Do I need the original Rise of Nations to play Thrones and Patriots?

Yes, Thrones and Patriots is an expansion pack and requires the base game, Rise of Nations, to play.

What new nations are included in this expansion?

The expansion includes six new nations: Americans, Dutch, Persians, Indians, Iroquois, and Lakota, each with unique attributes.

Are there new campaigns in Thrones and Patriots?

Yes, there are four new single-player campaigns focusing on historical figures and periods like Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and the New World.

Is the multiplayer still active?

While the official servers might be less active, a dedicated community still plays through third-party platforms and direct IP connections.

Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots

In short: Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots is a strategy game released in 2004 by Big Huge Games, available on PC. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended).

Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots is an expansion pack for the real-time strategy game Rise of Nations. Developed by Big Huge Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios, it adds new nations, units, wonders, and campaigns to the base game. The expansion focuses on expanding the already broad scope of the original game, allowing players to progress through various ages of history.

Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots is an expansion pack that significantly enhances the critically acclaimed real-time strategy game, Rise of Nations. Developed by Big Huge Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios in 2004, this expansion enriches the core game with a wealth of new content, including six new nations, each meticulously designed with unique units, powers, and bonuses that reflect their historical counterparts. These additions introduce fresh strategic possibilities and replayability, allowing players to explore different paths to victory across various historical eras. Beyond the new nations, Thrones and Patriots introduces four new single-player campaigns, each offering a distinct historical narrative and challenging objectives. Players can delve into epic sagas involving figures like Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and the New World conquest, providing a deeper and more engaging historical experience. The campaigns are not just a series of battles; they often involve unique mission structures and tactical considerations that push players to adapt their strategies, adding considerable depth to the single-player offerings of the game. The expansion also brings new wonders of the world and government types, further diversifying the strategic landscape. These new elements allow for more specialized gameplay and give players additional tools to shape their empires. Whether focusing on military might, economic prowess, or cultural dominance, Thrones and Patr…

Game details

Developer: Big Huge Games
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Release year: 2004
Platforms: PC
Category: strategy

Our review

Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots is an exemplary expansion pack that builds upon an already solid foundation. The additions of new nations, campaigns, and government types significantly enhance the strategic depth and replayability. Each new nation feels distinct, offering unique advantages that encourage diverse playstyles. The historical campaigns are particularly well-crafted, providing engaging narratives and challenging scenarios that go beyond simple skirmishes. While the graphics, being from 2004, are dated by modern standards, they remain functional and clear for the genre. The core gameplay loop remains as addictive and rewarding as ever, making this expansion a must-have for fans of the original and a fantastic entry point for new players seeking a deep real-time strategy experience.

Pros

Adds significant strategic depth with new nations and content
Engaging and well-crafted historical campaigns
High replayability due to diverse nations and strategies
Seamless integration with the base game

Cons

Graphics are dated by modern standards
Steep learning curve for new players to the series

FAQ

Do I need the original Rise of Nations to play Thrones and Patriots?: Yes, Thrones and Patriots is an expansion pack and requires the base game, Rise of Nations, to play.
What new nations are included in this expansion?: The expansion includes six new nations: Americans, Dutch, Persians, Indians, Iroquois, and Lakota, each with unique attributes.
Are there new campaigns in Thrones and Patriots?: Yes, there are four new single-player campaigns focusing on historical figures and periods like Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and the New World.
Is the multiplayer still active?: While the official servers might be less active, a dedicated community still plays through third-party platforms and direct IP connections.

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Last updated: 04/04/2026