Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Receives Major New DLC Expansion
Fans of the legendary 1990s PC strategy game Age of Empires II have a substantial new reason to revisit the franchise, with the release of a major downloadable content pack titled The Last Chieftains. This expansion transports players to medieval South America, introducing three entirely new civilisations and three epic narrative campaigns.
Definitive Edition Continues to Evolve Nearly Three Decades On
Originally launched in 1999, Age of Empires II has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence through its Definitive Edition remaster, which has been hailed by critics like PC Gamer as the 'best version' of the game. This version is available across multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, and has been regularly updated with new content. The latest DLC, released on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, represents a significant addition to this ongoing support.
Three New Civilisations and Their Unique Units
The The Last Chieftains DLC enriches the game's roster with the Mapuche, Muisca, and Tupi civilisations, each bringing distinct military units and strategic advantages to the battlefield.
- The Mapuche civilisation features the Kona, a melee cavalryman, and the Bolas Rider, a ranged cavalry unit.
- The Muisca offer the Guecha Warriors, javelineers whose demise heals nearby allies, and the Temple Guard, a heavy infantryman that attacks faster over time in combat.
- The Tupi introduce the Blackwood Archer, trained in pairs, and the Ibirapema Warrior, a heavy infantry unit capable of dealing area damage.
Epic Campaigns Set in a Rich Historical Setting
Each new civilisation is accompanied by a dedicated campaign, weaving historical events with compelling storytelling set against the backdrop of medieval South America.
- Mapuche - Lautaro: This campaign follows the young warrior Lautaro as he seeks revenge against Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia after witnessing his village's destruction, challenging players to master Spanish tactics to alter his people's fate.
- Muisca - El Dorado: Players guide Commander Pacanchique, who must navigate loyalty between two powerful rulers while striving to protect his beloved Azay from both internal Muisca conflicts and European incursions.
- Tupi - Arariboia: In this narrative, chieftain Arariboia must protect his tribe from extinction by a rival group, seeking Portuguese assistance to reclaim their lost homeland.
Official Statement and Availability
An Xbox Game Studios spokesperson expressed enthusiasm for the release, stating, "We are thrilled to announce the next DLC for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – The Last Chieftains, is available now! Dive into medieval South America, where history and folklore combine in a vibrant and compelling expansion to present epic battles, riveting narratives, and endless intrigue." The spokesperson added that the DLC offers countless hours of enjoyment for historians, narrative enthusiasts, and longtime franchise fans alike.
The Last Chieftains is now available for purchase on Steam for PC, the Xbox Store for Xbox Series X/S, and the PlayStation Store for PS5, priced at £14.99. This expansion underscores the enduring legacy of Age of Empires II, providing both nostalgic players and new audiences with fresh content to explore in one of gaming's most revered strategy titles.
