 5% |
Medieval Hero Spotlight
Delve into the world of Age of Empires IV: Knights of Cross & Rose Expansion with the revered Sir Edward, a valiant commander of the English armies. He commands his troops with unwavering resolve, driven by unshakeable ambition and unrelenting spirit.
Sir Edward’s unwavering spirit forges unbreakable bonds with his comrades-in-arms. His presence brings hope to a desolate battlefield as his tactical prowess and battle-tested bravery unleash unbridled unity among the English armies, making them an unbeatable force on the battlefield.
Key Knight Traits
- Hold the Line: Edward’s resolute stance inspires English armies, granting them additional experience when fighting near him.
- Counterattack: Unleash Edward’s mighty counterattack upon enemies that breach the English stronghold, crushing their morale.
Commander Comparison
| Commander | Starting Gold | Combat Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Sir Edward | 1,200 Gold | Healing Bonus |
| Sir John | 1,000 Gold | Melee Damage Boost |
Exploring the Two New Civilizations
The Knights of Cross & Rose expansion brings two new civilizations to the world of Age of Empires IV: the Holy Roman Empire and the Ottomans. Each of these civilizations comes with its own unique set of attributes, units, and structures that set them apart from the rest. The Holy Roman Empire is a versatile civilization that excels at both military and economic pursuits, with access to powerful units such as the Landsknecht and the Urfahr, a fast and agile unit that excels at scouting and reconnaissance.
On the other hand, the Ottomans are a diverse and dynamic civilization that combines elements of Eastern and Western cultures. With access to powerful units such as the Janissary and the Rete, the Ottomans can adapt to any situation and overcome even the toughest opponents. The table below outlines some of the key features of each civilization:
| Civilization | Unique Unit | Unique Structure | Special Ability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Roman Empire | Landsknecht | Print Works | Bohemian Revolt |
| Ottomans | Janissary | Bedesten | Rose and Tulip |
Some of the notable benefits of these new civilizations include:
- Access to powerful and unique units
- New strategies and playstyles
- Immersive and detailed campaigns
- Enhanced gameplay experience
Tactical Improvements and Map Expansions
Refine your strategy and test your mettle with new units, and explore the untamed wilderness with expanded maps, offering more variety and challenges.
Expand your tactical repertoire with the Crossbowmen and Galleys, both expertly designed for ranged combat, utilizing each unit’s unique strengths to execute a winning strategy. When faced with superior numbers, employ stealthy tactics and get the drop on enemy forces using the sneaky Archer Skirmisher. Push your opponent back on their heels with fearsome Mace Knight charges, breaking through battle lines with unyielding ferocity. Master these force multipliers and crush enemy strongholds.
| Map | Biome |
|---|---|
| New Found Land | Temperate Forest |
| The Fjords | Northern Forest |
| High Plateaus | Mountain |
In diverse new maps, you’ll adapt your strategy to claim victory, overcoming the challenges that hostile environments pose. Compete to master each terrain, expanding your grasp of combat and adaptation. Engage friends and foes on new battlefronts that call for original tactics. With every map conquered and opponent crushed, you’ll develop a deep comprehension of the battlescape – an ever-shifting test of wills that elevate masters from novices.
Eight New Player Cards and Abilities
Take your gameplay to the next level with eight powerful new player cards, each granting unique benefits to enhance your strategy. Whether you’re focusing on economic growth, military conquest, or technological advancements, these cards will help you achieve your objectives.
Some of these player cards include:
- Economic Boost: Gain 10% more gold from trade and market activities.
- Diplomatic Ties: Form alliances 20% faster and maintain them for longer periods.
- Technological Leap: Research key technologies 15% faster.
- Military Rally: Units within your vicinity gain a 5% attack boost.
| Card Name | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Standard | +3 Health for Units within Vicinity | 200 Gold |
| Mercenary Reinforcement | Summon 5 Mercenaries | 500 Gold |
| Enthusiastic Miners | +10% Resource Collection | 300 Gold |
New player abilities complement these cards, offering greater tactical flexibility and customization options to enhance your gameplay experience.
Embracing the Enhanced Multiplayer Experience
Immerse yourself in a world of unrelenting battles and strategic alliances with the all-new multiplayer options.
For the first time in Age of Empires IV history, Knights of Cross & Rose introduces 2v2 Automatch, allowing you to form alliances and test your skills against formidable opponents alongside a friend. Couple this with the eight new Achievements and you’ll be well on your way to multiplayer mastery.
| Multiplayer Modes | Key Features |
|---|---|
| 2v2 Automatch | Participate in ranked matches with a friend to test your teamwork and strategy. |
| Custom Games | Create unique matches with custom maps, teams, and conditions. |
- More Map Pool Options: Engage in battle on a diverse array of randomized maps inspired by real-world locations.
- Expanded Playlist Options: Filter playlists based on factors such as game modes and player count for the most personalized experience.
- New Replay Features: Re-watch past matches to identify areas for improvement and develop new strategies.
The Impact of the Expansion on Game Strategy
The fresh cavalry and infantry units brought by the new factions will redefine how you wage war. The diverse arsenal at your disposal will encourage experimentation with hybrid armies, combining the might of the English Longbowmen with the ferocity of the Burgundian Crossbowmen. This blend of old and new tactics will prove crucial on the battlefield.
| New Tactical Opportunities | Resulting Strategies |
|---|---|
| Flanking with Burgundian Pikemen | Forcing enemy formations into vulnerable positions |
| Shield Walls with English Huscarls | Absorbing damage, protecting vulnerable troops |
| Mobile Crossbowmen strikes | Exploiting enemy flanks and unprotected positions |
With the introduction of the Market, trade will play a significant role in your strategy. The ability to import goods from allies and export excess resources to bolster your economy will be key to maintaining a strong military presence.
- Negotiate alliances to secure scarce resources and vital economic agreements
- Balance military spending with a sustainable economy through smart trade decisions
- Create complex trading networks that fuel your campaign
Delving into the Single Player Experience
In Age of Empires IV: Knights of Cross & Rose, the single-player experience has been amplified with two new historical campaigns: the Normans and the Burgundians. Each campaign offers six dynamic scenarios that unfold like a well-crafted narrative, immersing you in the highs and lows of medieval warfare.
Throughout your journey, you’ll be aided by allies and advisors, who share their expertise and offer guidance at critical junctures of the campaign. Additionally, the game’s new and adapted campaign mechanics ensure that players are presented with opportunities to forge strategic alliances, govern their expanding empires, and respond to unpredictable environmental factors that shape their campaigns’ outcomes.
| Key Campaign Mechanics: | |
| • Resource management system | Manage and allocate resources strategically across multiple campaigns |
| • Landholding system | Claim, govern, and expand your territory, while resolving land disputes diplomatically |
| • Alliances and diplomacy system | Evaluate potential allies, form lasting partnerships, and carefully select your allies |
Immersive World and Enhanced Visuals
Dive into the breathtaking landscapes of medieval Europe, meticulously crafted to envelop you in the essence of a bygone era. Experience the charm of 13th-century France, the grandeur of the British Isles, and the mystique of Eastern Europe – all brought to life through picturesque details and enchanting environments.
Key Visual Enhancements:
- Detailed Character Models: Witness the intricate armor, ornate clothing, and nuanced animations that breathe life into your units and heroes.
- Richly Textured Landscapes: Explore the vast, rolling hills, dense forests, and bustling market towns, each loaded with an array of flora, fauna, and architecture.
| Visual Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Detailed Water Effects | Realistic wave patterns, ripples, and reflections create an immersive aquatic experience. |
| Differentiated Weather and Time Cycles | Witness the dynamic weather conditions and time-of-day cycles that alter the ambiance and visibility of the battlefield. |
The Way Forward
As the dust settles on the battle-scarred fields of ‘Age of Empires IV’, a new era of chivalry and conquest dawns with the Knights of Cross & Rose expansion. This latest chapter in the storied franchise promises to deliver fresh challenges, new civilizations, and epic clashes that will test the mettle of even the most seasoned commanders. With the expansion now live, the time has come to unsheathe your sword, rally your troops, and forge your own legacy in this unending tale of empire-building and exploration. The future of ‘Age of Empires IV’ has never looked brighter – will you answer the call to greatness?
