Old World — patch notes and updates
Stored observation / content update:
Dated developer announcements recorded from Steam. Open the source for the complete update.
| Update | Date | Excerpt / source |
|---|---|---|
| Old World May 14th Hotfix update | 2026-05-14 | Main Branch 1.0.83591 Release 2026-05-14This is a hotfix release that fixes bugs that could cause game hangs and includes some AI performance optimizations |
| Old World May 13th Updated Test Build | 2026-05-13 | Old World test branch update 1.0.83571 Test 2026-05-13To switch to the test branch, right click Old World in Steam and select Properties, open the Game Versions & Betas tab and select 'test' in the version list.Design2nd tier tech costs increased to 160 (from 150)Moved Free Horseman tech bonus card to Coinage (from Land Consolidation)Improvement wood cost reductions - Harbor: 40 (was 60), Market: 60 (was 80), Grocer: 80 (was 100), Fair 100 (was 120)Winning at a difficulty gives the achievements for that level and lower. Hardcore now gives all difficulty achievementsRebels no longer attack your teammates, unless there is nothing better for the |
| Old World May Update: Crossbow buff, tech cost rebalance and Map Search | 2026-05-06 | Main Branch 1.0.83499 release 2026-05-06Headline changesCrossbow strength buffTech cost rebalancingNew Map Search function DesignCrossbows now have +50% strength against melee (from +50% attack)Tech costs for columns in the tech tree changed to 100, 150, 250, 400, 700, 1100, 1600 (from 80, 120, 200, 400, 600, 1000, 1600)Increased flat science from difficulty level by 2At least two non-trashable tech cards will be offered if possible, to prevent all tech choices being bonus cardsSlingers are now obsolete at Bodkin arrow (previously also required Windlass)Gold and Silver mine output increased to 50 money (from 40)Reduced culture requirements fo |
| Old World April 29th Updated Test Build | 2026-04-29 | Old World test branch update 1.0.83396 Test 2026-04-29To switch to the test branch, right click Old World in Steam and select Properties, open the Game Versions & Betas tab and select 'test' in the version list.DesignCrossbows now have +50% strength against melee, instead of +50% attackAIs will no longer have child leaders, instead using the next adult in the succession or generating a new character if neededAll Hindu cities can now build Brahmins, without requiring Holy City/State Religion/Tolerance (Empires of the Indus)Decreased Indian Unique Unit vision to be in line with other units, with the exception of Steppe Riders which retain extra |
| Old World April 22nd Updated Test Build | 2026-04-22 | Old World test branch update 1.0.83288 Test 2026-04-22To switch to the test branch, right click Old World in Steam and select Properties, open the Game Versions & Betas tab and select 'test' in the version list.DesignUnits can repair any improvement they can build (affects Disciples and Brahmins)Ship build queue options added for each harbor in a city, in addition to each body of water that does not have a harbor, to allow choosing where the ship spawnsImproved city site distribution for 2-team mapsAdded Phidias, a Builder Artist, as a starting courtier to the Pericles dynasty (Heroes of the Aegean / Wonders and Dynasties)Can no longer recrui |
| Old World April 15th Updated Test Build | 2026-04-17 | Old World test branch update 1.0.83168 Test 2026-04-15To switch to the test branch, right click Old World in Steam and select Properties, open the Game Versions & Betas tab and select 'test' in the version list.DesignTech costs for columns in the tech tree changed to 100, 150, 250, 400, 700, 1100, 1600 (from 80, 120, 200, 400, 600, 1000, 1600)Increased flat science from difficulty level by 2At least two non-trashable tech cards will be offered if possible, to prevent all tech choices being bonus cardsSlingers are now obsolete at Bodkin arrowRising Star trait now replaces Infamous and UnpopularSlightly reduced frequency of Jade spawning (Empir |
| Old World April Update: Unit and tech tree rebalancing | 2026-04-08 | Main Branch 1.0.83036 Release 2026-04-08Headline changesUnit and tech tree rebalancesAI will no longer found religions very early, before it is possible for players to do soNetwork code improvementsAdded player option Manual Bonus PlacementDesignCrossbow strength reduced to 6 from 8Polybolos strength reduced to 8 from 10Windlass now requires Coinage instead of ManorWindmills require Windlass instead of Hydraulics. Watermills are still available at HydraulicsFree Court Soldier moved from Infantry Square to StirrupsFree Court Merchant moved from Chain Drive to CartographyFree Court Merchant moved from Fiscal Policy to ManorFree Longbowmen moved |
| Old World April 3rd Hotfix update | 2026-04-03 | Main Branch 1.0.82975 Release 2026-04-03This is a hotfix release that fixes display issues with tooltip header text in some languages |
| Old World April 1st Updated Test Build | 2026-04-01 | Old World test branch update 1.0.82968 Test 2026-04-01To switch to the test branch, right click Old World in Steam and select Properties, open the Game Versions & Betas tab and select 'test' in the version list.DesignSlight rebalance to Gatherer cognomen line (Empires of the Indus)UIRendering layer cleanupAdded rendering layer for minimum detail objects, which will always render to the timeline and minimap. This means minimum detail rivers will now always render in the timeline and minimapRemoved "Reduce Animation Detail" option and replaced with "Disable Idle Animations"Occurrence end chance increment, current and minimum durations added to |
| Old World - Empires of the Indus is Now Available! | 2026-03-30 | The latest DLC for Old World, Empires of the Indus, is now available! In Empires of the Indus, you're thrown into a vibrant and turbulent world that's grappling with the rise of multiple illustrious dynasties across the subcontinent. You can grow the powerful Mauryan Empire to new heights, lead the great tribes of the Yuezhi to forge a new destiny as the Kushan Empire, or raise Tamilakam to glory with the three great Sangam kingdoms. The Empires of the Indus DLC includes: Three new playable nations: the Mauryas, the Yuezhi, and the Tamilakam. Each represents a major player across a 600-year period of upheaval and opportunity that would shape |
| Old World March 25th Updated Test Build | 2026-03-25 | Old World test branch update 1.0.82852 Test 2026-03-25To switch to the test branch, right click Old World in Steam and select Properties, open the Game Versions & Betas tab and select 'test' in the version list.DesignCrossbow strength reduced to 6 from 8Polybolos strength reduced to 8 from 10Windlass now requires Coinage instead of ManorWindmills require Windlass instead of Hydraulics. Watermills are still available at HydraulicsFree Court Soldier moved from Infantry Square to StirrupsFree Court Merchant moved from Chain Drive to CartographyFree Court Merchant moved from Fiscal Policy to ManorFree Longbowmen moved from Manor to Battle LineFre |
| Old World March 24th Hotfix update | 2026-03-24 | Main Branch 1.0.82832 Release 2026-03-24This is a hotfix release that fixes bugs with MP connectivity and improves the display of UI text |
| Save 90% on Old World | 2026-03-20 | Old World is now 90% off with discounts on the DLC as well, during the Hooded Horse Spring Sale. Old World is a revolutionary historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty, or watch your empire crumble to dust. Hooded Horse Spring Sale |
| Old World March Update: Flanking changes, Theology buffs and Tech Tree search | 2026-03-18 | Main Branch 1.0.82741 Release 2026-03-18Headline changesFlanking now protects from counterattack damage for all unitsEnlightenment and Redemption theology buffsAdded tech tree searchDesignFlanking now protects from counterattack damage for all unitsEnlightenment Cathedrals give growth per population, not per citizenRedemption gives +50% to harbors and hamlets (was +20%)Redemption Cathedrals allow hurrying specialists and projects with trainingZealot leaders can now only rush units with trainingMonasteries can be built in Clerics family cities without MonasticismClerics no longer start with Divine RuleBaths can no longer be built on sand (exce |
| Old World March 11th Updated Test Build | 2026-03-11 | Old World test branch update 1.0.82651 Test 2026-03-11To switch to the test branch, right click Old World in Steam and select Properties, open the Game Versions & Betas tab and select 'test' in the version list.DesignMonasteries can be built in Clerics family cities without MonasticismClerics no longer start with Divine RuleBaths can no longer be built on sand (except for Clerics)Events that spread a religion now contribute to religion spread goalsProgrammingAdded support for mapscripts to set a maximum number of teamsUIRural and Urban worker filters now show improvements that are not currently valid due to culture level restrictionsDynasty e |
| Old World March 4th Updated Test Build | 2026-03-04 | Old World test branch update 1.0.82566 Test 2026-03-04To switch to the test branch, right click Old World in Steam and select Properties, open the Game Versions & Betas tab and select 'test' in the version list.DesignLegal Code law upkeep now 6 Money per city (instead of 0.2 Orders)Divine Rule law upkeep now 0.5 Science per city (instead of 6 Money)Guilds law upkeep now 0.5 Orders per city (instead of 1 Order)Besieger effect now valid for Melee and Ranged (previously Melee and Siege)Increased Growth required for new population now occurs after 30 growths instead of 20 New EventsGriefLast of the Pack Founded (lost tie) x4The WanderersTribal Tr |
| Old World legacy branch | 2026-03-03 | Old World legacy branchA legacy branch of Old World is now available on Steam. This uses version 1.0.81366, which was first released in January and is the last version prior to the Unity and rendering upgrade. This branch will not receive updates. If you could run Old World previously but are now unable to due to an unsupported OS or hardware, this version will allow you to play the game again.To switch branches, right click Old World in Steam, select properties, click the 'Game Versions and Betas' tab and choose the 'legacy' option. |
| Old World - Empires of the Indus Release Date Announced! | 2026-03-02 | The next DLC for Old World, Empires of the Indus, is coming on March 30, 2026. Empires of the Indus throws you into a vibrant, turbulent world that's grappling with the rise of mighty dynasties and their illustrious realms across the subcontinent. Grow the powerful Mauryan Empire to its heights, lead the great tribes of the Yuezhi to forge a new destiny as the Kushan Empire, or raise Tamilakam to glory with the three great Sangam kingdoms. Spread forth from the Indus and bring the old world under your rule! Here's a brief rundown of everything that will be included in the Empires of the Indus DLC: Three new playable nations: the Mauryas, the |
| Old World February 26th Hotfix update | 2026-02-26 | Main Branch 1.0.82387 Release 2026-02-26This is a hotfix release that fixes several bugs introduced in the previous updateBugs FixedFixed Portrait Interpolation and re-enabledFixed terrain display issuesFixed partially hidden free promotion iconFixed network game timeout issuesFixed End Turn button in Simultaneous MP gamesFixed tooltip flicker on game browserFixed ping wheel initial positionFixed specialist icon display |
| Old World February 25th Updated Test Build | 2026-02-25 | Old World test branch update 1.0.82358 Test 2026-02-25To switch to the test branch, right click Old World in Steam and select Properties, open the Game Versions & Betas tab and select 'test' in the version list.DesignFlanking now protects from counterattack damage (affects all units)Yield per opinion level effect now starts from 0 at Furious to a maximum of 5 at Friendly. Affects Statesmen Civics, Estates Training and Culture, and Corruption Reform CivicsEnlightenment Cathedrals give growth per population, not per citizenRedemption gives +50% to harbors and hamlets (was +20%)Redemption Cathedrals allow hurrying specialists and projects with t |