The waters of Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition have never been busier. Developer Forgotten Empires has rolled out a sweeping naval update that reshapes naval warfare with a new ship line, refined mechanics, and adjustments to nearly every floating unit in the game. This isn’t just a patch—it’s a full-scale refit of the game’s maritime systems, arriving alongside the launch of The Last Chieftains, the latest expansion adding three new civilizations to the medieval South American roster.
The centerpiece of the update is the introduction of the Hulk-line, a trio of heavily armored warships designed to disrupt fire ship dominance. The Hulk, War Hulk, and Carrack are built for close-quarters combat, equipped with grappling hooks and reinforced plating that lets them absorb damage from fire ships while remaining vulnerable to ranged attacks from galleys. Their speed and durability make them a formidable counter to traditional naval strategies.
But the Hulk-line isn’t the only addition. The Catapult Galleon replaces the cannon galleon for select civilizations, offering shorter firing range but greater durability—a trade-off that could shift naval tactics in late-game engagements. Meanwhile, fishing vessels now move slower and are more fragile, but gain the ability to harvest gold from whales, introducing a new resource dynamic to coastal play.
Under the hood, the update delivers significant balance changes across naval units. Demolition ships deal less damage, while fire ships now only inflict melee damage instead of both melee and piercing damage. These tweaks aim to streamline naval combat, reducing some of the more exploitative strategies that have emerged since the game’s launch.
Beyond naval combat, the update includes cross-platform voice chat and accessibility features like text-to-speech and speech-to-chat, making multiplayer sessions more inclusive. A major flag update also introduces regional garrison flags and civilization-specific waypoint markers, adding a layer of customization for players who prefer a more historically accurate experience.
The Inca civilization receives a notable overhaul, with the introduction of champi warriors—replacing eagle warriors—and the removal of several buildings like lumber camps and mining camps. These changes align with the expansion’s focus on medieval South American factions, which now includes the Mapuche, Muisca, and Tupi, each with unique units like the Mapuche’s bolas rider and the Muisca’s guecha warrior, a specialist javelineer who heals fallen allies.
For players, the update means a fresh take on naval warfare, deeper customization options, and new strategic possibilities. Whether you’re commanding a fleet of Hulk-line warships or scouting coastal resources, the changes promise to reshape how battles unfold on the high seas.
