Microsoft has officially revived a previously canceled expansion for Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition. The The Baltic Powers DLC, which was shelved years ago, is now in open beta and is scheduled for a full release on September 10, 2026.
This marks the first major content drop for the game since Knights of the Mediterranean shipped in 2022. That previous expansion introduced Italian and Maltese civilizations, new maps, minor civs, and additional game modes. The Baltic Powers expansion follows a similar blueprint but focuses on Northern European history.
#1 Two new civilizations: Poles and Danes
The centerpiece of the DLC is the addition of two distinct civilizations. Players will take control of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which emphasizes economic advantages and heavy cavalry units. The second faction is the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway, designed around naval dominance and defensive fortifications.
These factions bring unique mechanics that should shake up the current meta. The Polish-Lithuanian focus on cavalry suggests a mobile, aggressive playstyle, while Denmark-Norway’s naval strength will reward players who control the waterways and build coastal defenses.
#2 New game modes and 20 maps
Beyond the civilizations, the expansion introduces Regicide and Independence game modes. Regicide is a veteran favorite where the objective is to eliminate the opposing player’s king unit. Independence is a new addition that removes Home City support, forcing players to rely entirely on their in-game economy and military production.
The map pool also receives a significant boost with 20 new maps. This addresses a common complaint from the community about map rotation fatigue in competitive play.
#3 Open beta runs until August 6
Microsoft has opened the beta to all players for testing purposes. The test period runs from July 23 until August 6. Participants can access the beta through Steam by right-clicking Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition in their library, selecting Properties, navigating to the Game Versions & Betas tab, and selecting open_beta from the dropdown menu.
According to the official Age of Empires website, the beta will allow players to test the new civilizations, game modes, and maps before the official launch.
What this means for you
For RTS fans, this expansion validates the long-term support for Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition. The fact that a canceled DLC was revived suggests Microsoft sees a viable player base, which is encouraging for the franchise’s future. The new civilizations and game modes should provide fresh strategic depth, while the 20 new maps will help keep competitive play interesting.
How to get it
The expansion will be available for purchase on Steam and the Microsoft Store on September 10, 2026. Players can join the open beta now to test the content early. The beta is free for anyone who owns Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition.
Based on the SteamDB data, the game maintains a healthy player base with a 24-hour peak of 5,470 players. This level of engagement supports the continued development of new content and expansions.
The revival of The Baltic Powers expansion is a positive sign for Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition. With two new civilizations, fresh game modes, and 20 new maps, the DLC offers substantial value for both new and returning players.
Source: Latest from Windows Central
Over to you: Will you be testing the Baltic Powers beta, or waiting for the full September 10 launch?
