Age of Empires IV

Age of Empires IV

game

2021, Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy

WISE
91%

WISE Score

72%

IGDB

History class meets high-stakes chess, but with trebuchets and way more fun than a textbook.

Where to Play

PC/Steam
PC/Steam
Screenwise Verdict

Age of Empires IV is a rare beast: a big-budget game that is actually good for your kid's brain. It trades mindless twitch-reflexes for genuine historical curiosity and logistical planning. It’s the kind of game you don’t have to feel guilty about them playing for a few hours on a Saturday.

While it’s rated T for Teen, that’s mostly a formality for the 'violence' of little 3D knights hitting each other. If your kid can handle a PG-13 action movie, they can handle this. The real value is in the educational wrapper—it’s the most fun they’ll ever have learning about the Battle of Hastings.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10 and up. Younger kids might enjoy the building aspect, but the 'real-time' pressure of the combat requires a level of multitasking that usually clicks around middle school.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
78

While it is a game about conquest, the focus is on civilizational growth and tactical thinking rather than cruelty. The tone is respectful of history and lacks the mean-spiritedness found in many modern shooters.

Imaginative
84

Building a functioning city from the ground up requires creative planning and foresight. The variety of civilizations encourages players to experiment with different cultural strengths and architectural styles.

Safe
82

Combat is viewed from a distance; there is no gore or graphic dismemberment. The main risk is unmoderated online chat in multiplayer, though the single-player campaigns are entirely safe.

Enriching
96

This is essentially a high-budget history documentary you can play. The 'Hands on History' videos included in the game are professionally produced and genuinely educational regarding medieval technology and culture.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Documentary-grade history videos that explain how real medieval tech worked, from chainmail to castle walls.
  • Strategic depth that forces kids to manage resources, plan logistics, and think three steps ahead of their opponent.
  • Clean combat that focuses on unit types and positioning rather than blood and guts.
  • Co-op potential where you can team up with your kid against the computer, making it a great bonding experience.
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What to Watch For

  • The 'one more turn' trap is real; matches can easily run 45 to 60 minutes, and pausing isn't an option in multiplayer.
  • Online salt in the competitive ladder can be toxic, just like any internet-connected game. Stick to private matches or single-player to avoid the noise.
  • Complexity spikes might frustrate younger kids; the controls take some serious muscle memory to master.

Conversation Starters

  • "Why do you think the Mongols used different tactics than the English?"
  • "If you were building a castle today, what's the one thing from the game you'd definitely include?"
  • "How does losing a match help you figure out a better strategy for next time?"
  • "What was the most surprising thing you learned from the 'Hands on History' clips?"

Deep Dive

The Thinking Parent's Strategy Game

Most games today are designed to keep kids in a loop of instant gratification. Age of Empires IV does the opposite. It demands patience. You start with a few villagers and a dream, and forty minutes later, you're managing a complex economy and a multi-front war. It’s a workout for executive function.

What sets this entry apart from the classic versions we played in the 90s is the Hands on History content. Microsoft clearly spent a fortune filming actual historians, archers, and engineers to show how things worked in the real world. When your kid unlocks a video about how a trebuchet is built, they aren't just getting a cutscene; they're getting a masterclass in medieval engineering.

Single Player vs. Multiplayer

The campaigns are the star of the show for families. They are narrated like a BBC special and guide you through history with clear objectives. If your kid wants to jump into multiplayer, that’s where the 'screen time' friction usually happens. You can't pause a live match. If dinner is ready and they’re 20 minutes into a 40-minute siege, someone is going to be unhappy.

The Verdict on Violence

Don't let the 'Teen' rating scare you off. The camera is pulled so far back that you’re basically looking at ants. There’s no gore, no swearing, and no mature themes beyond 'this army wants to take that city.' It’s about as wholesome as a war game can get. If you have a kid who is into history, LEGO building, or chess, this is a massive win.

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