How to Play Age of Mythology Retold: Beta
Age of Mythology: Retold revives a beloved classic, blending modernized visuals and gameplay with mythological strategy.
The beta version offers an early look at this remastered experience, designed for those who pre-order the Premium Edition, allowing players to try out campaign missions, skirmishes, and multiplayer modes before the game’s official release.
If you’re excited to dive into the beta, here’s everything you need to know to get started, including eligibility requirements, installation steps, gameplay content, and some tips on providing feedback to the developers.
What Is Age of Mythology Retold?
Age of Mythology is a real-time strategy (RTS) game that combines ancient mythologies with tactical warfare. Originally launched in 2002, it’s been updated for modern players with new graphics, an enhanced user interface, and additional gameplay modes, making it accessible to both classic fans and newcomers.
Age of Mythology: Retold is designed to bring back the core elements of the original game while introducing improvements that meet current standards for gameplay and visual fidelity.
Who Can Access the Age of Mythology: Retold Beta?
Premium Edition Pre-Order
To play the beta, you must pre-order the Premium Edition of Age of Mythology: Retold. This version is available on multiple platforms, including Steam, the Microsoft Store, and Xbox Series X/S.
Pre-ordering not only grants access to the beta but also offers additional perks, like early access to the game up to seven days before the official launch.
Limited Time Window
The beta access window has specific dates. One of the most recent betas was available from July 12 to July 14, 2024, and players could experience a limited but substantial portion of the game.
Future beta windows or stress tests are anticipated, so keep an eye on official announcements if you missed this one.
No NDA: Stream and Share Freely
Unlike some closed betas, the Age of Mythology: Retold beta does not require participants to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This means you’re free to record gameplay, stream sessions, and share your experiences on social media or forums.
It’s a great way for content creators to showcase the game and for players to provide valuable feedback openly.
How to Install the Age of Mythology: Retold Beta
Once you pre-order the Premium Edition, you’ll find the beta accessible through your gaming library. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing it.
Step 1: Restart Your Gaming Platform
For Steam users, start by exiting the application completely, then reopen it to ensure the beta listing appears correctly in your library. Often, restarting Steam helps resolve visibility issues.
Step 2: Locate the Beta Version in Your Library
In your library, you should see two versions of Age of Mythology: Retold: the standard game and the “(Beta)” version. Select the beta version, and then initiate the installation. If you don’t see it, double-check that your platform is updated or that your purchase includes beta access.
Step 3: Launch and Begin the Beta
After installation, simply click “Play” on the beta version to start your early access journey. Remember, this beta version is separate from the final game release, so it’s designed as a testing platform rather than a complete, polished experience.
What’s Included in the Age of Mythology: Retold Beta?
The Age of Mythology: Retold beta includes a variety of content that reflects the core gameplay but also allows the developers to test mechanics, balance units, and get player feedback.
Tutorial Mode: A Refresher on the Basics
The beta includes an updated tutorial, which is perfect for those who may be new to the Age of Mythology series or anyone needing a refresher. The tutorial introduces the core mechanics, such as resource management, unit creation, and basic battle tactics. This section is especially valuable for beginners, as it’s been revamped to incorporate modern RTS standards and includes more intuitive controls.
Fall of the Trident Campaign: First Five Missions
Fans of the original game will remember Fall of the Trident, the campaign that follows Arkantos, a legendary hero from Atlantis. In the beta, you get access to the first five missions of this campaign, allowing you to experience a significant slice of the game’s mythological story-driven gameplay.
These missions introduce the lore and battles of the Greek pantheon, providing insights into how god powers and myth units can shift the tides of war.
Skirmish Mode with AI Opponents
For those who enjoy strategizing against AI, the beta offers a robust skirmish mode. You can select your civilization, choose AI difficulty levels, and test various strategies against computer-controlled opponents.
This mode is a great way to familiarize yourself with different pantheons and gods before heading into the online multiplayer.
Multiplayer Mode: Up to Eight Players
In addition to AI skirmishes, the beta supports multiplayer matches with up to eight players. The multiplayer beta includes cross-platform play, so friends on different systems can join in on the fun.
Available maps and pantheons are designed to provide a broad experience, allowing you to team up with others or test your solo tactics against a diverse range of mythological armies.
Providing Feedback During the Beta
Reporting Bugs and Issues
One of the main goals of this beta is to identify and fix bugs. Players are encouraged to report any issues, from minor UI glitches to major gameplay bugs.
You can submit feedback through the official Age of Empires forums or the Steam community discussion page. Common bugs reported in the beta include localization issues, unit pathfinding errors, and occasional frame drops.
Balance Feedback and Suggestions
Beyond technical issues, the beta is also an opportunity for the community to give input on game balance. The developers are particularly interested in how different gods, myth units, and civilizations interact.
For example, if a specific god power feels too powerful or a unit type seems underwhelming, this feedback helps the development team fine-tune the game before release. Balance is especially important in RTS games, where competitive play and multiplayer fairness depend on well-tuned mechanics.
Community Insights and Future Content Ideas
The developers at World’s Edge have expressed interest in hearing players’ ideas for post-launch content and features.
This is an opportunity to influence the game’s development beyond just bug fixes. If you’d like to see new pantheons, additional campaigns, or unique god powers, sharing these suggestions can guide future expansions or updates.
The team values community engagement and uses this beta to build a stronger connection with players.
Upcoming Public Stress Test
If you missed this closed beta, there’s good news: the developers have announced plans for a public stress test closer to the game’s release. This test will be open to all Steam players, even those who haven’t pre-ordered the Premium Edition.
Designed to evaluate server performance and handle larger player numbers, this stress test will likely offer a similar selection of game modes and features as the closed beta. It’s a great chance to try out the game before committing to a purchase.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Beta
Experiment with Different Civilizations: Take this time to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the available pantheons. Whether you’re summoning Norse giants or casting Egyptian god powers, try out various combinations and strategies.
Record Your Gameplay: Since the beta doesn’t have an NDA, record or stream your sessions. This not only helps the community but also provides you with valuable insights when you review your tactics.
Stay Updated: Follow the official forums for updates on the beta, known issues, and patch notes. The developers frequently address player feedback, so checking for updates can enhance your experience.
Conclusion
Playing the Age of Mythology: Retold beta is a fantastic opportunity to relive or experience this mythological strategy game in a new light. With accessible single-player missions, multiplayer, and skirmish modes, the beta provides a solid sample of what the final game promises.
Whether you’re a veteran RTS player or just exploring the Age of Mythology series for the first time, this beta offers a taste of classic strategy with modern upgrades. So, get ready to wield the power of the gods and leave your mark on the battlefield!
