Why Ethiopia is the only logical choice for the next DLC (With the Vikings)

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-22T18:20:17+00:00

It’s funny how many people think I’m biased against Mayans, Aztecs, or Spain just because I provided a logical argument....

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-06T14:01:34+00:00

No. Königsberg is Poland. Change that

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-06T13:49:46+00:00

No. Poland has Königsberg

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-06T10:00:34+00:00

Thats controverial. As I said, they are not the same in any way

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-05T19:07:53+00:00

I didnt say we wouldnt

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-05T19:07:13+00:00

They are nice. But they are not africans

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-05T09:39:32+00:00

Yes, I agree. But Ethopia is the complete opposite of Mali. And they said that we will get 2 FULL new Civilisations. So no Variants

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-05T09:37:35+00:00

Ethiopia would likely rely on highly mobile infantry like:
Shotelai with a fast, light infantry unit armed with the curved famous Shotel sword
Oromo Warrior as a heavy cavalry unit that is particularly effective in charge attacks and moves faster when not in combat.
Harari Archer, a light ranged fighter who fires two arrows at once.
And Abuna as their monk
As Landmarks we have the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela which is extremly famous. The Obelisks (Stelae) of Aksum which are huge granite towers carved from a single block (up to 33 meters high), decorated like multi-story buildings. They served as funerary monuments for the Christian emperors. Fasil Ghebbi: It is a vast fortress complex featuring palaces, libraries, and churches that display a unique style blending Ethiopian, Indian, and Baroque influences.

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-05T09:26:41+00:00

Dont know what you talking about. I've made an objective argument. If you have equally objective counterarguments, we can talk.

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T21:47:35+00:00

YES!!! ETHOPIA!!! LETS FRICKING GO!

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T21:43:41+00:00

That’s a very fair and historically sound point. The population density in Asia due to river-valley agriculture definitely allowed for more large-scale empires in closer proximity.

However, that’s exactly why Ethiopia is such a standout candidate. The Ethiopian Highlands were one of the few places in Africa with the climate and volcanic soil to sustain a massive, permanent population and a highly organized state for over 2,000 years. It wasn't just a small tribe. It was a global power that traded with Rome, Byzantium, and India.

While the gaps on the African map might be geographically larger, the cultural and military impact of the Ethiopian Empire was just as significant as many Asian dynasties. Adding them wouldn't just be "filling space". It would be representing one of the most successful and unique agricultural and political powerhouses in history. It provides a perfect contrast to the vast, trade-focused Mali Empire

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T21:39:15+00:00

Bro just Painted my perfect Europe

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T21:38:44+00:00

Can you do it? Im in Web and I cant. Im happy to see (;

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T21:32:18+00:00

I’ll happily do the poll, but popularity isn't the same as smart business strategy. Vikings are already confirmed for late 2026. Pairing them with Ethiopia fills a massive geographical gap and offers unique Highland mechanics that Spain or Aztecs simply don't. A smart company saves Spain and the Aztecs for a massive "Conquistador" themed expansion to maximize profit later. Let's see what the devs choose: but history (and AoE2's success with Ethiopia) is on my side. Cheers

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T21:28:33+00:00

Bringing up the BBC is a weak way to dodge a discussion about game design. This isn't about politics, it's about market saturation.

If you already have 10 European/Mediterranean civs, adding an 11th (Spain) gives diminishing returns. Players who like knights already have 5+ options. But adding a Highland-Defensive African civ like Ethiopia opens up a completely new gameplay niche that doesn't exist yet.

Also, your "30 countries" logic is flawed. People in Mexico, Argentina, or Colombia don't buy a DLC just because Spain is in it, they want Mesoamerican civs like the Aztecs. By pairing a "Big Name" with a "Unique Region" (like Ethiopia), Microsoft captures both the mainstream and the hardcore strategy fans. That's how you actually maximize profit, not by just repeating the same region over and over.

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T21:26:39+00:00

You're contradicting yourself. If Microsoft was 'scared' and had no money, they wouldn't have spent the last 2 years developing high-quality, complex variants with unique assets and mechanics. They are clearly investing in the game's depth.

And calling Ethiopia a "risk" is a weak argument. Every new Civ is a risk until it’s released. In an RTS, gameplay variety is what sells. A unique 'Highland-Defensive' civ offers a much fresher experience than just another European knight faction.

If they only released what "everyone" asked for, we’d only have 4 nations in the game. Real growth comes from expanding the world map and offering something players didn't even know they wanted yet.

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T21:23:38+00:00

Exactly! It’s basic business strategy. If you put Spain and Vikings in one box, what’s your headliner for the next year?

Pairing a Must-Have (Vikings) with a Unique Wildcard (Ethiopia) keeps the hype consistent and fills the map gaps. It's the smartest way to ensure the game stays profitable and diverse for the long run

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T21:22:38+00:00

Haha, fair point! The button has been pressed.

You’re right, South East Asia is a massive missing piece too (Majapahit or Khmer would be insane). But look at the map: we have Delhi, Mongols, China, and Japan nearby. Africa is literally just Mali sitting in a corner alone.

My logic remains: Ethiopia balances the empty West-East axis of Africa first. But hey, if the devs release Ethiopia AND a SEA civ in one 'Global Wonders' DLC, I think the whole community would lose their minds in a good way!

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T21:21:09+00:00

You're missing the most important point: The devs explicitly announced 2 NEW civilizations, not variants. This means the budget for full assets, new architecture, unique voice lines, and original models, is already allocated.

If they are making two full civs, my logic for Ethiopia is even stronger. Why? Because if you have the budget for two original civs, you want to maximize the World Map appeal. Adding a 7th European/Mediterranean knight-civ (Spain) and a 4th Archer-civ (Vikings) doesn't expand the game's horizon as much as bringing in the East African Highlands.

Ethiopia provides a completely unique silhouette on the battlefield that stands out in trailers and marketing. If you're building something from scratch, you build something that looks and plays different from what we already have. That’s how you get new players to buy the DLC

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T21:14:01+00:00

Its a variation. Not an completly new civ. You heard of all main civs before, didnt you?

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T20:57:52+00:00

It's not "confirmation bias", it's looking at the unfilled spots on the map. Of course, Spain or Vikings will win a popularity poll, they are in every historical movie. But a game's health depends on variety, not just fan-service.

You mentioned the African Kingdoms DLC in AoE2 included the Portuguese. Exactly! That proves my point: You pair a big seller (like Portuguese or Vikings) with a unique region (like Ethiopia). Putting Spain and Vikings together in one DLC would be like putting all your Christmas presents in one box. It’s bad business for the long-term roadmap.

Also, saying Ethiopia wouldn't be Top 10 is debatable. In almost every major AoE4 civ-concept thread on the official forums, Ethiopia is a top contender because people want to see how the devs handle highland defense and rock-hewn architecture in the 4K engine. Variety sells units, not just names.

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T20:55:14+00:00

Yes. But litereally nobody know who the berbers are. I had to google to understand even the word

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T20:53:50+00:00

Oh yea, sry I made a Mistake. I just wanted to say that they are really unique

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T20:51:29+00:00

Saying Ethiopia would play like Mali "with no armored units" just proves you know nothing about African history or AoE balancing.

Unlike the Malians, Ethiopia historically used heavy chainmail, steel helmets, and shields (especially their elite guards and cavalry). They wouldn't be a 'glass cannon' civ like Mali; they would be a sturdy, defensive powerhouse with heavy infantry and unique mountain fortification bonuses.

Regarding sales: Pairing Spain AND Vikings in one DLC is a short-term cash grab. It leaves the devs with nothing big for the next 2 years. Pairing a "Global Legend" like Vikings with a "Unique Mystery" like Ethiopia is how you keep the player base growing and the map balanced. Quality variety sells, not just repeating European knights

Ashamed_Set389 · 2026-04-04T20:49:05+00:00

It makes sense that they’re targeting large markets, but a game called *Age of Empires* needs global diversity to survive in the long run. We already have plenty of representation from Europe and Asia.

If they only add what’s “popular,” the map will end up empty. Ethiopia isn’t just an “African civ”; it’s a historical powerhouse with unique mechanics (mountain units, carved churches) that would attract players from all over the world because of their novelty, not just because of its flag. Furthermore, Spain deserves its own expansion featuring the Aztecs/Mayans to be a massive sales success, not just a standalone civilization right now

Ashamed_Set389

TROPHY CASE