Are you a fan of strategy games? Do you enjoy building and expanding your own civilization? If so, then Age of Empires 2 is the perfect game for you. In this article, we will explore where you can download Age of Empires 2 for free and start your epic journey to conquer the world.
What is Age of Empires 2?
Age of Empires 2 is a real-time strategy game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft in 1999. It is the second installment in the highly popular Age of Empires series and has gained a cult following over the years. The game allows players to choose from different civilizations and guide them through various historical campaigns or engage in multiplayer battles with friends or online opponents.
Downloading Age of Empires 2 for Free
While Age of Empires 2 is a paid game, there are several ways to download it for free. Here are some of the best platforms where you can find the game:
| Platform | Special Features | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Wide selection of mods and multiplayer support | https://store.steampowered.com/app/221380/Age_of_Empires_II_Definitive_Edition/ |
| Microsoft Store | Official platform with regular updates | https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/age-of-empires-ii-definitive-edition/9n4wgh0z6vhq?rtc=1&activetab=pivot:overviewtab |
| Abandonware Sites | Older version of the game available for free | https://www.myabandonware.com/game/age-of-empires-ii-the-age-of-kings-bx |
| Torrent Sites | Access to cracked versions of the game | https://www.utorrent.com/ |
Steam
Steam is a popular digital distribution platform for video games developed by Valve Corporation. It offers a wide range of games, including Age of Empires 2. To download the game for free on Steam, simply follow these steps:
- Visit the official Steam website at https://store.steampowered.com/.
- Create a free Steam account or log in to your existing account.
- Search for “Age of Empires 2” in the search bar at the top of the page.
- Select the desired edition of the game and click on the “Add to Cart” button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Once the game is installed, you can launch it from your Steam library and start playing immediately. Steam also offers a wide selection of mods and multiplayer support, allowing you to enhance your gaming experience and connect with other players around the world.
Microsoft Store
If you prefer to download Age of Empires 2 from the official source, you can find it on the Microsoft Store. Here's how to do it:
- Go to the Microsoft Store website at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/b/home.
- Search for “Age of Empires 2” in the search bar at the top of the page.
- Select the “Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition” from the search results.
- Click on the “Get” button to download and install the game.
- Once the installation is complete, you can launch the game from your computer.
Downloading Age of Empires 2 from the Microsoft Store ensures that you have the latest version of the game with regular updates and patches. It also provides a seamless integration with other Microsoft services and features.
Abandonware Sites
If you're looking for the original version of Age of Empires 2, you can visit abandonware sites such as My Abandonware. These sites offer older games that are no longer sold or supported by the developers. Here's how to download the game from My Abandonware:
- Go to the My Abandonware website at https://www.myabandonware.com/.
- Search for “Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings” in the search bar on the homepage.
- Select the desired edition of the game from the search results.
- Click on the “Download” button to start the download process.
- Once the download is complete, you can install the game and start playing.
It's important to note that downloading games from abandonware sites may not always be legal, as the copyright status of these games can be unclear. Make sure to check the site's terms of service and use your own discretion when downloading from these platforms.
Torrent Sites
For those who are comfortable with torrenting, there are several torrent sites where you can find cracked versions of Age of Empires 2. Here's how to download the game using torrents:
- Download and install a torrent client such as uTorrent from the official website at https://www.utorrent.com/.
- Go to a torrent site such as The Pirate Bay or Kickass Torrents.
- Search for “Age of Empires 2” in the search bar on the site.
- Select a trusted torrent with a high number of seeders.
- Click on the magnet link or download button to start the download process in your torrent client.
- Once the download is complete, you can extract the files and install the game.
Downloading games from torrent sites can be risky, as there is a chance of downloading malware or copyrighted material. Make sure to use a reliable antivirus software and proceed with caution when downloading from these platforms.
Conclusion
Age of Empires 2 is a timeless classic that continues to captivate strategy game enthusiasts around the world. Whether you choose to download the game from Steam, the Microsoft Store, abandonware sites, or torrent sites, make sure to follow the necessary precautions and respect the rights of the developers. Now that you know where to download Age of Empires 2 for free, it's time to gather your troops and lead your civilization to glory!
