What's the difference between Age of Empires II: HD and Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition on Steam?
My friends and I are looking to play Age of Empires 2. Problem is, there are two Steam versions:
- Age of Empires II: HD (2013)
- Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (2019?)
Some of us have one, and some have the other. It seems they are not cross-compatible. Other than the latter supporting 4k graphics, what are the gameplay differences here? Do they have different story/DLC/map inclusions? Are they the same engine underneath?
Solution 1:
Both are remasters of Age of Empires 2: Age of Kings. Definitive Edition is the second rerelease and, in addition to the higher quality graphics and all HD Edition content, includes updates and improvements. Some of the notable ones are:
- More civilizations from Eastern Europe & Central Asia (Lithuanians, Bulgarians, Cumans, & Tatars)
- Interface improvements such as a visible global production and research queue
- Improved AI
- Various quality of life features including automatic farm reseeding
- Server-based multiplayer
A full list can be found here: https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_II:_Definitive_Edition
Additionally, Definitive Edition still receives regular balance patches and content updates. HD edition is unlikely to receive more than compatibility updates.