On April 9, 2013 Age of Empires 2: HD Edition was released on Steam for Windows. This release was meant to fix many bugs and support modern hardware. Age of Empires 2 is a classic RTS title and the developers made sure to preserve it for the future with this release. This release also made it easier for the community to make mods. Better community support, improved graphics, AI, and new game modes made this one of the best ways to experience the game at the time.
Age of Empires 2: HD Edition Premise
Age of Empires 2: HD Edition is a remaster of the original Age of Empires 2. This re-release includes the base game and the expansion making it a good way to experience the game’s content. Other than that, the game also received graphical enhancements. Unfortunately, this title was rereleased as Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition making this game completely obsolete.
©Hidden Path
Age of Empires 2: HD Edition Main Characters
This title doesn’t have main characters in the traditional sense however there is a list of historical figures featured in the campaigns.
- William Wallace
- Joan of Arc
- Saladin
- Genghis Khan
- Frederick Barbarossa
- El Cid
- Attila the Hun
- Montezuma
- Suryavarman I
- Francisco de Almeida
- Tariq ibn Ziyad
Other Titles In Series
- Age of Empires (1997)
- Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome (1998) [Expansion]
- Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings (1999)
- Age of Empires II: The Conquerors (2000) [Expansion]
- Age of Empires III (2005)
- Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs (2006) [Expansion]
- Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties (2007) [Expansion]
- Age of Empires Online (2011)
- Age of Empires II: HD Edition (2013)
- Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (2019)
- Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition (2020)
- Age of Empires IV (2021)
Age Of Empires 2: HD Edition Cheats
Cheat Codes
While playing the game, press [Enter] to display the chat window and type one of following codes to activate the corresponding cheat function. Note: In a multiplayer game, the “Enable Cheats” box in the lower right corner must be checked in order for the codes to work.
| Result | Cheat Code |
| 1000 gold | robin hood |
| 1000 wood | lumberjack |
| 1000 stone | rock on |
| 1000 food | cheese steak jimmy’s |
| Instant victory | i r winner |
| Instant loss | resign |
| Fast building | aegis |
| Full map | marco |
| Kill indicated opponent | torpedo [number] |
| Kill all opponents | black death |
| No shadows | polo |
| Control animals | natural wonders |
| VDML | i love the monkey head |
| Cobra car | how do you turn this on |
| Saboteur | to smithereens |
| Commit suicide | wimpywimpywimpy |
Cheat Codes (alternate)
While playing the game, enter one of the following codes to activate the corresponding cheat function:
| Result | Cheat Code |
| Fast construction | [Ctrl] + Q |
| Build immutable structure | [Ctrl] + P |
| Alternate resource menu | [Ctrl] + T |
| View ending sequence | [Ctrl] + C |
Easy “Builder And Destroyer” achievement
Start the map, and delete your wonder to end the map. Repeat this process ten times to get the “Builder And Destroyer” achievement.
Easy “Fifty Scenarios Completed” achievement
Create a custom scenario where you will instantly win, then play it fifty times to get the “Fifty Scenarios Completed” achievement.
Easy “Five Wonders” achievement
Win Wonder Race against five different opponents on the Medium difficulty to get the “Five Wonders” achievement. Note: You do not need to actually win five separate games; just defeat at least five opponents by building a Wonder. For example, if you play in Free For All against five opponents and you win, it counts as five victories.
Easy “Gathering Speed” achievement
Start the map and immediately kill the three villagers, horseman, and town center by clicking on them and pressing [Delete]. This counts as “playing” the map. Start a new map, and repeat this twenty times to get the “Gathering Speed” achievement.
Easy “One Hundred Hills” achievement
You do not need to win the battles to have them count towards the achievement. Start a battle, delete your three villagers, horseman, and town center, and the map will end. Repeat this one hundred times to get the “One Hundred Hills” achievement.
Easy “One Hundred Random Maps” achievement
Start a random map, then kill your three villagers, horseman, and town center. Repeat this one hundred times to get the “One Hundred Random Maps” achievement.
Easy “Seven Sealed Fates” achievement
This may be earned naturally during Campaign mode, especially during the higher levels in the Forgotten DLC. They will often feature seven or eight CPU players, some of which will be allies and others that are mostly irrelevant. It does not matter if they are allies or not; simply complete the level.
Play a Wonder Race map with normal resources and at least seven CPU players. You can win in about fifteen minutes.
Easy “The Quickening” achievement
Start the map, and immediately kill the three villagers, horseman, and town center by clicking on them and pressing [Delete]. This counts as “playing” the map. Start a new map, and repeat this five times to get “The Quickening” achievement.
Easy “Wonder Defender” achievement
Start the map, and delete your Wonder to end the map. Repeat this process fifty times to get the “Wonder Defender” achievement.
Easy “Wonder Race Mastery” achievement
Start the map, then delete your three villagers, town center, and horseman. You will get one point after the map ends. Repeat this fifty times to get the “Wonder Race Mastery” achievement.
Steam achievements
Successfully complete the indicated task to unlock the corresponding achievement
To view your achievements and stats in Steam, select “Community”, “My profile”, “View all my games”, then the game and view stats.
A Taste of History: Each legendary leader has something to teach you, a tactic, a strategy, or an attitude – when you have fought their battles and studied their history you are taking steps to becoming a legendary leader yourself
Congratulations!A Thousand Heaps of Rubble: In your career you have lost over one thousand buildings
Everything is a milestone, every win, every loss, and every building that falls
Great generals count their losses and learn from them. And yet, I lived: Over one hundred of your units were lost in this battle – even with such great losses, if they were well used against the enemy you did the right thing
Get used to studying the battle stats after each match with an opponent – did you have the right complementary mix of units
Did you make your enemy pay for every one of your losses
Every unit sacrificed is an opportunity to learn about your opponent. Any Opponent: You have defeated random opponents twenty-five times
Your legend grows greater with every victory
Congratulations! Anytime, Anywhere: You have fought on every type of map, against every type of opponent in history
There may be those who will still stand against you, but they do so with respect
Huzzah! Atilla the Hun Campaign Completed: Atilla knew both great betrayal and great glory in his conquests against the Romans
Atilla said: “It takes less courage to criticize the decisions of others than to stand by your own.” – carry his example on to your other campaigns. Battles of the Conquerors Campaign Completed: Through study of these diverse battles and leaders you have mastered skills that will be useful in all of your future conquests. Builder and Destroyer: Few things are so satisfying as seeing the enemy’s wonder in flames, or defending your wonder to the last unit
After ten Defend the Wonder battles you have certainly seen both
Cheers to you! Burned: You have crumbled your five hundredth building into rubble…and you are just getting warmed up
Congratulations! Centennial General: You have fought in one hundred battles!Century Castle Celebration: In your various campaigns through history you have constructed over one hundred castles. Champion of the Aztecs: You have led the Aztecs to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Britons: You have led the Britons to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Byzantines: You have led the Byzantines to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Celts: You have led the Celts to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Chinese: You have led the Chinese to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Franks: You have led the Franks to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Goths: You have led the Goths to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Huns: You have led the Huns to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Japanese: You have led the Japanese to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Koreans: You have led the Koreans to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Mayans: You have led the Mayans to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Mongols: You have led the Mongols to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Persians: You have led the Persians to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Saracens: You have led the Saracens to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Spanish: You have led the Spanish to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Teutons: You have led the Teutons to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Turks: You have led the Turks to victory ten times
Fight on! Champion of the Vikings: You have led the Vikings to victory ten times
Fight on! Commander: You have killed over 500 units in a single session – your fame will spread from this point onward.
Conqueror of the Aztecs: You have now defeated the Aztecs one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Britons: You have now defeated the Britons one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Byzantines: You have now defeated the Byzantines one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Celts: You have now defeated the Celts one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Chinese: You have now defeated the Chinese one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Franks: You have now defeated the Franks one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Goths: You have now defeated the Goths one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Huns: You have now defeated the Huns one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Japanese: You have now defeated the Japanese one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Koreans: You have now defeated the Koreans one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Mayans: You have now defeated the Mayans one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Mongols: You have now defeated the Mongols one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Persians: You have now defeated the Persians one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Saracens: You have now defeated the Saracens one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Spanish: You have now defeated the Spanish one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Teutons: You have now defeated the Teutons one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Turks: You have now defeated the Turks one hundred times in battle!
Conqueror of the Vikings: You have now defeated the Vikings one hundred times in battle!
Converting the World: You have dedicated yourself to bringing your civilization’s religion to your foes
Very few generals have the patience and wisdom to manage the priest units so effectively as you have
This is indeed a day of celebration – you have converted one thousand opposing units in your career.
Creation of your first Wonder of the World: You have constructed a wonder – a shining pinnacle of achievement for your civilization
It is a beacon of hope to people everywhere, and if defended – a legacy of that achievement to stand the test of time.
Dark Ages Rush!: By preordering Age of Kings HD™ you have demonstrated your superior strategic planning and advance preparation – hallmark qualities of a great leader
Now that your reputation is secure, give swift word to friends and allies to come and join you in the fight! Day of a Thousand Stories: Today is a day of great celebration
You have fought your one-thousandth battle against online opponents
Order a feast
Make a toast to those who have defeated you as honorable teachers, make a toast to those foes you have defeated, and most of all a toast to your friends and allies who have supported you in your many campaigns.
Deathmatch Legend: After 300 battles if there is something to be learned in Deathmatch it is where to find opponents who will still agree to fight you
Congratulations! Deathmatch Master: Mastery of deathmatch is the ability to continuously make good decisions while building a sustainable economy under constant attacks
You have demonstrated that ability by playing 50 games.
Defender of the Aztecs: Master of the Jaguar Warriors, you have led the Aztecs to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Britons: Master of the Longbow Archers, you have led the Britons to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Byzantines: Master of the Cataphracts, you have led the Byzantines to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Celts: Master of the Woad Raiders, you have led the Celts to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Chinese: Master of both the Chu Ko Nu crossbows and advanced learning, you have led the Chinese to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Franks: Master of the Heavy Calvary charge, you have led the Franks to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Goths: Master of the Huskarls, you have led the Goths to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Huns: Master of the Tarkans, you have led the Huns to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Japanese: Master of the Samurai, you have led the Japanese to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Koreans: Master of the War Wagon, you have led the Koreans to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Mayans: Master of the Plumed Archers, you have led the Mayans to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Mongols: Master of the Mangudai, you have led the Mongols to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Persians: Master of the War Elephants, you have led the Persians to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Saracens: Master of the Mamelukes, you have led the Saracens to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Spanish: Master of the Conquistadors and Mounted Monks, you have led the Spanish to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Teutons: Master of the power of the garrison and well-versed in defensive building, you have led the Teutons to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Turks: Master of the Janissaries, you have led the Turks to victory fifty times.
Defender of the Vikings: Master of the Berserker and the Longboat units, you have led the Vikings to victory fifty times.
El Cid Campaign Completed: Throughout his conquests, El Cid was far more than a master at arms and noble, but was someone who could lead and unite the people. Even beyond his death, the legacy of his leadership was still more powerful than lesser rulers. Take his lessons with you on your own conquests.
Embracing My Enemies: Over the span of your career, you have successfully converted over five hundred of your enemies to your cause!
Emperor: You have killed over two thousand units in a single session. You are a legend to both allies and enemies.
Enemy of the Aztecs: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Aztecs.
Enemy of the Britons: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Britons.
Enemy of the Byzantines: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Byzantines.
Enemy of the Celts: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Celts.
Enemy of the Chinese: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Chinese.
Enemy of the Franks: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Franks.
Enemy of the Goths: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Goths.
Enemy of the Huns: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Huns.
Enemy of the Japanese: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Japanese.
Enemy of the Koreans: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Koreans.
Enemy of the Mayans: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Mayans.
Enemy of the Mongols: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Mongols.
Enemy of the Persians: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Persians.
Enemy of the Saracens: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Saracens.
Enemy of the Spanish: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Spanish.
Enemy of the Teutons: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Teutons.
Enemy of the Turks: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Turks.
Enemy of the Vikings: In twenty conflicts you have defeated the Vikings.
Fifth Wonder Race: By now you know the shortest path to building a wonder quickly – and how to build up your economy in a hurry. Focus on optimizing your gathering technologies and economy to surprise your opponents.
Fifty Scenarios Completed: You have played fifty scenarios – Wonderful.
Each conquered world reveals more lessons and more challenges ahead
All great leaders build their knowledge on the foundation of the stories of the legends that have gone before
Cheers to you!
Fifty Victories: You have been victorious in fifty battles – you are a seasoned veteran and a worthy opponent! First Castle Constructed: The Castle was the premiere fortification of the Medieval period
Your legacy in the future is assured. First Deathmatch: Deathmatch is a competition of fast decisions and instant action
It will hone your skills at pitched battle. First Hill: It isn’t taking the hill, it is holding it against all attackers that is the ultimate challenge
You are on your way. First Random Map: When you are ready to take on the unexpected you are ready to take on the world
The Random map challenge is for any who are ready for attack or defense by land or sea and to defend against those who would threaten your empire
Fight on! First Victory: Congratulations
You have achieved the first victory of many to come. First Wonder Defense: Wonder Defense is an excellent way for any leader to build their skills
If you are defending then you must build your forces and reinforce your defensive structures quickly or attack offensively to reduce your opponent’s strength
Attackers must be coordinated if they hope to succeed. Five Golden Victories: Congratulations
You have singly defeated five CPU opponents (at moderate difficulty or higher). Five Hundred Victories: It has probably been a long time since you stopped counting your battles and victories but your fans (and foes) will remember this battle marks your five hundredth victory!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Forgotten Empires.