After more than a year of uncertainty, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition’s previously cancelled The Baltic Powers expansion is officially back and it’s arriving much sooner than expected.
Developer World’s Edge has re-announced the expansion, confirming it will launch on September 10, 2026, with an open beta available now for Steam players.
Originally revealed during the New Year New Age showcase in February 2024, The Baltic Powers was initially scheduled to launch later that year before being delayed in October 2024.
Things took an unexpected turn in January 2025, when the expansion was officially cancelled, leaving many fans believing it would never see the light of day.
Now, more than a year later, Microsoft has reversed course, bringing the expansion back with a confirmed release date and an immediate beta test.
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What’s Included in The Baltic Powers?
The expansion introduces a substantial amount of new content for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, including:
- Two new playable civilizations: The Danes and The Poles
- New Challenge Scenarios
- New game modes
- More than 25 new maps
- Over 50 Hero customisation options
The DLC aims to expand both the single-player and multiplayer experience with new strategies and historical content.
Open Beta Available Now
Players don’t have to wait until September to try the expansion.
An open beta is currently live on Steam for owners of Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition.
Even better, the base game is free to play on Steam until August 13, allowing new players to download the game and access the beta at no cost for a limited time.
Instructions for joining the beta are available through the official Age of Empires website.
Alongside Steam, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition remains available through Xbox Game Pass, giving subscribers another way to jump into the strategy classic ahead of the expansion’s release.
Following its cancellation in 2025, few expected The Baltic Powers to make a comeback. Its surprise revival is welcome news for longtime fans who have spent more than a year wondering if the expansion would ever return.
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition – The Baltic Powers launches on September 10, 2026.
Were you surprised to see The Baltic Powers return after being cancelled? Will you be jumping into the open beta? Let us know in the comments below.
