Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition has launched a major update—patch 169123—introducing a new line of warships, significant mechanical rebalancing, and a complete overhaul of naval combat systems to shake up the meta.
New Naval Units and Combat Dynamics
Developer Forgotten Empires is targeting the seas with this latest patch, most notably by introducing the Hulk-line of warships. Designed specifically to counter fire ships, this new class features three distinct tiers: the Hulk, War Hulk, and Carrack. These vessels are built for speed and durability, utilizing grappling hooks for effective close-quarters engagement. While their armor makes them resistant to the heat of fire ships, they remain vulnerable to long-range artillery like galleys.
The update also introduces the Catapult Galleon, which replaces the standard cannon galleon for several civilizations. While it retains similar functionality, it offers increased durability at the cost of a shorter firing range.
Broad Naval Mechanical Rebalancing
Beyond the new units, the patch implements sweeping changes to existing naval systems. Key adjustments include a reduction in damage output for demolition ships and a shift for fire ships, which now deal exclusively melee damage rather than a hybrid of melee and piercing damage.
Fishing vessels have also seen significant tweaks. They are now more fragile and have slower gathering rates for fish; however, they have gained the unique ability to harvest gold from a new aquatic resource: whales.
Quality of Life and Feature Enhancements
Outside of combat, the update introduces cross-platform voice chat and new accessibility features, including text-to-speech and speech-to-chat functionality. Players will also notice a visual update to flags, with new regional garrison flags and civ-specific waypoint and gather point markers.
Civilization Rework and The Last Chieftains DLC
The Inca civilization has received a comprehensive rework, removing access to eagle warriors and specific resource buildings like lumber camps, mining camps, and mills. In their place, the Incas now utilize the new “champi warrior” unit.
These changes coincide with the launch of “The Last Chieftains” DLC, which expands the game’s focus on medieval South America. The expansion adds three new factions—the Mapuche, Muisca, and Tupi—each featuring their own dedicated campaign and unique units. Notable additions include the Mapuche’s bolas rider and the Muisca’s guecha warrior, a specialized javelineer capable of healing allies upon its own death.
