Age of Empires III gives players the opportunity to pick up where Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings left off, placing them in the time period of roughly 1500–1850. As players work to establish their empire, they will take on the role of a European power struggling to explore, colonize and conquer North and South America. In addition, players will also have the chance to engage in epic warfare in the Americas with Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs, where they will lead proud, playable native civilizations to expand their empire and fight for control of the Americas.

The recently announced Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties is the second expansion pack, set for a Fall release date, and will give players the chance to control Asian civilizations for the first time.