Stop the wololo presses — Age of Empires Mobile is getting a PC release.
In what might be one of the more unexpected RTS announcements in recent memory, Microsoft has confirmed that the mobile-focused Age of Empires Mobile is heading to PC in early 2026, with releases planned for Steam and the Windows Store.
Originally designed for phones and tablets, the game has already been played by millions worldwide, but this new PC version isn’t just a lazy port. It’s being fully optimised for mouse and keyboard, with controls and UI reworked specifically for desktop play. In other words, this isn’t “just run the Android version in a window and hope for the best”.
Age of Empires Mobile PC release brings mouse and keyboard support
Players will be able to choose from nine civilisations, each featuring unique bonuses and architectural styles, as they build kingdoms, form alliances, and battle for control of a shared world map. If that sounds more MMO than classic skirmish-based Age of Empires, that’s because it is — but now it’s doing so on a platform that actually makes sense for long sessions and strategic play.
The announcement states:
Now optimized for PC, players can experience the game with mouse control, full keyboard navigation, refined UI and enhanced 4K visuals. Seamless Crossplay will allow players who’ve started on mobile to swap between their phone, tablet and/or PC with ease.
…which seems pretty useful!
The mobile PC adaptation of Age of Empires game making the jump to PC?!
Seeing a mobile-first Age of Empires game reverse-course onto PC is genuinely mindblowing, especially for a series that helped define PC strategy gaming in the first place. Whether this ends up feeling like a streamlined RTS, a social strategy experiment, or something else entirely remains to be seen — but it’s certainly got our attention.
The announcement trailer gives a first look at the PC version in action, and if nothing else, it’s surreal seeing familiar AoE trappings paired with large-scale online progression systems.
Age of Empires Mobile launches on PC in early 2026, coming to Steam and the Windows Store.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
