Few RTS games have remained as memorable as Age of Mythology: Extended Edition. Its blend of mythology, god powers, and classic base-building still feels unique today. In 2016, the expansion Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon introduced the Chinese civilization, new gods, mythological creatures, and an entirely new campaign.
Whether you are revisiting the game after years away or discovering it for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know — gameplay mechanics, campaign tips, system requirements, cheats, strategy advice, and how the DLC compares to modern versions like Age of Mythology: Retold.
What Is Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon?
Players who enjoy deep strategy systems similar to Age of Mythology often also explore modern RTS and hybrid strategy titles. For example, the evolution of Chinese mythology-based gameplay concepts can also be seen in our guide to Total War: Three Kingdoms, while broader RTS mechanics and civilization-building design are discussed in our detailed breakdown of Civilization 6 Leaders Guide (Tier List, Best Civs & Strategies). Fans who enjoy mythology-based competitive gameplay may also find comparisons interesting in Smite.
Quick Overview at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
| Full Title | Age of Mythology: Extended Edition — Tale of the Dragon |
| Developer | Forgotten Empires / Skybox Labs |
| Publisher | Xbox Game Studios |
| Initial Release Date | January 28, 2016 |
| Platform | PC (Windows) |
| Type | Expansion DLC for Extended Edition |
| Genre | Real-Time Strategy (RTS) |
Is Tale of the Dragon a Standalone Game or DLC?
Tale of the Dragon is not a standalone game. It requires Age of Mythology: Extended Edition to play. The DLC adds the Chinese civilization, campaign missions, myth units, and god powers to the base game.
Players who own only the original 2002 version cannot access this expansion. You need the Extended Edition version available on PC platforms like Steam.
A Brief History of the Age of Mythology Series
The original Age of Mythology launched in 2002 and quickly became one of the most beloved mythology-based RTS games ever made. Unlike historical RTS titles, it combined ancient civilizations with legendary monsters and divine abilities.
The timeline of the series looks like this:
- 2002 — Original Age of Mythology releases
- 2003 — The Titans expansion launches
- 2014 — Extended Edition remaster arrives on PC
- 2016 — Tale of the Dragon DLC introduces Chinese mythology
- 2024+ — Age of Mythology: Retold modernizes the franchise
Tale of the Dragon — Game Story & Campaign
What Is the Campaign About?
The Tale of the Dragon campaign focuses on Chinese mythology and political conflict. The story follows ancient heroes, mythical beasts, and divine struggles involving the Chinese pantheon.
Compared to the Greek campaign from the base game, the Chinese storyline feels more mystical and fantasy-driven. Dragons, immortals, and celestial powers play a larger role throughout the missions.
The campaign is shorter than the original AoM story but still offers several memorable scenarios and large-scale battles.
Chinese Gods Featured in Tale of the Dragon
The expansion introduces three major gods:
- Fu Xi — Focuses on economy and defense
- Nu Wa — Strong defensive structures and population bonuses
- Shennong — Agriculture and myth unit specialization
Minor gods also provide unique myth units and powers inspired by Chinese folklore.
This mythology theme gives the Chinese civilization a very different feel compared to Greek, Egyptian, Atlantean, or Norse factions.
Tale of the Dragon Campaign Walkthrough (Mission by Mission)
The early missions mainly teach Chinese mechanics and introduce Ox Carts, hero systems, and myth units.
Helpful campaign tips include:
- Prioritize food economy early
- Protect Ox Carts carefully
- Use myth units aggressively against human armies
- Expand quickly during mid-game missions
- Save god powers for enemy base pushes
Some later missions become difficult on higher settings due to aggressive AI attacks, so defensive walls and towers are extremely useful.
Gameplay — New Features Introduced in Tale of the Dragon
New Civilization — The Chinese
The Chinese civilization is the biggest addition in the DLC.
Key features include:
- Ox Carts replace traditional resource drop sites
- Gardens generate multiple resources
- Heroes can be trained more flexibly
- Strong mythological creatures and defensive structures
The civilization rewards efficient economy management and map control.
New Mythological Units
Some of the most notable myth units include:
- Qilin — Fast support creature
- Pixiu — Durable frontline myth unit
- Azure Dragon — Powerful late-game flying monster
- Monkey King — Agile trickster fighter
Compared to Greek myth units, Chinese units tend to emphasize mobility and utility instead of raw power alone.
New Game Mechanics Unique to This DLC
The DLC introduced several mechanics unique to the Chinese faction:
- Immortal-style economy systems
- Ox Cart mobile gathering system
- Specialized hero units
- Distinctive god powers
These systems made the faction feel fresh, although balance issues were heavily discussed by competitive players at launch.
Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon — System Requirements
Minimum vs. Recommended System Requirements
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
| OS | Windows 7 (64-bit) | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.2GHz | Intel Core i5 or higher |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB+ |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GT | NVIDIA GTX 460 or better |
| DirectX | Version 9.0c | Version 11 |
| Storage | 8 GB available | 8 GB + SSD recommended |
| Network | Broadband Internet | Broadband Internet |
Can Your PC Run Tale of the Dragon?
Most modern PCs can easily run the game because the engine is relatively old.
For low-end PCs:
- Lower shadows and anti-aliasing
- Reduce resolution scale
- Limit background applications
The game generally works on Windows 11, though occasional compatibility fixes may be required for older drivers.
Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon Cheats & Codes
Full Cheat Code List for Tale of the Dragon
| Cheat Code | Effect |
| JUNK FOOD NIGHT | +1000 Food |
| TROJAN HORSE FOR SALE | +1000 Wood |
| ATM OF EREBUS | +1000 Gold |
| MOUNT OLYMPUS | Full Favor |
| WRATH OF THE GODS | Tornado, Lightning, Earthquake, Meteor |
| DIVINE INTERVENTION | Recharges all god powers |
| LAY OF THE LAND | Reveal map |
| O CANADA | Laser bear appears |
| TINES OF POWER | Gives a Forkboy unit |
| RED TIDE | Water turns red |
| SET ASCENDANT | Reveals animals on map |
| PANDORAS BOX | Random god powers |
| ISIS HEAR MY PLEA | Hero units from campaign |
| CHANNEL SURFING | Instant win in campaign |
| UNCERTAINTY AND DOUBT | Fogs enemy vision |
| IN DARKEST NIGHT | Darkens the map |
| CONSIDER THE INTERNET | Slow units dramatically |
| FEAR THE FORAGE | Chicken attacks |
How to Enter Cheat Codes in Tale of the Dragon
To use cheats:
- Open the in-game chat window
- Type the cheat code exactly
- Press Enter
Cheats are mainly intended for single-player use and casual fun. Multiplayer matches generally disable cheat functionality.
Tips for Using Cheats Effectively
Useful cheat combinations include:
- Economy cheats for sandbox building
- Reveal map for exploration
- God power recharge for experimentation
The famous Laser Bear cheat remains one of the funniest features in the entire Age of Mythology series.
Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon Tips, Tricks & Strategy
Beginner Tips for Playing the Chinese Civilization
New players should focus on:
- Keeping Ox Carts safe
- Expanding early economy
- Using myth units for map pressure
- Advancing ages efficiently
A balanced early build order works best until you understand the civilization’s pacing.
Advanced Strategy Guide
Experienced players often rely on:
- Fast myth unit rushes
- Aggressive map control
- Defensive god powers combined with siege pushes
- Strong late-game economy scaling
Chinese myth units can overwhelm opponents quickly if protected properly.
Campaign-Specific Tips & Tricks
For difficult campaign missions:
- Turtle defensively early
- Scout enemy attacks constantly
- Save god powers for major battles
- Build walls frequently
Higher difficulties punish reckless expansion heavily.
Tale of the Dragon vs. Immortal Pillars — What’s the Difference?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Tale of the Dragon (2016) | Immortal Pillars (AoM: Retold DLC) |
| Release Year | 2016 | Retold era |
| Civilization | Chinese | Chinese (updated) |
| Graphics Engine | Extended Edition engine | Retold modern engine |
| Gameplay Changes | New mechanics added | Rebalanced systems |
| Campaign | New story missions | Expanded/reworked missions |
| Multiplayer Balance | Balance issues at launch | Improved balance focus |
Should You Play Tale of the Dragon or Wait for Immortal Pillars?
If you already own Extended Edition, Tale of the Dragon is still worth trying for mythology fans and RTS veterans.
However, Retold offers:
- Better graphics
- Improved animations
- Modern multiplayer support
- Better balance tuning
For completely new players, Retold may be the better long-term option.
Age of Mythology: Retold — What It Means for Tale of the Dragon Players
The evolution from classic RTS design to modern remastered experiences can also be seen when comparing older strategy titles with newer RPG and action systems. For instance, the transition in game design philosophy is also reflected in modern AAA titles like Is Cyberpunk 2077 Worth It in 2025/2026, while franchise-driven storytelling improvements are similarly analyzed in our Witcher 3 Next Gen Update breakdown.
What Is Age of Mythology: Retold?
Age of Mythology: Retold is a modern remaster rather than a sequel. It upgrades visuals, UI systems, audio, multiplayer infrastructure, and gameplay balance.
Immortal Pillars Release Date & Chinese DLC in Retold
The Retold version modernizes Chinese mythology content with updated visuals and gameplay improvements inspired by Tale of the Dragon.
Many mechanics are refined to better fit modern RTS balance standards.
Is Your Tale of the Dragon Progress Compatible with Retold?
Generally, progression and saves from Extended Edition do not fully transfer into Retold. Players usually need to restart campaigns and multiplayer progression.
Age of Mythology Extended Edition — Full Game Context
What’s Included in the Extended Edition?
| Content | Included? |
| Original AoM Campaign | ✅ Yes |
| The Titans Expansion | ✅ Yes |
| Tale of the Dragon DLC | ❌ Sold Separately |
| Online Multiplayer | ✅ Yes |
| HD Graphics Overhaul | ✅ Yes |
| Steam Workshop Support | ✅ Yes |
Extended Edition vs. Gold Edition — Which Should You Buy?
Gold Edition mainly includes the classic original content, while Extended Edition modernizes visuals and multiplayer systems.
For most modern PC players, Extended Edition remains the better choice due to compatibility and online support.
Games Like Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon
Best Age of Empires-Type Games for PC
| Game | Mythology Theme | Platform | Notes |
| Age of Empires IV | Historical | PC | No mythology |
| Smite | Greek/Chinese Gods | PC/Console | MOBA gameplay |
| Hades | Greek Mythology | PC/Console | Roguelike |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | Chinese History | PC | Grand strategy |
| 0 A.D. | Historical | PC | Free RTS |
What Makes Age of Mythology Unique Among RTS Games?
Very few RTS games combine:
- Base building
- Mythological creatures
- Divine powers
- Multiple pantheons
That mix is why Age of Mythology still feels unique decades after release.
About Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon
Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon is an expansion DLC for Age of Mythology: Extended Edition that introduces the Chinese civilization to the classic real-time strategy game. Released in 2016, the DLC adds new gods, mythological creatures, unique units, and a fresh campaign inspired by Chinese mythology. Players can choose major gods like Fu Xi, Nu Wa, and Shennong while using exclusive mechanics such as Ox Carts and powerful myth units like the Azure Dragon.
The expansion keeps the core Age of Mythology gameplay intact, combining resource management, base building, and large-scale battles with divine powers and legendary monsters. The campaign offers several story-driven missions focused on Chinese heroes and ancient myths. While the DLC received mixed feedback for multiplayer balance, it remains an enjoyable experience for RTS fans who want more civilizations and mythology-focused gameplay in the Age of Mythology universe.
Minimum System Requirements
| Component | Minimum |
| OS | Windows 7 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2 GHz |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GT |
| DirectX | Version 9.0c |
| Storage | 8 GB available space |
Recommended / Maximum System Requirements
| Component | Recommended |
| OS | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 or better |
| RAM | 4 GB or higher |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 460 or better |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Storage | 8 GB SSD recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon Worth Buying?
Yes, especially for RTS fans interested in Chinese mythology and new civilizations.
Does Tale of the Dragon Have Multiplayer?
Yes. The Chinese civilization can be used in multiplayer matches.
What Are the Chinese Gods in Age of Mythology?
The major gods are Fu Xi, Nu Wa, and Shennong.
How Long Is the Tale of the Dragon Campaign?
Most players finish it in roughly 6–10 hours depending on difficulty.
Can I Play Tale of the Dragon Without the Extended Edition?
No. The DLC requires Extended Edition.
What Is the Difference Between Tale of the Dragon and The Titans?
The Titans added the Atlantean civilization, while Tale of the Dragon adds the Chinese civilization.
Are There Mods Available for Tale of the Dragon?
Yes. Steam Workshop includes various balance mods, visual updates, and custom scenarios.
Final Verdict — Is Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon Still Worth It?
RTS fans who enjoy long-term strategy value and replayability often compare this DLC experience with other long-session strategy and RPG titles such as Skyrim vs Witcher 3, or explore narrative-heavy experiences like Is Hogwarts Legacy Good for a more modern progression-based structure.
Who Should Play This DLC?
This DLC is best for:
- RTS enthusiasts
- Longtime AoM fans
- Players interested in mythology games
- Strategy gamers who enjoy civilization variety
Pros and Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique Chinese civilization | Requires Extended Edition |
| Fresh mythology & lore | Shorter campaign than base game |
| New units and mechanics | Multiplayer balance issues |
| Adds replay value | Older graphics compared to Retold |
| Affordable DLC price | Campaign quality varies |
Overall Rating Breakdown
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
| Story / Campaign | 7.5 |
| Gameplay Innovation | 8.0 |
| Replayability | 7.0 |
| Value for Money | 8.5 |
| Multiplayer Experience | 6.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 / 10 |
For longtime strategy fans, Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon remains an interesting expansion that expands the classic formula with Chinese mythology and fresh mechanics. While it shows its age in visuals and balance, it still offers enjoyable RTS gameplay and a unique mythological atmosphere that few modern games replicate.
