Age of Wonders 4

Presentation

Age of Wonders 4 is a 4X fantasy strategy game developed by Triumph Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. The fourth main installment in the franchise combines empire management, exploration of fantasy worlds and turn-based tactical combat. The adventure takes place in realms where Wizard Kings, powerful beings capable of mastering magical forces, seek to extend their dominion. Players take on the role of a ruler who must develop a civilization, forge alliances and confront rival powers to establish their influence. Unlike a campaign built around a single narrative, each playthrough can unfold in a different realm, with its own territories, opponents and events. The evolution of these worlds therefore depends on the political, military and magical decisions made throughout the turns.

One of the game's defining features is its faction creation system, which allows players to design a civilization before even starting a playthrough. Players notably choose their people's physical appearance, culture, social characteristics and ruler. These elements determine their initial organization, abilities and certain strategic possibilities. It is therefore possible to combine fantasy peoples with different military, mystical or economic traditions, without being restricted to predefined historical factions. Magical affinities, notably associated with Order, Chaos, Nature and Astral forces, subsequently guide the empire's development. As the civilization progresses, its inhabitants can acquire new abilities and undergo physical transformations linked to the powers they study, making customization a mechanic that accompanies the entire adventure.

On the strategic map, players explore a realm composed of territories, independent cities, mysterious locations and exploitable resources. Cities form the empire's economic centers: they produce resources, accommodate buildings and allow armies to be recruited. Their growth enables the annexation of new provinces, which can be developed according to the civilization's needs. Exploration also leads to the discovery of Ancient Wonders, ruins and territories occupied by hostile creatures. Diplomacy provides other ways to expand influence, notably by establishing relationships with Free Cities and gradually turning them into vassals. Players must therefore balance economic development, territorial expansion, alliances and conquest, while taking geographical characteristics and their opponents' ambitions into account.

Magic plays a central role in progression. A civilization's knowledge develops through Tomes of Magic, which allow players to research spells, new units and specialized upgrades. Each tome belongs to a magical tradition and unlocks different possibilities, whether strengthening armies, summoning creatures or transforming the kingdom's inhabitants. These choices directly influence the available strategies and can change both the appearance and abilities of a people. Battles take place on turn-based tactical battlefields, where units must be moved and deployed according to their range, positioning and skills. Heroes command armies and develop their own abilities, while spells can support allies, weaken enemies or alter the course of an engagement. Sieges, troop morale and terrain characteristics further enhance this military dimension.

Finally, Age of Wonders 4 features an evolving narrative structure, in which events encountered during exploration can influence the realm. Certain decisions change diplomatic relationships, grant rewards or impose particular consequences on the civilization. Players can discover story-driven realms, but also create their own worlds by combining different geographical, magical and political characteristics. The Pantheon system extends progression from one playthrough to another: rulers who have shaped previous campaigns can join a persistent collection and reappear in new adventures. This continuity is accompanied by single-player, competitive multiplayer and cooperative modes, allowing players to discover realms alone or share their conquest with others. The game therefore combines civilization customization, empire building and tactical combat, in a universe whose history changes according to players' decisions.

Key points

• A 4X fantasy strategy game, combining exploration, economic development, diplomacy and turn-based tactical combat.
• A civilization creation system, allowing players to customize peoples, cultures, rulers and their characteristics.
• Customizable fantasy realms, featuring cities, territories to conquer, independent settlements and Ancient Wonders.
• Progression based on Tomes of Magic and affinities, unlocking new powers, units and transformations for entire peoples.
• Turn-based tactical battles, featuring heroes, fantasy creatures, spells and sieges.
• A narrative event and Pantheon system, allowing realms to evolve and maintaining continuity between playthroughs.
• Single-player, multiplayer and cooperative modes, with different approaches to victory through conquest, alliances or magical power.

Conclusion

Age of Wonders 4 combines the mechanics of 4X strategy with a fantasy universe in which civilizations can be created and transformed throughout their development. City management, exploration of realms and diplomatic relations determine the empire's expansion, while Tomes of Magic influence the abilities of its people and their military strategies.

Tactical battles give particular importance to heroes, units and supernatural powers, while narrative events and the Pantheon connect different adventures. Each realm can therefore evolve through distinct choices and confrontations. The game brings together empire building, magical customization and turn-based military strategy, in a formula where decisions gradually shape the identity of civilizations.

Good to know

Age of Wonders 4 was released on May 2, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. It was developed by Triumph Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. It is the fourth main installment in the fantasy strategy franchise, following Age of Wonders III (2014), and marks the series' return to a medieval fantasy setting after the science-fiction installment Age of Wonders: Planetfall (2019). The game combines a turn-based strategic map with separate tactical battles.

Faction creation is based on several independent components: the people's physical form, culture, social traits and ruler type. The base game notably allows players to take on the role of a Champion or a Wizard King, each offering particular advantages. The six major magical affinities are Order, Chaos, Nature, Astral, Materium and Shadow. They guide research, empire skills and certain transformations available to the civilization.

City development uses several resources, notably Food, Production, Gold, Mana, Knowledge and Imperium. Population growth allows new provinces to be claimed, while magical resources support research and spellcasting. Free Cities can be conquered or brought into the empire's sphere of influence through diplomacy. Heroes also have their own progression system and can equip items obtained through exploration and battles.

The Pantheon system allows certain rulers to be remembered after their victories or defeats. These characters can return in new playthroughs as allies or opponents, while Pantheon progression unlocks additional customization options. Story Realms feature particular narrative situations, while realm creation settings allow players to generate worlds with different landscapes, dangers and conditions. Events encountered during playthroughs present choices whose consequences can influence the economy, diplomacy or available forces.

The game offers single-player and multiplayer matches, with the possibility of forming teams or competing against one another. The system supports classic or simultaneous turns, as well as asynchronous play, allowing participants to continue a match without being connected at the same time. Cross-platform play is available between compatible PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions. Tactical battles can be controlled manually or resolved automatically according to player preferences.

Since launch, Age of Wonders 4 has been expanded through several releases, including Dragon Dawn and Empires & Ashes in 2023, Eldritch Realms in 2024, Giant Kings and Thrones of Blood in 2025, followed by Rise from Ruin and Secrets of the Archmages in 2026. These additions introduce new rulers, cultures, Tomes of Magic, transformations and Story Realms. A fourth Expansion Pass, launched on October 1, 2026, already includes the Singer of Storms pack and notably announces The Silver Seas for November 3, 2026. The game is available with text in English, French, Spanish and several other languages, while voice acting is provided in English.