Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings is seen as a landmark release in the RTS genre. PS5 owners finally get to see why in 2025, and we’ve got the complete Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition release date, start times, and early access information you seek.
Without resorting to drastic measures, a great way to assume power is through RTS games. You can control whole armies and dictate the actions of hundreds, thousands, and even millions of people (or aliens). Age of Empires 2 was a seminal release in the late 90s that pioneered the genre and helped launch it to mainstream heights.
Original developer Ensemble Studios is sadly no longer at the helm. But in their place is the duo of World’s Edge and Forgotten Empires. They’ve masterminded Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition. First came a PC release, then Xbox, and now it’s time for the PS5 to prosper.
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition PS5 Release Date
The official release date for Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is May 6.
Bear in mind, this is the general release date. It doesn’t account for other factors, including regions and other aspects. We have more information on Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition PS5 start times below.
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition PS5 Start Times
United States residents can get stuck into Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition on PS5 from 10 AM using PDT.
For a more specific breakdown on regions and key areas, check out the table below.
| Region | Release Time |
|---|---|
| United States (PDT) | May 6, 2025—10:00 AM |
| United States (CDT) | May 6, 2025—12:00 PM |
| United States (EDT) | May 6, 2025—1:00 PM |
| United Kingdom (BST) | May 6, 2025—6:00 PM |
| Australian East Coast (AEST) | May 7, 2025—3:00 AM |
| New Zealand (NZST) | May 7, 2025—5:00 AM |
Does Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition Have Early Access on PS5?
You can get up to five days of early access if you pre-order Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition’s Premium version.
Not three, not four, but five days early access. If you’re confused, “Definitive Edition” is not actually a type of edition, it’s the name given to the game. Ages of Empires 2 does have a couple of editions though.
If you want early access, you need to secure the slightly more expensive Premium Edition. Doing so means you can start building your armies from May 1 instead of May 6.
Note: The start times remain the same.
Is Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition on PS5 what you’ve been waiting for? Will you be getting the Premium Edition for early access? Let us know through the Insider Gaming forum.
For more content, check out the news of the fresh Age of Empires 2 DLC.
