Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition - Update 15.30007 Brings Major Balance Changes and Bug Fixes
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition continues to evolve with its latest patch, Update 15.30007, delivering a host of balance adjustments, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements that aim to refine the gameplay experience for both casual and competitive players. With an active player base averaging around 3,795, the developers remain committed to fine-tuning the game’s complex mechanics and ensuring a smooth, engaging experience for the community.
Game Stability and Performance Improvements
One of the key focuses of this update is improving game stability and addressing frustrating bugs that have impacted player experience. Notably, the patch fixes an issue where players could become stuck while loading into ranked matches-a problem that could disrupt competitive play and cause unnecessary delays. This fix alone will be welcomed by the community, as ranked matches are a core part of the competitive Age of Empires III scene.
Additionally, the update resolves a limitation in the Browse Games list, which previously capped the number of observable matches displayed to just 20 per game type. This restriction made it difficult for players to find and spectate a broader range of matches. With this issue fixed, players can now explore more games, enhancing the spectator experience and community engagement.
Civilization Balance: General Units and Buildings
Update 15.30007 introduces numerous balance changes across multiple civilizations and unit types, reflecting the developers’ ongoing efforts to ensure a fair and strategic meta. Here are some of the most significant adjustments:
- American Citadel (Maya): A bug that prevented the Chinese civilization from properly training their banner armies when using the American Citadel has been fixed. This correction restores intended synergy and strategic options for Chinese players.
- Askari: The ranged damage multiplier against cavalry in Volley mode has been reduced from 2x to 1.5x. This nerf aims to balance the Askari’s effectiveness against cavalry, preventing them from being overwhelmingly powerful in certain matchups.
- Battle Canoe: The damage output has been slightly reduced from 14 to 13, a subtle nerf that will affect its combat viability without drastically changing its role.
- Boyar (Houses of Phanar): Previously, Boyars summoned from the homecity did not upgrade to Guard status as intended. This issue has now been fixed, ensuring these units gain their proper upgrades and remain competitive.
- Command Post (SPC): Missing interactions with certain cards and technologies have been addressed, restoring full functionality and strategic depth to this building.
- Consulate Units: Several discrepancies between Consulate units and their Royal Guard equivalents have been corrected, bringing consistency and balance to this civilization’s roster.
- Corsair Marksman: Hitpoints have been increased from 95 to 110, improving their survivability and making them more viable in prolonged engagements.
- Cover Mode: Several unit attacks that were previously too high in Cover mode have been corrected, balancing defensive positioning and encouraging more tactical gameplay.
- Giant Grenadier: This unit’s population cost has been reduced from 3 to 2, making it easier to field larger numbers. However, hitpoints have been lowered from 300 to 250, and melee damage has been reduced from 42 to 36. To compensate, anti-cavalry damage multipliers have been increased by +0.25, reinforcing the Giant Grenadier’s role as a counter to cavalry units.
- Granary: The field aura has been expanded to support an extra line of Fields, enhancing resource gathering efficiency and economic strategies.
- Napoleon Gun: This unit is no longer tagged as a Gunpowder Trooper, which may affect how certain bonuses and counters interact with it. Additionally, XP bounties associated with the unit have been corrected.
- Nootka Warchief: This unit is no longer classified as a hero and can no longer train Nootka Clubmen, rebalancing its role within the Nootka civilization and preventing potential exploitative strategies.
- Order Besteiro (Consulate): The cost has been changed from 30 food and 30 coin to 40 wood and 40 food, shifting resource priorities and potentially influencing build orders.
- Pikeman: A missing range increase for Imperial Dalkarl Pikemen, Imperial Tercios, Imperial Ordinance Pikemen, and Consul Pikemen has been fixed, restoring their intended combat capabilities.
Community Engagement and Future Updates
The developers encourage players to discuss these changes and provide feedback through the Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition Forum and the Age of Empires Official Discord. These platforms serve as vital hubs for community interaction, strategy sharing, and direct communication with the development team.
While Update 15.30007 is packed with a variety of fixes and tweaks, it represents just a portion of ongoing efforts to polish and expand Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition. Players can expect further updates and balance passes as the developers continue to monitor gameplay data and community feedback.
Conclusion
With Update 15.30007, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition takes another step forward in balancing its rich and diverse roster of civilizations and units. The improvements to game stability and matchmaking, combined with nuanced balance changes, demonstrate the developers’ dedication to maintaining a competitive and enjoyable RTS experience.
For both veterans and newcomers, this patch offers fresh strategic considerations and smoother gameplay. As the player base hovers around 3,795 active users, these refinements help keep the game vibrant and engaging in a competitive landscape.
Be sure to check out the official patch notes on the Age of Empires website for a complete breakdown, and jump into the game to experience the latest changes firsthand. Happy gaming, commanders!