Can you play Age of Mythology Retold offline?
Age of Mythology: Retold breathes new life into the classic real-time strategy game, combining mythological fantasy with enhanced visuals and modern mechanics. For fans who remember the original game or for newcomers interested in myth-based strategy, a common question arises: Can you play Age of Mythology Retold offline? The answer is yes!
In fact, Age of Mythology: Retold was designed with full offline functionality for single-player campaigns, skirmishes, and AI battles, ensuring that you can experience much of what the game has to offer without needing an internet connection.
Here’s a complete guide to what you can expect in offline play, and some important nuances that make Age of Mythology: Retold both a faithful recreation and an innovative remaster.
Offline Features in Age of Mythology Retold
Campaign Mode
The heart of Age of Mythology has always been its campaign mode, and Retold maintains this focus. The game’s main storyline unfolds through a series of myth-inspired campaigns where players lead different ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Egyptians, Norse, and Atlanteans.
These mythic tales feature legendary heroes, powerful gods, and epic battles, all of which are fully available in offline mode.
Each mission in the campaign focuses on different mythological themes, weaving a narrative that draws from the legends of gods, monsters, and historical figures. As with the original, offline play supports the entire storyline, allowing players to progress through missions and immerse themselves in the mythological world without any online requirement.
This is perfect for players who want an uninterrupted single-player experience, even in areas with limited internet access.
Skirmish Mode with AI Opponents
One of the classic features of Age of Mythology that has been preserved and enhanced in Retold is the skirmish mode, where players can set up customized battles against AI opponents. This mode is ideal for experimenting with different strategies, learning the strengths and weaknesses of various units, and exploring the unique powers of each god and civilization.
Skirmishes can be launched offline, making it a great mode for anyone looking to hone their skills against AI without needing an internet connection.
In skirmish mode, players can choose from a variety of settings, such as difficulty level, map type, and game pace. You can also select specific gods or minor deities to align with, which influences the types of myth units and god powers available.
Offline skirmishes allow you to explore these elements in depth, so by the time you decide to try online multiplayer, you’ll be fully prepared to handle any challenge.
Scenario Editor and Mods for PC
For PC players, Age of Mythology: Retold includes a Scenario Editor, which allows for custom maps, mods, and unique scenarios to be created and shared. While creating scenarios and modifying maps can be done offline, sharing and downloading mods requires internet access.
However, once you’ve downloaded or created a mod, you can continue using it offline. This feature makes Retold versatile, especially for players who enjoy customizing their experience.
Mods can add a whole new layer to the gameplay, from adjusting unit balance to creating entirely new game modes. The modding community for Age of Mythology has always been active, so expect a wide range of user-created content to enhance the game.
Whether you’re adding custom myth units or developing challenging new scenarios, the Scenario Editor adds endless replayability to the offline experience.
What You Can’t Access Offline
Multiplayer Modes and Cross-Platform Play
One of the key selling points of Age of Mythology: Retold is its updated multiplayer system, which includes cross-platform play between PC and Xbox. This feature allows players to engage in multiplayer battles and co-op modes with friends or other players across different platforms. However, multiplayer requires an internet connection, as does access to cross-play and ranked matches.
While the multiplayer mode adds a rich layer to the game, players who prefer solo play or local AI battles can still enjoy most of what Retold offers offline.
For those wanting to practice before going online, offline play provides the perfect opportunity to develop and refine strategies in a no-pressure environment.
Online Updates and DLC Content
Like many modern games, Age of Mythology: Retold includes downloadable content (DLC) and regular updates. Although core gameplay is accessible offline, you’ll need internet access to download updates, access new expansions, or install optional content.
For example, the upcoming expansion pack Immortal Pillars, which introduces the Chinese civilization along with unique myth units and gods, will require a one-time download to access. Once downloaded, however, DLC content can be played offline along with the base game.
Similarly, any balance patches or bug fixes that come post-release will also need to be downloaded while online. Fortunately, the game doesn’t require a persistent connection to function, so once updates or DLCs are installed, players are free to enjoy the content offline.
Practical Tips for Offline Play
Plan Your Updates in Advance
To make the most of offline play, it’s a good idea to download any updates or patches ahead of time, especially if you know you’ll be offline for an extended period.
Most updates for Age of Mythology: Retold include balance tweaks, bug fixes, and even occasional content additions, so having the latest version installed will ensure a smoother experience.
Customize Settings for Better AI Practice
If you’re new to Age of Mythology or simply want to refine your tactics, offline play is the perfect environment to experiment. Use skirmish mode to try different civilizations, customize game speed, and test various god powers against AI opponents.
Playing at higher difficulties can also improve your response time and strategy, which can be especially helpful before heading into online multiplayer.
Use Mods and Custom Scenarios to Extend Replayability
Mods and custom scenarios created with the Scenario Editor offer great ways to keep the offline experience fresh. Download popular mods when you’re online and use them offline to create unique challenges. Whether you’re playing a modified campaign or facing an AI army in a custom map, mods can make offline play as dynamic and engaging as online multiplayer.
The Appeal of Offline Play in Age of Mythology Retold
For many players, Age of Mythology: Retold’s offline capabilities are a nostalgic nod to the classic RTS experience that emphasizes strategic depth and mythological storytelling. With full access to campaigns and AI skirmishes offline, players can enjoy hours of content without worrying about connection stability or network requirements.
This flexibility makes Age of Mythology: Retold not only a solid choice for single-player enthusiasts but also a game that respects its roots while embracing modern improvements.
In summary, Age of Mythology: Retold offers robust offline options that make it an ideal game for both longtime fans and new players interested in mythological strategy.
Whether you’re exploring the campaign’s legendary quests or creating custom battles in skirmish mode, offline play ensures that you can enjoy the game anytime, anywhere. So go ahead and unleash the power of the gods—no internet required.
