Xbox Showcase Reveals ‘Age of Empires IV: Raiders of the North’ Release Window & New Trailer
The Age of Empires IV expansion called Raiders of the North has been officially revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase 2026, along with a new trailer showing off its Viking and Scottish themed warfare.
The expansion is set to launch in Fall 2026 for Xbox, Steam, and PlayStation 5, and it brings new civilizations, modes, and battle environments to the strategy game.
According to the announcement shown in the trailer and shared by Xbox during the showcase, this new expansion is part of Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition. It continues the game’s ongoing updates by adding new factions and gameplay systems designed to expand both competitive and cooperative play.
The trailer revealed that two new civilizations are joining the game. Players will be able to command the Vikings and the Scots, each with their own unique mechanics, units, and progression styles. The Vikings are shown as a fast and aggressive force built around raiding, early naval control, and a strong economy powered by structures like the Longhouse. Over time, their society evolves, shifting from pagan roots into more structured kingdoms.
Their armies also grow stronger, moving into knight-like units and trained soldiers, while special Saga abilities provide long-term bonuses that reflect their legendary status.
The Scots, on the other hand, are designed as a defensive and strategic civilization. They rely on strong infantry formations, heavy fortifications, and a food system built around Highland cattle and fishponds. Their battlefield presence is shaped by castles, towers, and defensive structures. One of their key systems is the Mustering Hall, which lets players adjust their army composition between Highland and Lowland styles, giving more flexibility depending on the situation.
Alongside the new civilizations, the expansion also introduces an expanded version of the Crucible mode. The trailer highlights four new missions with different challenges, including seaborne raids and internal clan conflicts in Scotland. This mode can now be played solo or in two-player co-op, making it more flexible for different types of players.
The updated Crucible system also adds new progression features. Players can earn Boons, Perks, and Mutators while working through civilization-specific Talent Tracks. These systems are designed to make each run feel different, adding more replay value and encouraging experimentation with different strategies.
The expansion also introduces two new biomes inspired by northern Europe. These include the Scottish Heathland and Tundra Summer environments. Both are designed to reflect the harsh and dramatic landscapes associated with Viking and Scottish history, adding more variety to the battlefield visuals and strategy.
The trailer, revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase 2026, shows a strong focus on historical flavor combined with expanded gameplay depth. It highlights both large-scale battles and smaller tactical decisions, showing how each civilization changes the way players approach warfare.
Overall, Raiders of the North aims to bring new life to Age of Empires IV with fresh factions, new cooperative content, and expanded replay systems. With its Fall 2026 release window, players will not have to wait long before they can lead Vikings and Scots into battle across the new maps and modes.
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