Age of Mythology: Retold Free on Steam Until April 27

Steam is offering Age of Mythology: Retold for free until April 27. This gives players a chance to experience Forgotten Empires’ revamped strategy game without paying the usual $29.99. While the promotion includes two games, Age of Mythology: Retold takes the spotlight, especially since it’s backed by Xbox Game Studios.

Age of Mythology: Retold launched as a complete rebuild of the beloved 2002 classic. It features updated visuals and introduces new factions based on Chinese and Japanese mythology. Currently, it boasts an impressive 89% positive rating across 11,412 Steam reviews. That’s a good sign in a genre where player retention and gameplay depth are crucial for long-term enjoyment. With 2,429 players online right now, the free weekend should boost those numbers even further.

The timing couldn’t be better. Pre-orders for the Obsidian Mirror DLC started in July 2026, indicating that Forgotten Empires is actively working on expanding the game’s content. A free-play promotion is a common strategy publishers use to attract more players before launching paid content. Xbox Game Studios has used this approach many times, including recently with MLB The Show 26 during an Xbox Free Play Days weekend in May 2026.

If players decide to buy the game after the trial, they can get the base game along with the expanded mythology content for $29.99. As of early 2026, crossplay functionality is confirmed across platforms. This is important for an RTS game, where quickly finding opponents can impact queue times and overall competitive experience.

By The Numbers

Steam Review Score	89% positive
Total Steam Reviews	11,412
Current Concurrent Players	2,429
Standard Price	$29.99
Free Play Deadline	April 27

The community has responded positively since the game’s launch. One Steam reviewer said, “Overall, I can really recommend this version of the game — I’ve played the original CD version and the Extended version on Steam, and I must say the amount of work that went into the rebalance is impressive.” Another reviewer added, “Great RTS. The same as the original AOM but with far better graphics and great inclusions with the Chinese and Japanese myth being added into the mix — all in all awesome game.”

What To Watch

• Player count spike: Keep an eye on whether the free weekend boosts Age of Mythology: Retold back into Steam’s top concurrent player charts. A sustained increase after the promotion would suggest strong conversion from trial to purchase.
• Obsidian Mirror DLC sales impact: With the DLC pre-order window already open, watch to see if the free weekend is linked to a promotional push for that content. This would clarify Xbox Game Studios’ strategy.
• Second free game identity: The CBR report mentions two free games in the promotion. Confirmation of the second title will reveal if Steam pairs Age of Mythology: Retold with another strategy game or a different genre to maximize reach.