Age of Wonders 4 is a 4X strategy game that combines empire building with turn-based tactical combat on procedurally generated fantasy realms. Players design and lead customizable factions through exploration, expansion, resource management, and conflict in a reactive world shaped by choices and events. The title supports both single-player campaigns and multiplayer sessions on PS5, where factions evolve through magic tomes and societal traits.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on ruling a faction that adapts over time. Players select or create a ruler type, such as a mortal champion or wizard king, then combine physical forms, cultural traits, and arcane powers to define their people. This system produces diverse empires, from reptilian dragon hybrids to other specialized groups unlocked through expansions.
Exploration reveals new realms each session, featuring varied terrain like frozen wastes or ruined dragon lairs. A storytelling event system responds to player actions, generating narrative developments that affect cities, armies, and magical effects across the map. Empire development occurs through research into tomes of magic, which grant spells, units, and physical transformations for troops and citizens alike.
Tactical battles unfold on detailed maps influenced by prior decisions. Armies engage in turn-based combat with a morale system that adds layers to unit performance. Sieges and skirmishes scale from small encounters to large engagements involving dozens of units, rewarding careful positioning and ability use. The world map supports both classic sequential turns and simultaneous turns in multiplayer, though combat remains sequential.
Game Modes
Single-player options include story realms that function as structured mini-campaigns with guided objectives and custom maps created by players. These modes emphasize narrative progression alongside traditional 4X goals such as domination, alliances, or arcane mastery.
Multiplayer supports competitive or cooperative sessions with the two turn systems noted above. Players can ascend rulers to an in-game pantheon after campaigns, carrying legacies forward as rivals or allies in future games. This creates ongoing sagas across multiple playthroughs without requiring external tools.
Expansions and Updates
Expansion Pass 1 adds several content packs that expand faction options and mechanics. Dragon Dawn introduces a new dragon ruler type, reptilian forms, and related tomes. Empires & Ashes focuses on mortal resurgence themes, while Primal Fury and Eldritch Realms bring additional cultures, traits, and story elements. Free updates continue to refine systems, including unit movement and resistance changes released alongside later content packs.
These additions integrate directly into the base customization and combat frameworks, increasing variety in empire building and tactical options without altering the fundamental 4X structure.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception on the PS5 version shows strong approval, with an average rating of 4.52 out of 5 from nearly 2,000 ratings. Critics have highlighted the depth of faction creation and replayability as standout elements. The game maintains active support through free patches and paid expansions that introduce new rulers, forms, and tomes.
It suits players who enjoy detailed strategy with role-playing elements and high customization. Those seeking shorter sessions may prefer story realms, while others can invest in longer campaigns or multiplayer. The combination of tactical combat and world reactivity provides consistent engagement for fans of the genre, particularly with the additional content from Expansion Pass 1 available.
