“Ways of War” DLC Out Now for Age of Wonders 4

I’ve heard lots of great things surrounding the Age of Wonders series by Paradox Interactive, but have yet to try out the games myself.

This week Paradox launched the latest DLC alongside the largest content update for the newest entry in the strategic fantasy game. The Tiger Update is free to all players and includes the addition of “Hero Ambitions;” by completing the goals sought after by respective characters, their renown will increase. This comes with added benefits such as unlockable skills while making it easier to become a governor of a city or lead an army. There are a total of twenty different ambitions to choose from during faction creation.

Additionally, hero skills have been overhauled. Players will now select a class during faction creation which will determine what types of weapons and items can be equipped. For every 4th level gained, heroes can choose an affinity from their empire. This has replaced signature skills and each has a reworked skill tree to complement it. On top of these big changes comes a huge suite of minor tweaks and changes to gameplay mechanics, including individual classes, combat, and presentation.

The “Ways of War” DLC also adds some exciting new content in the form of the Oathsworn culture, which takes inspiration from East Asian civilizations and mythology. As the name suggests, the faction is built around strict codes of conduct that govern their political and military decisions. Two new races will be added allowing players to command empires of Ogrekin or Simians. Alongside this will be the addition of four new tomes: Powerful items that grant rulers new spells and units themed around various aspects. The “Ways of War” DLC adds tomes of Discipline, Shade, Calamity and Prosperity.

Furthermore, this DLC features the new map “Paradise Divided,” with three unique challenge modes and intriguing happenings. Including story events that aim to bring dramatic story content to skirmish maps through lies, betrayal, and assassinations. The description of each challenge mode is as follows: “Sworn Rivalry introduces three empires that clash to rebuild paradise in their image. Unfolding Mysteries increases the chance of intrigue happenings occurring in the empires of your enemies. Land of Conflict brings forth accursed creatures and creatures of prosperity that inhabit brand new locations on the world map.”

Finally, those who purchase the DLC can expect to unlock new mounts, exclusive cosmetics, and musical tracks. Age of Wonders 4: The Ways of War DLC is available now for $14.99, and will be followed by two additional expansions titled “Giant Kings” and “Archon Prophecy” launching in 2025. The base game of Age of Wonders 4 is available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.