Difference between revisions of "Age of Empires III"

Latest revision as of 11:14, 31 March 2024

This page is for the original release. For the Definitive Edition, see Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition.


⤏ Go to series page
Age of Empires	1997
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings	1999
Age of Mythology	2002
Age of Empires III	2005
Age of Empires Online	2011
Age of Empires II: HD Edition	2013
Age of Mythology: Extended Edition	2014
Age of Empires: Castle Siege	2014
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition	2018
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition	2019
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition	2020
Age of Empires IV	2021
Age of Mythology: Retold	2024

Warnings

The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.

Age of Empires III is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view RTS game in the Age of Empires series.

After its release, the game received The War Chiefs expansion in October 2006 and The Asian Dynasties in October 2007 (the latter by Big Huge Games), with new civilizations, campaigns and mechanics. The latest official patches developed by Robot Entertainment (founded by some of the ex-Ensemble staff after its closure) also removed the SmarteSECURE DRM, leaving only a serial key requirement.

The game runs stable on modern systems. Age of Empires III is the only Ensemble-era game in the series with official servers still online, but as of 2021 an official patch is required to change the domain lookup as Microsoft no longer controls the original domain. These servers are no longer actively supported and account loss can not be remedied. The ESOCommunity fansite maintained interest in this iteration of the game with its community patch until the release of the Definitive Edition, which has replaced the original in competitive play, and with ESOCommunity retaining its position as a community hub and frequent event host.

General information

Official website for the series

Official Discord server for the series

Age of Empires Wiki

Official support knowledgebase

ESOCommunity home to the ESOC Patch and the competitive multiplayer community

HeavenGames.com Large file database with lots of custom content

RTS-Sanctuary.com File database with many game replays

Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source	DRM	Notes	Keys	OS
Retail		SmarteSECURE DRM - removed in latest patches (1.14/1.06/1.03).
Humble Store		Complete Collection.
Steam		Complete Collection. Steam DRM check is present only on first launch while the serial key for the entire collection is applied to the registry; the game can be run without Steam afterwards by launching from any of the executables.^[2] Renamed to Age of Empires III (2007)^{[Note 1]} on October 15, 2020 due to the release of the Definitive Edition.
Amazon.com (unavailable)		Non-Steam version also available.
Games for Windows Marketplace (unavailable)		Was marketed as Age of Empires Complete Edition, for unknown reasons.^[3]

Online features require an Ensemble Studios Online (ESO) Account (registered in-game).

Retail CD keys for the Complete Edition can be activated on Steam (US version only).^[4]

Free demo versions are available from GameFront: base game (Windows), base game (OS X) The War Chiefs, The Asian Dynasties.

Version differences

The Gold Edition is includes the base game and The War Chiefs expansion pack.

The Complete Collection is includes the base game and both expansion packs. It is the only digital release.

Monetization

Type	Notes
Expansion pack	The expansion packs include new civilizations, units, mechanics and campaigns.
One-time game purchase	The game requires an upfront purchase to access.

DLC and expansion packs

Name	Notes
The WarChiefs	Added 8 maps, 3 civilizations, 2 plot acts, warchief units, revolutions and stealth.
The Asian Dynasties	Added 3 Asian Civilizations, each one with a campaign, wonder and the new export resource. As well as 6 new native civilizations.

Essential improvements

Skip intro videos

Use the `+noIntroCinematics` command line argument^[5]

Patches

The latest official patch for the base game is v1.14

The latest official patch for The Warchiefs expansion is v1.06

The latest official patch for The Asian Dynasties expansion is v1.03

For macOS (OS X), see the archived patch page

The Windows patches are also available from the official support knowledge base.

As of 2021, an official patch is available for fixing a connection issue caused by the official ESO multiplayer server domain change. Note that it causes an version mismatch with players who do not have it installed.

Unofficial patches

The unofficial ESOCommunity (ESOC) patch for The Asian Dynasties includes a wide range of balance changes and bug fixes, as well as additional maps for skirmish and multiplayer. Its development ended after the release of the Definitive Edition, but its balance changes were used as a reference for this edition's balancing at launch.

Game data

In-game general settings.

In-game UI settings. The "Enable IME" option under "Regional" is not shown.

Configuration file(s) location

System	Location
Windows	%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Age of Empires 3\Users\
macOS (OS X)	$HOME/Documents/Age of Empires III/Users/
Steam Play (Linux)	<SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/105450/pfx/^{[Note 2]}

Save game data location

System	Location
Windows	%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Age of Empires 3\Savegame\
macOS (OS X)	$HOME/Documents/Age of Empires III/Savegame/
Steam Play (Linux)	<SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/105450/pfx/^{[Note 2]}

Save game cloud syncing

System	Native	Notes
OneDrive		Requires enabling backup of the Documents* folder in OneDrive on all computers.*
Steam Cloud		Homecities can be saved on the official ESO multiplayer platform (effectively in a cloud).

Video

In-game video settings (1/2).

In-game video settings (2/2).

Graphics feature	WSGF	Notes
Widescreen resolution
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen		HUD is partially stretched.^[6]
4K Ultra HD		Some in-game texts becomes small.
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed	Game has no borders at max resolution when in windowed mode.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
High dynamic range display (HDR)	See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Input

In-game key map settings.

Keyboard and mouse	State	Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity		For scroll speed.
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support

Controller types

Audio

In-game audio settings.

Audio feature	State	Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound		Stereo only.^[7]
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language	UI	Audio	Sub	Notes
English
French
German
Hungarian				A fan translation by kds: base game, videos, The WarChiefs, Complete Edition
Italian
Korean
Polish				Retail only.
Brazilian Portuguese				Retail only.
Spanish

Network

Online features require an ESO Account (registered in-game).

Multiplayer types

Type	Native	Players	Notes
LAN play		8
Online play		8

Connection types

Type	Native	Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP		Enter in-game or use `OverrideAddress=` and `hostPort=` parameters.^[8]

Ports

Protocol	Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP	80, 2300
UDP	2300-2310

This game supports Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for automatic port configuration.

VR support

3D modes	State	Notes
vorpX		G3D User created game profile (Complete Collection); see vorpx forum profile introduction.

Issues fixed

Game crashes on startup

Run the game as administrator and/or in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP2

"MSXML4.0 is not installed correctly" on startup

Reinstall MSXML 4.0. Use the installer on the disc, the `<path-to-game>\msxml` subdirectory on Steam, or official download
This error may appear as a blank error message/dialog box, with no text and just an error icon.

ESO servers inaccessible

Apply the official ESO patch

As of September 1, 2021, Microsoft no longer owns the eso.com domain. To make sure the multiplayer mode of Age of Empires III points to a backend that is under their control, they have released a patch (requires the latest retail patch or the Steam version).^[9]

Note that this patch causes a version mismatch with players who do not have it installed.

ESO account support

Problems with ESO accounts like lost passwords are handled through the Account Management Tool on the official site.

Microsoft and associated parties are unable to provide support for these accounts,^[10] despite reports of stolen or otherwise inaccessible accounts over the years.^[11] ^[12]

Failed to join in multiplayer

This is the most common error suffered with Age of Empires III multiplayer. This error can be caused by many problems, and consequently, there are many methods to try to repair it. After each of the numbered solutions, attempt connecting to several games in multiplayer; only proceed to the next if you are still experiencing issues.

1. Allow ESO server more time to load

This solution needs to be done on each login.

Log in to ESO.
Stay on the home page and wait about 10 minutes. Do not whisper to friends, check clan info, or go to any other tab.
After 10 minutes, the problem may now be fixed. The Home Page can now be left.

2. Try power cycling network hardware
Turn off the modem, router, and PC. Wait a few minutes. Turn them back on in the listed order.

3. Ensure the game executables are listed in the firewall's exception list

4. Switch from wireless Internet connection to a wired one (if applicable)

5. Toggle UPnP on/off

6. Try port forwarding UDP and TCP ports 80, 2300-2310 or 2300-2340

7. Override the port to 2300 by using the `OverridePort="2300"` command line argument

8. Override the game to use the correct IP address by using the `OverrideAddress=` command line argument

9. Set the router to DMZ mode

Other information

API

Technical specs	Supported	Notes
Direct3D	9.0c
OpenGL	2	OS X only.
Shader Model support	3.0

Executable	PPC	32-bit	64-bit	Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)				32-bit only.

Middleware

	Middleware	Notes
Audio	DirectSound	[1]
Cutscenes	Bink Video
Multiplayer	Ensemble Studios Online (ESO)

System requirements

Windows
	Minimum	Recommended
Operating system (OS)	XP
Processor (CPU)	Intel Pentium 4 1.4 GHz	Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2 GHz
System memory (RAM)	256 MB	2 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD)	4 GB	12 GB
Video card (GPU)	Nvidia GeForce FX 5500 ATI Radeon X300 series 64 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible	Nvidia GeForce 6800 ATI Radeon X1300

Windows 98SE, ME, and 2000 have found to work with the game with few issues, but they are not officially supported.

macOS (OS X)
	Minimum	Recommended
Operating system (OS)	10.3.9	10.4.7
Processor (CPU)	IBM PowerPC G4/G5 1.4 GHz Intel 1.4 GHz	IBM PowerPC G5 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
System memory (RAM)	512 MB	1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD)	2 GB
Video card (GPU)	64 MB of VRAM	128 MB of VRAM

Notes

↑ 2007 being the release date of The Asian Dynasties, not the original Age of Empires III.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1
Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (105450) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.

References

↑ Shown in the latest patch changelogs. Worth noting is that the company was founded by some former Ensemble Studios staff immediately after its closure.
↑ Verified by User:Plok on 21 November 2022
↑ Games for Windows Marketplace launches Nov. 15 - last accessed on 19 August 2022
↑ Retail / Digital CD Keys - CD-Key - Knowledge Base - Steam Support - last accessed on May 2023
↑ No Intro Cinematics - Age of Empires III Heaven Forum - last accessed on 2024-03-31
↑ Age Of Empire III 21:9 Review (2560x1080) (60fps) (Ultrawide) - YouTube - last accessed on May 2023
↑ How do I enable surround sound? - Age of Empires III Heaven Forum
↑ Direct IP? Is it working? - Age of Empires III Heaven Forum
↑ Age of Empires III: CC ESO Patch - Age of Empires Support - last accessed on 2022-11-26
↑ FAQ - ESO and Multiplayer - Age of Empires Support - last accessed on 2022-11-26
↑ Stolen account!!! - Age of Empires III Heaven Forum - last accessed on 2022-11-26
↑ My Account Back : aoe3 - last accessed on 2022-11-26

[Note-3] 2007 being the release date of The Asian Dynasties, not the original Age of Empires III.

[Proton_path_note-7] 2.0 ^2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
The app ID (105450) may differ in some cases.
Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.

[3] File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.

[4] Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.

[5] The app ID (105450) may differ in some cases.

[6] Treat backslashes as forward slashes.

[7] See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.

[1] Shown in the latest patch changelogs. Worth noting is that the company was founded by some former Ensemble Studios staff immediately after its closure.

[AoE3Steam-2] Verified by User:Plok on 21 November 2022

[4] Games for Windows Marketplace launches Nov. 15 - last accessed on 19 August 2022

[5] Retail / Digital CD Keys - CD-Key - Knowledge Base - Steam Support - last accessed on May 2023

[6] No Intro Cinematics - Age of Empires III Heaven Forum - last accessed on 2024-03-31

[8] Age Of Empire III 21:9 Review (2560x1080) (60fps) (Ultrawide) - YouTube - last accessed on May 2023

[9] How do I enable surround sound? - Age of Empires III Heaven Forum

[override-10] Direct IP? Is it working? - Age of Empires III Heaven Forum

[11] Age of Empires III: CC ESO Patch - Age of Empires Support - last accessed on 2022-11-26

[12] FAQ - ESO and Multiplayer - Age of Empires Support - last accessed on 2022-11-26

[13] Stolen account!!! - Age of Empires III Heaven Forum - last accessed on 2022-11-26

[14] My Account Back : aoe3 - last accessed on 2022-11-26

[1]

[2]

[Note 1]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[Note 2]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

Developers

	Ensemble Studios
The Asian Dynasties	Big Huge Games
Last patch set^[1]	Robot Entertainment
macOS (OS X)	Westlake Interactive
Publishers
	Microsoft Game Studios
Re-releases	Ubisoft
OS X	MacSoft
Engines
	BANG!
Release dates
Windows	October 18, 2005
macOS (OS X)	September 29, 2006
Reception
Metacritic	81
Taxonomy
Monetization	One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Microtransactions	None
Modes	Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing	Real-time
Perspectives	Bird's-eye view
Controls	Multiple select, Point and select
Genres	RTS
Themes	Asia, North America, South America
Series	Age of Empires

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{disambig|the original release|the Definitive Edition|[[Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition]]}}
-'''Key points'''
-{{ii}} Previously known as '''Age of Empires III: Complete Collection''' on Steam, but was renamed on Steam to '''Age of Empires III (2007)''' on October 15, 2020 due to the release of the [[Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition|Definitive Edition]].
 {{Infobox game
 |cover        = AOE3_Boxart.jpeg
@@ Line 9: / Line 5: @@
 {{Infobox game/row/developer|Ensemble Studios}}
 {{Infobox game/row/developer|Big Huge Games|The Asian Dynasties}}
+{{Infobox game/row/developer|Robot Entertainment|Last patch set<ref>Shown in the latest patch changelogs. Worth noting is that the company was founded by some former Ensemble Studios staff immediately after its closure.</ref>}}
 {{Infobox game/row/porter|Westlake Interactive|OS X}}
 |publishers   =
 {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Microsoft Game Studios}}
+{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Ubisoft|Re-releases}}
 {{Infobox game/row/publisher|MacSoft|OS X}}
+|reception    =
+{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|age-of-empires-iii|81}}
 |engines      =
 {{Infobox game/row/engine|BANG!}}
@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 |taxonomy=
 {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }}
-{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | None}}
 {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes             | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 |lutris       = age-of-empires-iii-complete-collection
 |strategywiki = Age of Empires III
-|mobygames    = age-of-empires-iii
+|mobygames    = 20055
 |wikipedia    = Age of Empires III
 |winehq       = 2441
 |license      = commercial
+}}
+{{Introduction
+|introduction      =
+|release history   = After its release, the game received '''''The War Chiefs''''' expansion in October 2006 and '''''The Asian Dynasties''''' in October 2007 (the latter by [[Company:Big Huge Games|Big Huge Games]]), with new civilizations, campaigns and mechanics. The latest [[#Patches|official patches]] developed by [[Company:Robot Entertainment|Robot Entertainment]] (founded by some of the ex-Ensemble staff after its closure) also removed the {{Removed DRM|SmarteSECURE}}, leaving only a serial key requirement.
+|current state     = The game runs stable on modern systems. ''Age of Empires III'' is the only Ensemble-era game in the series with official servers still online, but as of 2021 an [[#Patches|official patch]] is required to change the domain lookup as Microsoft no longer controls the original domain. These servers are no longer actively supported and account loss can not be remedied. The [https://eso-community.net/ ESOCommunity] fansite maintained interest in this iteration of the game with its [[#Unofficial patches|community patch]] until the release of the ''[[Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition|Definitive Edition]]'', which has replaced the original in competitive play, and with ESOCommunity retaining its position as a community hub and frequent event host.
 }}
@@ Line 46: / Line 54: @@
 {{mm}} [https://www.ageofempires.com/ Official website] for the series
 {{mm}} [https://discordapp.com/invite/ageofempires Official Discord server] for the series
-{{mm}} [http://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_Series_Wiki Age of Empires Wiki]
+{{mm}} [https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_Series_Wiki Age of Empires Wiki]
+{{mm}} [https://support.ageofempires.com/hc/en-us/sections/4836889314196-Age-of-Empires-III-2007- Official support knowledgebase]
 {{mm}} [https://eso-community.net/ ESOCommunity] home to the ESOC Patch and the competitive multiplayer community
 {{mm}} [http://aoe3.heavengames.com/ HeavenGames.com] Large file database with lots of custom content
@@ Line 54: / Line 63: @@
 ==Availability==
 {{Availability|
-{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc, Key | {{Removed DRM|SmarteSECURE}} - removed in latest Windows patches (1.14/1.06/1.03). Only way to purchase game and expansions individually. | |Windows, OS X}}
+{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc, Key | {{Removed DRM|SmarteSECURE}} - removed in [[#Patches|latest patches (1.14/1.06/1.03)]]. | |Windows, OS X}}
 {{Availability/row| Humble | age-of-empires-iii-complete-collection | Steam | Complete Collection. | | Windows}}
-{{Availability/row| Steam | 105450 | DRM-free | Complete Collection. Game does not require Steam to run.<ref name="nouplay">{{Refcheck|date=14 June 2019|comment=Installer is downloaded through Steam client. Game is DRM-free.}}</ref> |  | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| Steam | 105450 | key | Complete Collection. Steam DRM check is present only on first launch while the serial key for the entire collection is applied to the registry; the game can be run without Steam afterwards by launching from any of the executables.<ref name="AoE3Steam">{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=21 November 2022}}</ref><br>Renamed to '''Age of Empires III (2007)'''{{note|2007 being the release date of The Asian Dynasties, not the original Age of Empires III.}} on October 15, 2020 due to the release of the [[Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition|Definitive Edition]]. |  | Windows }}
 {{Availability/row| Amazon | B00AR05D78 | Steam | Non-Steam version also available. | | Windows | unavailable }}
+{{Availability/row| Games for Windows Marketplace | GFWL | GFWL | Was marketed as ''Age of Empires Complete Edition'', for unknown reasons.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/games-for-windows-marketplace-launches-nov-15/1100-6282798/|title=Games for Windows Marketplace launches Nov. 15|date=19 August 2022}}</ref> | | Windows | unavailable }}
 }}
 {{ii}} Online features require an Ensemble Studios Online (ESO) Account (registered in-game).
-{{ii}} Steam DRM check is only on first launch, the game can be run in DRM-free mode afterwards by launching it from the age3y.exe executable.
+{{++}} Retail CD keys for the Complete Edition can be activated on Steam (US version only).<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7480-wusf-3601|title=Retail / Digital CD Keys - CD-Key - Knowledge Base - Steam Support|date=May 2023}}</ref>
-{{++}} Retail CD keys for the Complete Edition can be activated on Steam (US version only).<ref>[https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7480-wusf-3601 Retail / Digital CD Keys - CD-Key - Knowledge Base - Steam Support]</ref>
 {{ii}} Free demo versions are available from GameFront: [https://www.gamefront.com/games/age-of-empires-iii/file/aoe3-trial-demo-1-1-reviewed base game (Windows)], [https://www.gamefront.com/games/age-of-empires-iii/file/age-of-empires-iii-mac-demo-1-0 base game (OS X)] [https://www.gamefront.com/games/age-of-empires-iii-the-warchiefs/file/age-of-empires-iii-the-warchiefs-trial-version The War Chiefs], [https://www.gamefront.com/games/age-of-empires-iii-the-asian-dynasties/file/age-of-empires-iii-the-asian-dynasties-trial-version The Asian Dynasties].
@@ Line 87: / Line 96: @@
 ==Essential improvements==
 ===Skip intro videos===
-{{Fixbox|description=Use the <code>+noIntroCinematics</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}}}
+{{Fixbox|description=Use the <code>+noIntroCinematics</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://aoe3.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/forums/display.cgi?action=ct&f=1,33864,3840,all|title=No Intro Cinematics - Age of Empires III Heaven Forum|date=2024-03-31}}</ref>}}
 ===Patches===
-{{ii}} The patches linked below will download and install much faster than the in-game updater, and more reliably.
+{{ii}} The latest official patch for the base game is [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1131-age-of-empires-iii-patch/ v1.14]
-* Age of Empires III base game: [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1131-age-of-empires-iii-patch/ v1.14 Patch]
+{{ii}} The latest official patch for The Warchiefs expansion is [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1132-age-of-empires-iii-the-warchiefs-patch/ v1.06]
-* The Warchiefs expansion: [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1132-age-of-empires-iii-the-warchiefs-patch/ v1.06 Patch]
+{{ii}} The latest official patch for The Asian Dynasties expansion is [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1133-age-of-empires-iii-the-asian-dynasties-patch/ v1.03]
-* The Asian Dynasties expansion: [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1133-age-of-empires-iii-the-asian-dynasties-patch/ v1.03 Patch]
+{{ii}} For macOS (OS X), see the [https://web.archive.org/web/20150721042154/http://destineergames.com/support/?page_id=88 archived patch page]
-* Archived macOS (OS X) patch page: [https://web.archive.org/web/20150721042154/http://destineergames.com/support/?page_id=88]
+{{ii}} The Windows patches are also available from [https://support.ageofempires.com/hc/en-us/articles/4896220454292-Last-patch-versions the official support knowledge base].
+{{ii}} As of 2021, an [https://support.ageofempires.com/hc/en-us/articles/360048534212-Age-of-Empires-III-CC-ESO-Patch official patch] is available for fixing a connection issue caused by the official ESO multiplayer server domain change. Note that it causes an version mismatch with players who do not have it installed.
-These patches are also available from [https://support.ageofempires.com/hc/en-us/articles/4896220454292-Last-patch-versions the official support knowledge base].
-Also available is an official patch for fixing a connection issue caused by changing the multiplayer server domain. Note that it causes an incompatibility with players who do not have it installed: [https://support.ageofempires.com/hc/en-us/articles/360048534212-Age-of-Empires-III-CC-ESO-Patch link].
+===Unofficial patches===
+{{ii}} The unofficial [https://eso-community.net/esoc-patch.php ESOCommunity (ESOC) patch] for The Asian Dynasties includes a wide range of balance changes and bug fixes, as well as additional maps for skirmish and multiplayer. Its development ended after the release of the [[Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition|Definitive Edition]], but its balance changes were used as a reference for this edition's balancing at launch.
 ==Game data==
@@ Line 107: / Line 116: @@
 {{Game data|
 {{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Age of Empires 3\Users\}}
-{{Game data/config|OS X|~/Documents/Age of Empires III/Users/}}
+{{Game data/config|OS X|{{p|osxhome}}/Documents/Age of Empires III/Users/}}
 }}
@@ Line 113: / Line 122: @@
 {{Game data|
 {{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Age of Empires 3\Savegame\}}
-{{Game data/saves|OS X|~/Documents/Age of Empires III/Savegame/}}
+{{Game data/saves|OS X|{{p|osxhome}}/Documents/Age of Empires III/Savegame/}}
 }}
@@ Line 148: / Line 157: @@
 |multimonitor notes         =
 |ultrawidescreen            = true
-|ultrawidescreen notes      = HUD is partially stretched.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-JatP_vELE Age Of Empire III 21:9 Review (2560x1080) (60fps) (Ultrawide) - YouTube]</ref>
+|ultrawidescreen notes      = HUD is partially stretched.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-JatP_vELE|title=Age Of Empire III 21:9 Review (2560x1080) (60fps) (Ultrawide) - YouTube|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 |4k ultra hd                = true
 |4k ultra hd notes          = Some in-game texts becomes small.
@@ Line 161: / Line 170: @@
 |antialiasing               = true
 |antialiasing notes         =
+|upscaling                  = unknown
+|upscaling tech             =
+|upscaling notes            =
 |vsync                      = true
 |vsync notes                =
@@ Line 253: / Line 265: @@
 |eax support              =
 |eax support notes        =
+|royalty free audio       = always on
+|royalty free audio notes =
 }}
@@ Line 282: / Line 296: @@
 {{L10n/switch
   |language  = Hungarian
-  |interface = limited
+  |interface = hackable
   |audio     = false
-  |subtitles = limited
+  |subtitles = hackable
-  |notes     = Only retail version officially supported, except "The Asian Dynasties". A fan translation by kds [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/age-of-empires-3/age-of-empires-3/547 link #1 (for base game)], [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/age-of-empires-3/age-of-empires-3-videok/2153 link #2 (videos)], [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/age-of-empires-3-the-warchiefs/age-of-empires-3-the-warchiefs/735 link #3 (for warchiefs expansion)], [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1787-age-of-empires-iii-complete-edition-hungarian-translation/ link #4 (Complete Edition)]
+  |notes     = A fan translation by kds: [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/age-of-empires-3/age-of-empires-3/547 base game], [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/age-of-empires-3/age-of-empires-3-videok/2153 videos], [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/age-of-empires-3-the-warchiefs/age-of-empires-3-the-warchiefs/735 The WarChiefs], [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1787-age-of-empires-iii-complete-edition-hungarian-translation/ Complete Edition]
-  |fan       =
+  |fan       = true
 }}
 {{L10n/switch
@@ Line 354: / Line 368: @@
 |p2p                = true
 |p2p notes          =
-|dedicated          = true
+|dedicated          = false
-|dedicated notes    = For matchmaking and game lobby only, gameplay remains on peer-to-peer basis.
+|dedicated notes    =
 |self-hosting       = true
 |self-hosting notes =
@@ Line 385: / Line 399: @@
 |vorpx                       = hackable
 |vorpx modes                 = G3D
-|vorpx notes                 = User created game profile (Age of Empires 3 Complete) , see [https://www.vorpx.com/forums/topic/age-of-empires-3-complete/ vorpx forum] profile introduction.
+|vorpx notes                 = User created game profile (Complete Collection); see [https://www.vorpx.com/forums/topic/age-of-empires-3-complete/ vorpx forum] profile introduction.
 |htc vive                    =
 |htc vive notes              =
@@ Line 413: / Line 427: @@
 ==Issues fixed==
+===Game crashes on startup===
+{{Fixbox|description=Run the game as administrator and/or in [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] for Windows XP SP2|fix=
+}}
+==="MSXML4.0 is not installed correctly" on startup===
+{{Fixbox|description=Reinstall MSXML 4.0. Use the installer on the disc, the {{file|{{p|game}}\msxml|folder}} subdirectory on Steam, or [https://web.archive.org/web/20210328145444/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=15697 official download]|ref=|fix=
+{{ii}} This error may appear as a blank error message/dialog box, with no text and just an error icon.
+}}
 ===ESO servers inaccessible===
 {{Fixbox|description=Apply the official ESO patch|fix=
-As of 1 September 2021, Microsoft no longer owns the eso.com domain. To make sure the multiplayer mode of Age of Empires III points to a backend that is under their control, they have released a patch (mainly meant for the Steam release). [https://www.ageofempires.com/ageiiiesopatch/ Download from the official website]}}
+As of September 1, 2021, Microsoft no longer owns the eso.com domain. To make sure the multiplayer mode of Age of Empires III points to a backend that is under their control, they have released [https://aoe.ms/AgeIIIEsoPatch a patch] (requires the latest retail patch or the Steam version).<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://support.ageofempires.com/hc/en-us/articles/360048534212|title=Age of Empires III: CC ESO Patch - Age of Empires Support|date=2022-11-26}}</ref>
+Note that this patch causes a version mismatch with players who do not have it installed.
+}}
+===ESO account support===
+{{ii}} Problems with ESO accounts like lost passwords are handled through the [https://esoaccounts.agecommunity.com/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fAccountManagement%2fDefault.aspx Account Management Tool] on the official site.
-===Failed to Join===
+{{--}} Microsoft and associated parties are unable to provide support for these accounts,<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://support.ageofempires.com/hc/en-us/articles/4620605134100-FAQ-ESO-and-Multiplayer|title=FAQ - ESO and Multiplayer - Age of Empires Support|date=2022-11-26}}</ref> despite reports of stolen or otherwise inaccessible accounts over the years.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://aoe3.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/forums/display.cgi?action=ct&f=1,33349,5520,all|title=Stolen account!!! - Age of Empires III Heaven Forum|date=2022-11-26}}</ref> <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/aoe3/comments/fkdapy/my_account_back/|title=My Account Back : aoe3|date=2022-11-26}}</ref>
-{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|fix=
+===Failed to join in multiplayer===
 This is the most common error suffered with Age of Empires III multiplayer.
 This error can be caused by many problems, and consequently, there are many methods to try to repair it.
-After each numbered step, attempt connecting to several games in multiplayer; only proceed to the next if you are still experiencing issues.
+After each of the numbered solutions, attempt connecting to several games in multiplayer; only proceed to the next if you are still experiencing issues.
+{{Fixbox|description=1. Allow ESO server more time to load|fix=
+{{ii}} This solution needs to be done on each login.
+# Log in to ESO.
+# Stay on the home page and wait about 10 minutes. Do not whisper to friends, check clan info, or go to any other tab.
+# After 10 minutes, the problem may now be fixed. The Home Page can now be left.
+}}
+{{Fixbox|description=2. Try power cycling network hardware|fix=
+# Turn off the modem, router, and PC.
+# Wait a few minutes.
+# Turn them back on in the listed order.
+}}
+{{Fixbox|description=3. Ensure the game executables are listed in the firewall's exception list|fix=
+}}
-{{ii}}1. Allow Ensemble Studios Online more time to load.
+{{Fixbox|description=4. Switch from wireless Internet connection to a wired one (if applicable)|fix=
-(This solution needs done every time you log in -- you might further try more steps if you wish to not have to wait every time.)
-.) Log in to ESO.
-.) Stay on the home page and wait about 10 minutes. Do not whisper to friends, check clan, or go to any other tab.
-.) After 10 minutes the problem may now be fixed. You can now leave the Home Page.
-.) Repeat this every time you log in.
- {{ii}}2. Try power cycling your network hardware.
-.) Turn off your modem, router, and PC.
-.) Wait a few minutes.
-.) Turn them back on in the listed order.
-{{ii}}3. Ensure Age of Empires III and its expansions (age3.exe, age3x.exe, age3y.exe) are listed on your firewall's exception lists; try playing with the firewall in Gaming Mode, Low, and Off.
-{{ii}}4. If you connect to the internet wirelessly, try a wired connection.
-{{ii}}5. Toggle UPnP on or off.
-.) Connect to your router in your browser; usually, this is done by typing 192.168.1.1 into your address bar. If that IP does not connect to your router, see your router's manual or try Googling your router brand and model.
-.) Your router will prompt for your username and password. Often, this is "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and "password". See your router's manual or try Googling your router brand and model with "default password" if those don't work.
-.) Find and Toggle On or Off (set it to whatever it wasn't before) UPnP. You may have to search around for this setting, or consult your manual. My router has it in Advanced: Advanced Setup: UPnP.
-{{ii}}6. Try Port Forwarding UDP and TCP ports 80, 2300-2310 to your device.
-.) Identify your router brand and model.
-.) Go to [http://portforward.com/ PortForward.com] and select your router brand and model, and click search.
-.) Select Age of Empires III and follow the steps given.
-.) You can use a site like [https://www.canyouseeme.org/ CanYouSeeMe] to ensure you have correctly opened the ports. CanYouSeeMe will only see a port if there is a server currently running on it -- a barebones server I made can be downloaded here: https://www.mediafire.com/download.php?z1twnicystbaqsz Unzip, run the .exe, and enter the desired test port.
-{{ii}}7. Try Port Forwarding UDP and TCP 80, 2300-2340 to your device. Note the larger range of ports than step #6.
-{{ii}}8. Override the Port to 2300. Use the [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]] <code>OverridePort="2300"</code>.
-{{ii}}9. Override the game to use the correct IP address. Use the <code>OverrideAddress=</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]] with your IP address.
-{{ii}}10. Try setting the DMZ on your router on.
 }}
-===Game Crashes on Startup/Doesn't Start===
+{{Fixbox|description=5. Toggle UPnP on/off|fix=
-{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|fix=
-An error that usually occurs on Windows 7.
-After each numbered step, attempt running the game; only proceed to the next if you are still experiencing issues.
-{{ii}}1. Ensure the game is Running as Administrator.
-.) Right click on your desktop icon, and select "Properties".
-.) Go to the compatibility tab and select "Run this program as administrator", and select "OK".
-{{ii}}2. Try running the game in compatibility mode.
-.) Right click on your desktop icon, and select "Properties".
-.) Go to the compatibility tab and select "Run this program in compatibility mode for:". Try all the OS options in the list. Oddly, some users report "Windows Vista (SP2)" option repairing it.
 }}
-==="MSXML4.0 is not installed correctly" on startup===
+{{Fixbox|description=6. Try port forwarding UDP and TCP ports 80, 2300-2310 or 2300-2340|fix=
-{{ii}} For this issue, [https://support.microsoft.com/kb/810209 see instructions here].
+}}
-===Account Support===
+{{Fixbox|description=7. Override the port to 2300 by using the <code>OverridePort="2300"</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|fix=
-Problems with ESO Accounts should be first solved with the [https://esoaccounts.agecommunity.com/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fAccountManagement%2fDefault.aspx Account Management Tool] on the official site.
+}}
-If you have further problems that cannot be solved with that tool, create a [http://www.agecommunity.com/support.aspx Support Ticket]. Be sure to include your Product ID.
+{{Fixbox|description=8. Override the game to use the correct IP address by using the <code>OverrideAddress=</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|fix=
+}}
-{{Fixbox|description=Finding your Product ID|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+{{Fixbox|description=9. Set the router to DMZ mode|fix=
-# Start the Vanilla game (not one of the expansions; launch Age of Empires III).
-# Go to Help and Tools -> About.
-# You'll find your Product Key near the bottom in this format: XXXXX-XXX-XXXXXXX-XXXXX
 }}
@@ Line 479: / Line 491: @@
 ===API===
 {{API
-|direct3d versions      = 9
+|direct3d versions      = 9.0c
 |direct3d notes         =
 |directdraw versions    =
@@ Line 495: / Line 507: @@
 |dos modes              =
 |dos modes notes        =
-|shader model versions  = 3
+|shader model versions  = 3.0
 |shader model notes     =
 |windows 32-bit exe     = true
 |windows 64-bit exe     = false
+|windows arm app        = false
 |windows exe notes      =
 |mac os x powerpc app   = true
 |macos intel 32-bit app = true
 |macos intel 64-bit app = false
-|macos arm app          =
+|macos arm app          = unknown
 |macos app notes        = 32-bit only.
 |linux 32-bit executable=
 |linux 64-bit executable=
+|linux arm app          = unknown
 |linux executable notes =
 }}