

The larger our audience for this Technical Stress Test, the more successful it will be!

The stress test build will be available on Steam and through the Xbox Insider App hub on PC – no invite or NDA required for entry, and you can “pre-sign-up" in both locations to stay in the loop starting Tuesday, September 14. This is designed to test the servers and systems, ahead of launch on October 28th, and ensure that matchmaking, lobbies and additional systems perform at scale. This weekend Microsoft are holding a technical stress test for “Age of Empires IV,” running from 10:00 am PT on September 17 to 10:00 am PT September 20. With updated controls, intuitive UI and a fresh approach to the campaign, Age of Empires IV is the most accessible Age of Empires game yet while taking everything fans love about the franchise to the next level. Taking the battle to the water adds a whole new dimension to player strategy and adds new meaning to "sink or swim"! Teenage Joan rallied her country and led armies into battle against the occupying English. Making a heroic appearance in the trailer is French heroine and icon Joan of Arc. Royal Knights are one of the civilization's special units with a fearsome charge ability. The French thrive in trade, with the Chamber of Commerce and Royal Institute landmarks helping strengthen a player's late game. The French were revealed alongside the 100 Years War campaign, allowing players to place themselves in the battles fought between the English and French in the 14th and 15th centuries. Their unique units include Camel Archers and Riders. The Abbasid Dynasty's focus on technology, powered by their unique landmark, the House of Wisdom, will allow players to choose unique upgrade opportunities.

The teams at both Relic and World's Edge have shared that players will have the choice of the English, Mongols, Chinese and Delhi Sultanate at launch, and two more civilizations have been revealed: the Abbasid Dynasty and the French. Age of Empires IV features two new launch civilizations, a newly revealed campaign, naval combat, and Joan of Arc.
