Microsoft has seemingly reversed its decision to cancel the upcoming downloadable content for Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition. The expansion, now titled "The Baltic Powers," is scheduled for release on September 10, 2026.
This revival comes after the DLC was initially announced in February 2023 with a "late 2024" release window. Microsoft later announced a delay, citing the need to focus on multiple active projects. The content was subsequently declared canceled in January, with the company admitting the initial announcement may have been premature, as development had not yet begun.
The "The Baltic Powers" expansion will introduce two new civilizations: The Danes and the Poles. Players can also expect 25 new maps, over 50 hero customizations, and new game modes. According to Microsoft, these additions are intended to offer fresh strategic challenges and new ways for players to engage with the game.
The Poles are described as a civilization that benefits from lower building costs and civic bonuses, featuring a strong economy bolstered by cavalry options. The Danes, on the other hand, will allow players to utilize the Customs House from the outset, leveraging shipments from other players. Their economy is designed to strengthen as players advance through the ages, with defensive capabilities including Snaphane and Gunboat levies.
New game modes include Regicide, a mode focused on eliminating the enemy Regent, and Independence, which challenges players to rely on strategy and fundamentals without Home City support. The expansion will also feature new scenarios, such as Commonwealth Charge and Havana Heat.
This news arrives amid broader changes within Microsoft's gaming division, which has recently undergone a significant restructuring. The revival of the Age of Empires 3 DLC offers a positive development for fans of the long-running real-time strategy series.