Age of Mythology: Retold is getting its biggest expansion yet in 2026, featuring one of the most requested pantheons amongst long-time fans of the franchise, the Aztecs.
Released in late 2024, Age of Mythology: Retold is a faithful remake of the 2002 original. Neither a reinterpretation or reboot, this real-time strategy game remains much the same as its predecessor, save for updated graphics and gameplay tweaks. Notably, god powers can now be cast more than once during a playthrough.
Gaining from the popularity of the three Age of Empire Definitive Editions launched between 2018 and 2020, this remake was received positively by gamers and critics, who praised a godly comeback enhanced by a reorchestrated symphonic soundtrack, and well-thought-out accessibility options such as text narration. AoM: Retold even earned a nomination for Best Strategy Game at TGA 2024, even though the crown ultimately went to Frostpunk 2.
New expansions further fleshed out the experience in 2024. Improving over the mechanics of the controversial Tale of the Dragon, the second expansion to Age of Mythology, the Immortal Pillars expansion introduced major gods in the Chinese pantheon, alongside reworked hero types and new random maps. Heavenly Spear, the second new expansion for Retold, brought in a 12-mission campaign for the Japanese pantheon, as well as units inspired by Japanese myths and legends, including stealthy Shinobi and elite Samurai.
And according to recent news, development for this RTS classic reimagined is far from over. The game will enjoy four mythic releases in the coming year, the first of which will centre around the Greek goddess of harvest. Playing as Demeter, players will be able to unleash brand-new powers and units to harness nature itself to fit their grand strategy. The Ultimate Fan Pack, a supporter-themed collection, and the Blood & Bones Pack, a visual overhaul, will follow before the Expansion Pass content culminates in the launch of an ambitious Aztec-infused DLC.
Fans have long been clamoring for the Aztec pantheon to be included in the series. In 2022, modders took the matter into their own hands by rolling out a Return of the Gods mod for Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon. Playable in English or Spanish, this fanmade addition gave a central role to Aztec tradition and mythology. It added new gods, units, powers, and wonders such as a Quetzalcoatl’s wonder based on an amalgamation of real-life Mexican monuments like Tenochtitlan and Teotihuacan. Perhaps the biggest metropolis in the pre-Columbian Americas, the latter is still puzzling the archaeologists trying to decipher its writing mystery.
Going into 2026, Age of Mythology players will finally be able to journey into the world of the Aztec gods through a grand-scale 12 mission campaign that crosses both continents and cosmic realms. Introducing a brand-new pantheon, culture, and divine playstyle, Obsidian Mirror – Rise of the Aztec Gods presents itself as the highlight of the Expansion Pass. This full-fledged expansion, as opposed to a mere add-on, will allow players to command mythical creatures and channel the powers of such deities as Quetzalcoal and Tezcatlipoca.
This highly-anticipated addition reflects a surging interest in Mesoamerican culture and civilisation across the gaming industry. Aztecs: The Last Sun, a survival city-builder transporting players to the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, debuted in early access in September 2025. Many decades earlier, a point-and-click legend like Grim Fandango was already blending film noir aesthetics with Aztec mythology in an unlikely crossover. The iGaming industry also put its spin on that sub-genre, with major software developers digging into ancient myths to refresh their slot-machine catalogues.
Online players can grab free spins to discover these creative slots. Often part of welcome offers or loyalty rewards, this type of bonus allows players to try out games at no personal expense. To stay on top of the best ongoing promotions, gamers can check out specialised websites listing hundreds of up-to-date deals, including no-deposit bonuses, welcome packages, and more. Industry experts also comb through the bonus requirements and casino rules to help newcomers pick the optimal option.
After two decades, fans of Age of Mythology are finally getting the official Aztec pantheon they have been craving. Obsidian Mirror marks the third pantheon expansion in AoM: Retold and the fifth overall when counting major god packs. Pre-orders begin on December 18th, offering 15% off until the initial release date. Pass holders will enjoy exclusive rewards and a slew of content across four epic expansions scheduled for release in 2026.
