Will Age of Mythology: Retold Have Co-op Campaign?
Age of Mythology: Retold does not currently feature an official co-op campaign mode for its main storylines, such as Fall of the Trident.
However, players seeking cooperative experiences will be pleased to know that co-op functionality is available in the new Arena of the Gods game mode and through fan-created mods that adapt parts of the campaign for multiplayer play.
This hybrid approach offers players a way to enjoy mythological battles with friends, even if traditional co-op campaigns aren't officially supported.
Arena of the Gods: A New Co-op Mode
What Is Arena of the Gods?
Arena of the Gods is a post-launch game mode introduced in Age of Mythology: Retold. This mode allows players to tackle 35 dynamic scenarios either solo or with a partner in co-op.
These scenarios are not static but adapt like skirmishes with random map generations and unique challenges called World Twists, such as shifting weather patterns or divine interventions.
Players earn Blessings, which are powerful rewards that carry over between missions, allowing for strategy customization.
Why Arena of the Gods Matters
This mode is designed as a more flexible cooperative experience compared to traditional campaigns. Players can join forces to overcome challenging objectives, unlock special abilities, and navigate an ever-changing mythical landscape.
By introducing co-op in this way, Retold provides opportunities for collaboration without altering its classic campaign design.
Fan-Created Co-op Campaign Mods
Modding Support for Co-op Campaigns
Although an official co-op campaign isn’t included, the game’s robust modding tools have enabled fans to adapt parts of the main campaign for multiplayer. For instance, some players have created co-op versions of the initial missions from Fall of the Trident, which can be downloaded and played through the game’s mod section.
While these mods provide a glimpse of what a co-op campaign could feel like, they are limited in scope and may have occasional bugs.
Future Possibilities for Mods
The success of co-op mods in games like Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition suggests potential for more expansive adaptations over time.
With continued community support, more campaign missions could be converted into co-op-friendly formats, especially as modders gain experience with the game’s tools.
Why Isn’t There an Official Co-op Campaign?
The decision not to include a co-op mode for the main campaigns likely stems from a desire to preserve the original design and pacing of the single-player storylines.
Campaigns in Age of Mythology often rely on tight narrative structures, scripted events, and hero-centric objectives that can be challenging to adapt for cooperative play. Additionally, introducing co-op to classic campaigns would require significant rework, potentially delaying the game's release.
How to Play Co-op in Age of Mythology: Retold
If you’re looking to enjoy co-op gameplay in Age of Mythology: Retold, here are your main options:
Arena of the Gods: This is the most accessible way to play cooperatively, offering 35 diverse scenarios specifically designed for multiplayer play.
Custom Mods: Explore the modding section to find co-op adaptations of existing campaign missions.
Skirmish Modes: Standard skirmish games can be played in co-op against AI opponents, allowing for endless replayability and experimentation with different civilizations and strategies.
Future Prospects for Co-op in Age of Mythology: Retold
While there are no official plans for a fully integrated co-op campaign, developers at World’s Edge have shown interest in expanding the game post-launch.
The positive reception of co-op features in Arena of the Gods could encourage further development of cooperative content, whether through updates, expansions, or new modes entirely.
Conclusion
While Age of Mythology: Retold doesn’t currently offer a full co-op campaign, the inclusion of Arena of the Gods provides a fresh cooperative experience that captures the spirit of collaboration. For fans of the classic campaigns, modding tools offer a way to explore cooperative play, albeit with limitations.
As the game evolves through updates and community contributions, there’s hope that co-op gameplay will continue to expand, delivering more ways to enjoy mythological battles with friends.
For updates on future content and official announcements, visit the Age of Empires website.
