Age of Wonders 4 is a captivating strategy game that offers a wide range of factions to choose from, each with its unique set of strengths and weaknesses. The Faction you choose will have a significant impact on your gameplay experience, making it a crucial decision to make. With nineteen preset options available, the task of selecting the perfect Faction may seem daunting at first.
Each Faction has its own Tome, a unique set of buildings, and research options that can affect your playstyle. Additionally, each Race comes with its unique traits that can affect your growth and success in the game.
You must also consider the Affinities, which influence the Faction’s inclination and the starting gear and heroes available to you.
Age of Wonders 4 Factions
Alfred Elderston
Alfred Elderston represents one of the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Destined Humans Faction within the game. Each Faction offers a distinct set of advantages, inclinations, and benefits that must be carefully considered when choosing which one to align with.
| Hero Type | Champion |
| Hero Affinity | Order Affinity: 4 Nature Affinity: 1 Materium Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Faith |
| Tome Overview | Heal and support your units through the power of the Faithful. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Order Affinity Abbey: Special Province Improvement Mending Touch: Adept Hero Skill |
| Research | Army Heal: Friendly Army Spell Staves of Mending: Unit Enchantment Chaplain: Unit Faithful Whispers: Sustained City Spell Convent: City Structure Wrath of the Faithful: Combat Spell |
| Race | Destined Humans |
| Traits | Adaptable Fast Recuperation |
| Culture | Feudal Chosen Uniters Great Builders |
| Starting Equipment | Lance Horse |
Zaethyl Silverleaf
Zaethyl Silverleaf is among the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the First Elves Faction within the game. As with all Factions, this one offers a range of exclusive buffs, affinities, and perks to consider when selecting which Faction to join.
| Hero Type | Champion |
| Hero Affinity | Order Affinity: 2 Nature Affinity: 3 Astral Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Beasts |
| Tome Overview | Walk beside the Animals of nature. Specialize in summoning and buffing Animals and become stronger when standing next to them. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Nature Affinity Wildlife Sanctuary: Special Province Improvement Pack Leader: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Wildspeaker: Unit Summon Wild Animal: Summon Spell Animal Kinship: Minor Race Transformation Call of the Wild: Buff Spell Mark as Prey: Debuff Spell |
| Race | First Elves |
| Traits | Keen-Sighted Arcane Focus |
| Culture | High Ancient Wise Ones Adept Settlers |
| Starting Equipment | Staff of Spirit |
Asgera Spinesplitter
Asgera Spinesplitter is among the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Bloodfang Orcs Faction within the game. As with all Factions, this one offers a range of exclusive buffs, affinities, and perks to consider when selecting which Faction to join.
| Hero Type | Champion |
| Hero Affinity | Chaos Affinity: 4 Nature Affinity: 2 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Horde |
| Tome Overview | Turn your cheapest units into large, deadly armies. Specialize in summoning and buffing Tier 1 units. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Chaos Affinity Mob Camp – Special Province Improvement Battle Seeker Training – Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Spawnkin: Minor Race Transformation Fury of the Horde: Buff Spell Houndmaster: Unit Blaze of the Horder: Damage Spell Summon Irregulars: Summon Spell |
| Race | Bloodfang Orcs |
| Traits | Strong Ferocious |
| Culture | Barbarian Ruthless Raiders Fabled Hunters |
| Starting Equipment | Great Axe |
Tugrum Hammerhall
Tugrum Hammerhall is among the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Mountain Dwarves Faction within the game. As with all Factions, this one offers a range of exclusive buffs, affinities, and perks to consider when selecting which Faction to join.
| Hero Type | Champion |
| Hero Affinity | Materium Affinity: 5 Nature Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Rock |
| Tome Overview | Smash your enemies with the force of stone. Specialize in increasing your defenses and dealing Physical Damage. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Materium Affinity Central Quarry: Special Province Improvement Obsidian Weaponry: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Earthkin: Minor Race Transformation Gargoyle: Unit Rock Blast: Damage Spell Summon Lesser Stone Spirit: Summon Spell Stone Skin: Buff Spell |
| Race | Mountain Dwarves |
| Traits | Tough Defensive Tactics |
| Culture | Industrious Great Builders Adept Settlers |
| Starting Equipment | Greathammer |
Enam’Ru Enkhanan
Enam’Ru Enkhanan represents one of the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Arcane Tigrans Faction within the game. Each Faction offers a distinct set of advantages, inclinations, and benefits that must be carefully considered when choosing which one to align with.
| Hero Type | Champion |
| Hero Affinity | Astral Affinity: 5 Shadow Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Warding |
| Tome Overview | Specialize in magic that protects your units from damage and retaliates against enemies that attack you. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Astral Affinity Bolstering Support: Adept Hero Skill |
| Research | Magical Wards: Minor Race Transformation Summon Phatasm Warrior: Summon Spell Mark of Invulnerability: Buff Spell Static Shield: Buff Spell Stave of Warding: Unit Enchantment |
| Race | Arcane Tigrans |
| Traits | Resolute Desert Adaptation |
| Culture | Mystic Mana Channelers Shadow Walkers |
| Starting Equipment | Lightning Orb Horse |
Ham Binger
Ham Binger is one of the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Wholesome Halflings Faction within the game. Each Faction offers a distinct set of advantages, inclinations, and benefits that must be carefully considered when choosing which one to align with.
| Hero Type | Champion |
| Hero Affinity | Nature Affinity: 4 Order Affinity: 2 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Roots |
| Tome Overview | Specialize in magic that protects your units from damage and retaliates against enemies that attack you. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Nature Affinity Herbalist: Special Province Improvement Poison Weapons: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Poison Blades: Unit Enchantment Poison Arrows: Unit Enchantment Healing Roots: Healing Spell Vine Prison: Combat Summon Spell Summon Entwined Thrall: Summon Spell |
| Race | Wholesome Halflings |
| Traits | Quick Reflexes Elusive |
| Culture | Feudal Adept Settlers Devotees of Good |
| Starting Equipment | Bow Horse |
Gloom Hooknail
Gloom Hooknail is one of the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Necrotic Goblins Faction within the game. Each Faction offers a distinct set of advantages, inclinations, and benefits that must be carefully considered when choosing which one to align with.
| Hero Type | Champion |
| Hero Affinity | Shadow Affinity: 5 Chaos Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Souls |
| Tome Overview | Harvest Souls from your enemies and create Undead creatures. Specialize in expendable units and starting your Soul economy. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Shadow Affinity Soul Harvest: Tome Passive Soul Collector: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Soulbinders: Unit Enchantment Bone Golem: Unit Soul Fire: Damage Spell Soulbind Army: Enemy Army Spell Soul Overflow: Buff Spell |
| Race | Necrotic Goblins |
| Traits | Fast Recuperation Sneaky |
| Culture | Dark Ruthless Raiders Scions of Evil |
| Starting Equipment | Staff of Fire |
Kruul Blightlord
Kruul Blightlord represents one of the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Fiendish Rodents Faction within the game. Each Faction offers a distinct set of advantages, inclinations, and benefits that must be carefully considered when choosing which one to align with.
| Hero Type | Champion |
| Hero Affinity | Chaos Affinity: 5 Nature Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Horde |
| Tome Overview | Turn your cheapest units into large, deadly armies. Specialize in summoning and buffing Tier 1 units. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Chaos Affinity Mob Camp: Special Province Improvement Battle Seeker Training: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Spawnkin: Minor Race Transformation Fury of the Horde: Buff Spell Houndmaster: Unit Blaze of the Horder: Damage Spell Summon Irregulars: Summon Spell |
| Race | Fiendish Rodents |
| Traits | Quick Reflexes Overwhelm Tactics |
| Culture | Barbarian Prolific Swarmers Ritual Cannibals |
| Starting Equipment | Poison Orb Horse |
Dafal Dea
Kruul Blightlord represents one of the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Crusading Croakers Faction within the game. Each Faction offers a distinct set of advantages, inclinations, and benefits that must be carefully considered when choosing which one to align with.
| Hero Type | Wizard King |
| Hero Affinity | Order Affinity: 5 Nature Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% increase in Mana Income applies to all Cities. For each level of the Wizard King, there is a bonus of 5 Casting Points for both World Map and Combat scenarios. Wizard Kings possess the Overchannel skill during combat. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Zeal |
| Tome Overview | Rile up your fanatic population for a common goal. Use units with Zeal and inflict Condemned on enemies. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Order Affinity Circle of Zealotry: Special Province Improvement Condemn: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Legion of Zeal: Unit Enchantment Condemnation: Damage / Debuff Spell Summon Zealot: World Map Summon Spell Inspiring Chant: Buff Spell Fanatical Workforce: City Spell |
| Race | Crusading Croakers |
| Traits | Resilient Water Adaptation |
| Culture | High Experienced Seafarers Imperialists |
| Starting Equipment | n/a |
Cinren Toliath
Cinren Toliath represents one of the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Ashborn Hedonists Faction within the game. Each Faction offers a distinct set of advantages, inclinations, and benefits that must be carefully considered when choosing which one to align with.
| Hero Type | Wizard King |
| Hero Affinity | Order Affinity: 5 Nature Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% increase in Mana Income applies to all Cities. For each level of the Wizard King, there is a bonus of 5 Casting Points for both World Map and Combat scenarios. Wizard Kings possess the Overchannel skill during combat. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Evocation |
| Tome Overview | Grants excellent and cheap attack spells to any aspiring wizard. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Astral Affinity Channeling Tower: Special Province Improvement Lightening Weapons: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Summon Lesser Storm Spirit: Summon Spell Lightning Blades: Unit Enchantment Fulmination: Damage Spell Lightning Torrent: Enemy Army Spell Evoker: Unit Lightning Focus: Unit Enchantment |
| Race | Ashborn Hedonists |
| Traits | Resistant Arcane Focus |
| Culture | Resistant Arcane Focus |
| Starting Equipment | Lightning Orb Horse |
Fangir
Fangir is among the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Moonrock Dwarves Faction within the game. As with all Factions, this one offers a range of exclusive buffs, affinities, and perks to consider when selecting which Faction to join.
| Hero Type | Wizard King |
| Hero Affinity | Astral Affinity: 4 Materium Affinity: 2 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% increase in Mana Income applies to all Cities. For each level of the Wizard King, there is a bonus of 5 Casting Points for both World Map and Combat scenarios. Wizard Kings possess the Overchannel skill during combat. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Warding |
| Tome Overview | Specialize in magic that protects your units from damage and retaliates against enemies that attack you. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Astral Affinity Bolstering Support: Adept Hero Skill |
| Research | Magical Wards: Minor Race Transformation Summon Phantasm Warrior: Summon Spell Mark of Invulnerability: Buff Spell Static Shield: Buff Spell Stave of Warding: Unit Enchantment |
| Race | Moonrock Dwarves |
| Traits | Tough Underground Adaptation |
| Culture | Mystic Great Builders Runesmiths |
| Starting Equipment | Godir Greataxe |
Werlac of Insaldur
Werlac of Insaldur is among the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Shadowborn Elves Faction within the game. As with all Factions, this one offers a range of exclusive buffs, affinities, and perks to consider when selecting which Faction to join.
| Hero Type | Champion |
| Hero Affinity | Astral Affinity: 4 Materium Affinity: 2 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Evocation |
| Tome Overview | Grants excellent and cheap attack spells to any aspiring wizard. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Astral Affinity Channeling Tower: Special Province Improvement Lightening Weapons: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Summon Lesser Storm Spirit – Summon Spell Lightning Blades – Unit Enchantment Fulmination – Damage Spell Lightning Torrent – Enemy Army Spell Evoker – Unit Lightning Focus – Unit Enchantment |
| Race | Shadowborn Elves |
| Traits | Keen-Sighted Arcane Focus |
| Culture | Dark Shadow Walkers Scions of Evil |
| Starting Equipment | Frost Orb Horse |
Blint the Undeardelver
Blint the Underdelver is among the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Deep Dwellers Faction within the game. As with all Factions, this one offers a range of exclusive buffs, affinities, and perks to consider when selecting which Faction to join.
| Hero Type | Champion |
| Hero Affinity | Materium Affinity: 5 Nature Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Evocation |
| Tome Overview | Smash your enemies with the force of stone. Specialize in increasing your defenses and dealing Physical Damage. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Materium Affinity Central Quarry: Special Province Improvement Obsidian Weaponry: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Earthkin: Minor Race Transformation Gargoyle: Unit Rock Blast: Damage Spell Summon Lesser Stone Spirit: Summon Spell Stone Skin: Buff Spell |
| Race | Deep Dwellers |
| Traits | Industrious Wonder Architects Adept Settlers |
| Culture | Industrious Wonder Architects Adept Settlers |
| Starting Equipment | Greathammer |
Artica
Artica represents one of the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Gnarled Frostlings Faction within the game. Each Faction offers a distinct set of advantages, inclinations, and benefits that must be carefully considered when choosing which one to align with.
| Hero Type | Wizard King |
| Hero Affinity | Shadow Affinity: 3 Chaos Affinity: 2 Nature Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% increase in Mana Income applies to all Cities. For each level of the Wizard King, there is a bonus of 5 Casting Points for both World Map and Combat scenarios. Wizard Kings possess the Overchannel skill during combat. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Cryomancy |
| Tome Overview | Smash your enemies with the force of stone. Specialize in increasing your defenses and dealing Physical Damage. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Shadow Affinity School of Cryomancy: Special Province Improvement Frost Weapons: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Frost Blades – Unit Enchantment White Witch – Unit Ice Coffin – Damage Spell Blizzard – Enemy Army Spell Summon Lesser Snow Spirit – Summon Spell Frost Arrows – Unit Enchantment |
| Race | Gnarled Frostlings |
| Traits | Fast Recuperation Arctic Adaptation |
| Culture | Barbarian Ruthless Raiders Powerful Evokers Adept Settlers |
| Starting Equipment | Staff of Spirit |
Meshara the Radiant
Meshara the Radiant represents one of the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Human Paladins Faction within the game. Each Faction offers a distinct set of advantages, inclinations, and benefits that must be carefully considered when choosing which one to align with.
| Hero Type | Champion |
| Hero Affinity | Order Affinity: 6 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Faith |
| Tome Overview | Heal and support your units through the power of the Faithful. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Order Affinity Abbey: Special Province Improvement Mending Touch: Adept Hero Skill |
| Research | Army Heal: Friendly Army Spell Staves of Mending: Unit Enchantment Chaplain: Unit Faithful Whispers: Sustained City Spell Convent: City Structure Wrath of the Faithful: Combat Spell |
| Race | Human Paladins |
| Traits | Fast Recuperation Adaptable |
| Culture | High Devotees of God Imperialists |
| Starting Equipment | Horse |
Xetevaca Worldshaper
Xetevaca Worldshaper is one of the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Underground Disciples Faction within the game. Each Faction offers a distinct set of advantages, inclinations, and benefits that must be carefully considered when choosing which one to align with.
| Hero Type | Wizard King |
| Hero Affinity | Materium Affinity: 4 Astral Affinity: 1 Nature Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% increase in Mana Income applies to all Cities. For each level of the Wizard King, there is a bonus of 5 Casting Points for both World Map and Combat scenarios. Wizard Kings possess the Overchannel skill during combat. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Enchantment |
| Tome Overview | Improve your units with Unit Enchantments and specialize in Physical Damage. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Materium Affinity Runecarver’s Camp: Special Province Improvement Sundering Strikes: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Sunder Blades: Unit Enchantment Seeker Arrows: Unit Enchantment Summon Copper Golem: Unit Awakened Tools: City Spell Spell-Tempered Shields: Unit Enchantment |
| Race | Underground Disciples |
| Traits | Bulwark Underground Adaptation |
| Culture | Industrious Fables Hunters Gifted Casters |
| Starting Equipment | Godir Greataxe |
Karissa the Red
Karissa the Red is one of the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Enthralled Orcs Faction within the game. Each Faction offers a distinct set of advantages, inclinations, and benefits that must be carefully considered when choosing which one to align with.
| Hero Type | Wizard King |
| Hero Affinity | Order Affinity: 6 Nature Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% increase in Mana Income applies to all Cities. For each level of the Wizard King, there is a bonus of 5 Casting Points for both World Map and Combat scenarios. Wizard Kings possess the Overchannel skill during combat. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Pyromancy |
| Tome Overview | Specialize in high Fire Damage by inflicting and exploiting Burning. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Chaos Affinity Ritual Pyre: Special Province Improvement Searing Weapons: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Ignite: Damage Spell Pyromancer: Unit Searing Blades: Unit Enchantment Fiery Arrows: Unit Enchantment Immolate: Damage Spell Summon Lesser Magma Spirit: Summon Spell |
| Race | Enthralled Orcs |
| Traits | Strong Ferocious |
| Culture | Barbarian Ruthless Raiders Ritual Cannibals |
| Starting Equipment | Godir Greataxe |
Raina the Golden
Next Age of Wonders 4 faction is Raina the Golden; it is among the playable factions, serving as the leader of the Cursed Toadlings Faction within the game. As with all Factions, this one offers a range of exclusive buffs, affinities, and perks to consider when selecting which Faction to join.
| Hero Type | Champion |
| Hero Affinity | Materium Affinity: 3 Nature Affinity: 2 Order Affinity: 1 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Enchantment |
| Tome Overview | Improve your units with Unit Enchantments and specialize in Physical Damage. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Materium Affinity Runecarver’s Camp: Special Province Improvement Sundering Strikes: Novice Hero Skill |
| Research | Sunder Blades: Unit Enchantment Seeker Arrows: Unit Enchantment Summon Copper Golem: Unit Awakened Tools: City Spell Spell-Tempered Shields: Unit Enchantment |
| Race | Cursed Toadlings |
| Traits | Resilient Water Adaptation |
| Culture | Feudal Adept Settlers Great Builders |
| Starting Equipment | Greatsword |
Nekron the Risen
Nekron the Risen is among the playable Factions in Age of Wonders 4, serving as the leader of the Cruel Deathbringers Faction within the game. As with all Factions, this one offers a range of exclusive buffs, affinities, and perks to consider when selecting which Faction to join.
| Hero Type | Wizard King |
| Hero Affinity | Chaos Affinity: 2 Astral Affinity: 2 Shadow Affinity: 2 |
| Hero Perks | A 10% boost in Gold income and a 20-point increase in City Stability applies to all Cities. All non-Hero Units receive a 20% Experience bonus. Players begin the game with a positive Relationship score of 100 with Free Cities. |
| Stating Tome | Tome of Warding |
| Tome Overview | Specialize in magic that protects your units from damage and retaliates against enemies that attack you. |
| Initial Bonus | +2 Astral Affinity Bolstering Support: Adept Hero Skill |
| Research | Magical Wards: Minor Race Transformation Summon Phatasm Warrior: Summon Spell Mark of Invulnerability: Buff Spell Static Shield: Buff Spell Stave of Warding: Unit Enchantment |
| Race | Cruel Deathbringers |
| Traits | Fast Recuperation Cold Blooded |
| Culture | Dark Prolific Swarmers Ritual Cannibals |
| Starting Equipment | Lightning Orb Horse |