If you prefer your strategy experience with a splash of magic, Age of Wonders 4 is for you. The Paradox-published 4X game is a deft blend of traditional fantasy, tactical decisions, and customizable cat people. Like any game in the genre worth its salt, though, you’ve got to contend with rival empires and use a range of deep systems to come out on top. Now, an all-new DLC and free update massively expand the game, making it the perfect time to try it out.
In our glowing Age of Wonders 4 review, Ian Boudreau called it “the best 4X game I’ve played in years,” and it’s easy to see why. Developed by Triumph Studios, Age of Wonders 4 has spent the last two years getting bigger and better, with the latest expansion and update combo adding even more reasons to play.
For starters, we have the new Giant Kings DLC. The expansion comes with the eponymous new ruler type, who has unique terraforming abilities while calling upon ancient weapons to join the fight. You can even use the Item Forge right from the start of the game, with four Giant Kings clans to choose from that all transform the land in different ways.
There are also new regions that’ll appear in your realm, ripe for annexation. This includes 38 decorative lands, which have been seamlessly integrated into existing environments. Merchants now roam the world, too, with multiple shop types offering up hero equipment, mounts, and strategic vision over map areas. Combined, these features make Age of Wonders 4 even more dynamic than it was before.
Alongside all of this is the Fated Regions event system, where you can get extra rewards. Nine new story-driven regions have been added, each linked to the Giants’ eclectic history. Completing quests in these locales rewards you with legendary artifacts, and getting three triggers a special endgame event. You can also expect new tomes, wildlife, units, and more within the Giant Kings DLC.
It’s not just a premium expansion, however, as the Age of Wonders 4 Ogre update is also live. The free patch comes with visual improvements, new combat maps for locations frequently used for battles, and a slate of new ancient wonder adventures. There are also plenty of faction creation updates like new body shapes and sizes, new banner customization options, and custom horse visuals.
If you’re looking for something with a similar sense of scale, we’ve got all the best grand strategy games you need to try on PC. Otherwise, we’ve got the best strategy games to keep you busy.
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