Simple Question, is online authentication still required to use all Features? Or are some Features like Multiplayer still blocked behind Online DRM?

You do not have to login to the game to play singleplayer but the multiplayer you need to login to Paradox. There is no LAN option or anything this time.

"or anything"...

What about hotseat? That is advertised on the page iirc.

Do people need to go through what is effectively third-party account DRM to play on their own computer?

Hot seat is inside the Scenario gamemode which is single player. You do not need to be logged in to use it.

Thank you so much for the answer. I am heartened to see there is at least a DRM-free multiplayer mode in that respect!

The question is not really answered here!

I ask with an example:
We would like to play at a LAN-Party 3 vs 3. in AoW 2 that was really simple.
If I buy AoW Planetfall on GoG, is it possible to run a NORMAL Multiplayer Match, with only one copy? We do have internet-connection on the LAN-Location.

thanks in advance for your answers.

This is answered actually: If you were to play from your own computer, yes, you would need to have your own separate copy of the game installed on your separate computer. If you were to all play on ONE computer, that would be "hotseat" which would only require one copy of the game. Similar to playing chess with a physical board, you only need one if you're in the same room using the same board.

thanks for the fast answer,

sometimes I have my difficulties with english:

my traslation to your anser: I cant play AoW Planetfall really DRM free. bc there is a DRM for the true Multiplayerpart of the game. is this correct @DaemonVirus?