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Best Faction in Age of Wonders 4 (All Factions Ranked)

Best Faction in Age of Wonders 4 (All Factions Ranked)

Age of Wonders 4 is an exceptionally crafted grand strategy game. With an insane amount of detail in the faction customization, there are countless ways you can create one that goes well with your playstyle. However, if you choose to stick with the factions already available in Age of Wonders 4 then we have you covered right here.

Age of Wonders 4 is all about creating your own faction. But there are 19 factions in the game already pre-made for quick play. These factions have unique looks and themes behind them, which synergizes their effectiveness in the game. You can also customize/edit these factions if you want to put your own flavor into the mix.

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This detailed guide covers all the base factions you can play in Age of Wonders 4 and ranks them from worst to best on several factors. Let’s take a deep dive and see what makes some of these factions much more potent compared to others.

19. Alfred Elderston – Destined Humans

19. Alfred Elderston – Destined Humans

Hero Details

Hero TypeChampion
Hero AffinityOrder Affinity: 4
Nature Affinity: 1
Materium Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Gold income and +20 City Stability
All non-Hero Units gain +20% Experience
Start with +100 Relation with Free Cities

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome 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
ResearchArmy 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, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceDestined Humans
TraitsFast Recuperation
Adaptable
CultureFeudal
Chosen Uniters
Great Builders
Starting EquipmentLance
Horse

18. Zaethyl Silverleaf – First Elves

18. Zaethyl Silverleaf – First Elves

Hero Details

Hero TypeChampion
Hero AffinityNature Affinity: 3
Order Affinity: 2
Astral Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Gold income and +20 City Stability
All non-Hero Units gain +20% Experience
Start with +100 Relation with Free Cities

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Beasts
Tome OverviewWalk 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
ResearchWildspeaker – Unit
Summon Wild Animal – Summon Spell
Animal Kinship – Minor Race Transformation
Call of the Wild – Buff Spell
Mark as Prey – Debuff Spell

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceFirst Elves
TraitsKeen-Sighted
Arcane Focus
CultureHigh
Ancient Wise Ones
Adept Settlers
Starting EquipmentStaff of Spirit

17. Asgera Spinesplitter – Bloodfang Orcs

17. Asgera Spinesplitter – Bloodfang Orcs

Hero Details

Hero TypeChampion
Hero AffinityChaos Affinity: 4
Nature Affinity: 2
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Gold income and +20 City Stability
All non-Hero Units gain +20% Experience
Start with +100 Relation with Free Cities

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of the Horde
Tome OverviewTurn 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
ResearchSpawnkin – Minor Race Transformation
Fury of the Horde – Buff Spell
Houndmaster – Unit
Blaze of the Horder – Damage Spell
Summon Irregulars – Summon Spell

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceBloodfang Orcs
TraitsStrong
Ferocious
CultureBarbarian
Ruthless Raiders
Fabled Hunters
Starting EquipmentGreataxe

16. Tugrum Hammerhall – Mountain Dwarves

16. Tugrum Hammerhall – Mountain Dwarves

Hero Details

Hero TypeChampion
Hero AffinityMaterium Affinity: 5
Nature Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Gold income and +20 City Stability
All non-Hero Units gain +20% Experience
Start with +100 Relation with Free Cities
Related:

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Rock
Tome OverviewSmash 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
ResearchEarthkin – Minor Race Transformation
Gargoyle – Unit
Rock Blast – Damage Spell
Summon Lesser Stone Spirit – Summon Spell
Stone Skin – Buff Spell

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceMountain Dwarves
TraitsTough
Defensive Tactics
CultureIndustrious
Great Builders
Adept Settlers
Starting EquipmentGreathammer

15. Enam’Ru Enkhanan – Arcane Tigrans

15. Enam’Ru Enkhanan – Arcane Tigrans

Hero Details

Hero TypeChampion
Hero AffinityAstral Affinity: 5
Shadow Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Gold income and +20 City Stability
All non-Hero Units gain +20% Experience
Start with +100 Relation with Free Cities

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Warding
Tome OverviewSpecialize 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
ResearchMagical Wards – Minor Race Transformation
Summon Phatasm Warrior – Summon Spell
Mark of Invulnerability – Buff Spell
Static Shield – Buff Spell
Stave of Warding – Unit Enchantment

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceArcane Tigrans
TraitsResolute
Desert Adaptation
CultureMystic
Mana Channelers
Shadow Walkers
Starting EquipmentLightning Orb
Horse

14. Ham Binger – Wholesome Halflings

14. Ham Binger – Wholesome Halflings

Hero Details

Hero TypeChampion
Hero AffinityNature Affinity: 4
Order Affinity: 2
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Gold income and +20 City Stability
All non-Hero Units gain +20% Experience
Start with +100 Relation with Free Cities

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Roots
Tome OverviewSpecialize in magic that revolves around poison.
Initial Bonus+2 Nature Affinity
Herbalist – Special Province Improvement
Poison Weapons – Novice Hero Skill
ResearchPoison Blades – Unit Enchantment
Poison Arrows – Unit Enchantment
Healing Roots – Healing Spell
Vine Prison – Combat Summon Spell
Summon Entwined Thrall – Summon Spell

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceWholesome Halflings
TraitsQuick Reflexes
Elusive
CultureFeudal
Adept Settlers
Devotees of Good
Starting EquipmentBow
Horse

13. Gloom Hooknail – Necrotic Goblins

13. Gloom Hooknail – Necrotic Goblins

Hero Details

Hero TypeChampion
Hero AffinityShadow Affinity: 5
Chaos Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Gold income and +20 City Stability
All non-Hero Units gain +20% Experience
Start with +100 Relation with Free Cities

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Souls
Tome OverviewHarvest 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
ResearchSoulbinders – Unit Enchantment
Bone Golem – Unit
Soul Fire – Damage Spell
Soulbind Army – Enemy Army Spell
Soul Overflow – Buff Spell
Related:

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceNecrotic Goblins
TraitsFast Recuperation
Sneaky
CultureDark
Ruthless Raiders
Scions of Evil
Starting EquipmentStaff of Fire

12. Kruul Blightlord – Fiendish Rodents

12. Kruul Blightlord – Fiendish Rodents

Hero Details

Hero TypeChampion
Hero AffinityChaos Affinity: 5
Nature Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Gold income and +20 City Stability
All non-Hero Units gain +20% Experience
Start with +100 Relation with Free Cities

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of the Horde
Tome OverviewTurn 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
ResearchSpawnkin – Minor Race Transformation
Fury of the Horde – Buff Spell
Houndmaster – Unit
Blaze of the Horder – Damage Spell
Summon Irregulars – Summon Spell

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceFiendish Rodents
TraitsQuick Reflexes
Overwhelm Tactics
CultureBarbarian
Prolific Swarmers
Ritual Cannibals
Starting EquipmentPoison Orb
Horse

11. Dafal Dea – Crusading Croakers

11. Dafal Dea – Crusading Croakers

Hero Details

Hero TypeWizard King
Hero AffinityOrder Affinity: 5
Nature Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Mana Income
+5 World Map Casting Points and Combat Casting Points per level of the Wizard King
Wizard Kings have the Overchannel ability in Combat.

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Zeal
Tome OverviewRile 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
ResearchLegion of Zeal – Unit Enchantment
Condemnation – Damage / Debuff Spell
Summon Zealot – World Map Summon Spell
Inspiring Chant – Buff Spell
Fanatical Workforce – City Spell

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceCrusading Croakers
TraitsResilient
Water Adaptation
CultureHigh
Experienced Seafarers
Imperialists
Starting EquipmentNone

10. Cinren Toliath – Ashborn Hedonists

10. Cinren Toliath – Ashborn Hedonists

Hero Details

Hero TypeWizard King
Hero AffinityAstral Affinity: 4
Chaos Affinity: 1
Shadow Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Mana Income
+5 World Map Casting Points and Combat Casting Points per level of the Wizard King
Wizard Kings have the Overchannel ability in Combat.

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Evocation
Tome OverviewGrants excellent and cheap attack spells to any aspiring wizard.
Initial Bonus+2 Astral Affinity
Channeling Tower – Special Province Improvement
Lightening Weapons – Novice Hero Skill
ResearchSummon Lesser Storm Spirit – Summon Spell
Lightning Blades – Unit Enchantment
Fulmination – Damage Spell
Lightning Torrent – Enemy Army Spell
Evoker – Unit
Lightning Focus – Unit Enchantment

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceAshborn Hedonists
TraitsResistant
Arcane Focus
CultureMystic
Powerful Evokers
Prolific Swarmers
Starting EquipmentLightning Orb
Horse

9. Fangir – Moonrock Dwarves

9. Fangir – Moonrock Dwarves

Hero Details

Hero TypeWizard King
Hero AffinityAstral Affinity: 4
Materium Affinity: 2
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Mana Income
+5 World Map Casting Points and Combat Casting Points per level of the Wizard King
Wizard Kings have the Overchannel ability in Combat.

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Warding
Tome OverviewSpecialize 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
ResearchMagical Wards – Minor Race Transformation
Summon Phatasm Warrior – Summon Spell
Mark of Invulnerability – Buff Spell
Static Shield – Buff Spell
Stave of Warding – Unit Enchantment
Related:

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceMoonrock Dwarves
TraitsTough
Underground Adaptation
CultureMystic
Great Builders
Runesmiths
Starting EquipmentGodir Greataxe

8. Werlac of Insaldur – Shadowborn Elves

8. Werlac of Insaldur – Factions Age of Wonder 4

Hero Details

Hero TypeChampion
Hero AffinityShadow Affinity: 4
Astral Affinity: 2
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Gold income and +20 City Stability
All non-Hero Units gain +20% Experience
Start with +100 Relation with Free Cities

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Evocation
Tome OverviewGrants excellent and cheap attack spells to any aspiring wizard.
Initial Bonus+2 Astral Affinity
Channeling Tower – Special Province Improvement
Lightening Weapons – Novice Hero Skill
ResearchSummon Lesser Storm Spirit – Summon Spell
Lightning Blades – Unit Enchantment
Fulmination – Damage Spell
Lightning Torrent – Enemy Army Spell
Evoker – Unit
Lightning Focus – Unit Enchantment

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceShadowborn Elves
TraitsKeen-Sighted
Arcane Focus
CultureDark
Shadow Walkers
Scions of Evil
Starting EquipmentFrost Orb
Horse

7. Blint the Underdelver – Deep Dwellers

7. Blint the Underdelver – Factions Age of Wonder 4

Hero Details

Hero TypeChampion
Hero AffinityMaterium Affinity: 5
Nature Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Gold income and +20 City Stability
All non-Hero Units gain +20% Experience
Start with +100 Relation with Free Cities

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Rock
Tome OverviewSmash 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
ResearchEarthkin – Minor Race Transformation
Gargoyle – Unit
Rock Blast – Damage Spell
Summon Lesser Stone Spirit – Summon Spell
Stone Skin – Buff Spell

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceDeep Dwellers
TraitsBulwark
Underground Adaptation
CultureIndustrious
Wonder Architects
Adept Settlers
Starting EquipmentGreathammer

6. Artica – Gnarled Frostlings

6. Artica – Factions Age of Wonder 4

Hero Details

Hero TypeWizard King
Hero AffinityShadow Affinity: 3
Chaos Affinity: 2
Nature Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Mana Income
+5 World Map Casting Points and Combat Casting Points per level of the Wizard King
Wizard Kings have the Overchannel ability in Combat.
Related:

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Cryomancy
Tome OverviewSpecialize in dealing Frost Damage and inflicting Frozen.
Initial Bonus+2 Shadow Affinity
School of Cryomancy – Special Province Improvement
Frost Weapons – Novice Hero Skill
ResearchFrost 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, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceGnarled Frostlings
TraitsFast Recuperation
Arctic Adaptation
CultureBarbarian
Ruthless Raiders
Powerful Evokers
Starting EquipmentStaff of Spirit

5. Meshara the Radiant – Human Paladins

5. Meshara the Radiant – Factions Age of Wonder 4

Hero Details

Hero TypeChampion
Hero AffinityOrder Affinity: 6
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Gold income and +20 City Stability
All non-Hero Units gain +20% Experience
Start with +100 Relation with Free Cities

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome 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
ResearchArmy 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, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceHuman Paladins
TraitsFast Recuperation
Adaptable
CultureHigh
Devotees of God
Imperialists
Starting EquipmentHorse

4. Xetevaca Worldshaper – Underground Disciples

4. Xetevaca Worldshaper – Factions Age of Wonder 4

Hero Details

Hero TypeWizard King
Hero AffinityMaterium Affinity: 4
Astral Affinity: 1
Nature Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Mana Income
+5 World Map Casting Points and Combat Casting Points per level of the Wizard King
Wizard Kings have the Overchannel ability in Combat.

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Enchantment
Tome OverviewImprove 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
ResearchSunder Blades – Unit Enchantment
Seeker Arrows – Unit Enchantment
Summon Copper Golem – Unit
Awakened Tools – City Spell
Spell-Tempered Shields – Unit Enchantment

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceUnderground Disciples
TraitsBulwark
Underground Adaptation
CultureIndustrious
Fables Hunters
Gifted Casters
Starting EquipmentGodir Greataxe

3. Karissa the Red – Enthralled Orcs

3. Karissa the Red – Factions Age of Wonder 4

Hero Details

Hero TypeWizard King
Hero AffinityChaos Affinity: 5
Nature Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Mana Income
+5 World Map Casting Points and Combat Casting Points per level of the Wizard King
Wizard Kings have the Overchannel ability in Combat.

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Pyromancy
Tome OverviewSpecialize in high Fire Damage by inflicting and exploiting Burning.
Initial Bonus+2 Chaos Affinity
Ritual Pyre – Special Province Improvement
Searing Weapons – Novice Hero Skill
ResearchIgnite – Damage Spell
Pyromancer – Unit
Searing Blades – Unit Enchantment
Fiery Arrows – Unit Enchantment
Immolate – Damage Spell
Summon Lesser Magma Spirit – Summon Spell
Related:

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceEnthralled Orcs
TraitsStrong
Ferocious
CultureBarbarian
Ruthless Raiders
Ritual Cannibals
Starting EquipmentGodir Greataxe

2. Raina the Golden – Cursed Toadlings

2. Raina the Golden – Factions Age of Wonder 4

Hero Details

Hero TypeChampion
Hero AffinityMaterium Affinity: 3
Nature Affinity: 2
Order Affinity: 1
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Gold income and +20 City Stability
All non-Hero Units gain +20% Experience
Start with +100 Relation with Free Cities

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Enchantment
Tome OverviewImprove 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
ResearchSunder Blades – Unit Enchantment
Seeker Arrows – Unit Enchantment
Summon Copper Golem – Unit
Awakened Tools – City Spell
Spell-Tempered Shields – Unit Enchantment

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceCursed Toadlings
TraitsResilient
Water Adaptation
CultureFeudal
Adept Settlers
Great Builders
Starting EquipmentGreatsword

1. Nekron the Risen – Cruel Deathbringers

1. Nekron the Risen – Factions Age of Wonder 4

Hero Details

Hero TypeWizard King
Hero AffinityChaos Affinity: 2
Astral Affinity: 2
Shadow Affinity: 2
Hero PerksAll Cities have +10% Mana Income
+5 World Map Casting Points and Combat Casting Points per level of the Wizard King
Wizard Kings have the Overchannel ability in Combat.

Tome Details

Starting TomeTome of Warding
Tome OverviewSpecialize 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
ResearchMagical Wards – Minor Race Transformation
Summon Phatasm Warrior – Summon Spell
Mark of Invulnerability – Buff Spell
Static Shield – Buff Spell
Stave of Warding – Unit Enchantment

Race, Society Traits, and Culture Details

RaceCruel Deathbringers
TraitsFast Recuperation
Cold Blooded
CultureDark
Prolific Swarmers
Ritual Cannibals
Starting EquipmentLightning Orb
Horse

As you can see, these are the best factions in Age of Wonders 4. Ranking them is quite difficult since it all boils down to your preferred playstyle.

Some of you like to be goody two shoes, thus opting for Destined Humans, while others just want to see the world drenched in death, then the Cruel Deathbringers is the faction for you. There is no wrong choice here.