Age of Empires Mobile adds new Mercenary troops system

Age of Empires Mobile is introducing a brand-new Mercenary Troops system, letting you command units typically restricted to other factions. Unlockable at level 26, this system also offers upgradeable tech to further enhance your mercenary forces.

Ever dreamed of Joan of Arc commanding Roman Centurions, or Hannibal Barca unleashing Japanese Samurai on Rome? The new Age of Empires Mobile update makes this a reality. Reaching level 26 unlocks the Mercenary Camp, allowing you to recruit powerful new units. Unlock and upgrade tech to boost their strength, and grab your first mercenaries for free in the current live event.

The initial mercenary roster includes formidable units: Byzantine Cataphracts, Swiss Pikemen, Persian Immortals, Indian Battle Elephants, Roman Centurions, Egyptian Chariot Archers, Japanese Samurai, and Korean Archers. Each unit boasts upgradeable tech to maximize their battlefield effectiveness.

Blood Money and Balance

The Mercenary system evokes the Total War series, particularly the satisfying experience of overwhelming foes with hired swordsmen in games like Rome: Total War and Medieval II. However, it might be a divisive addition, potentially impacting game balance.

Only time will tell how the Mercenary system affects gameplay. Future updates might even introduce historically accurate units like Landsknechts.

For help choosing the best heroes to unlock, check out our Age of Empires Mobile hero tier list, which ranks heroes by power level, helping you identify the top contenders.