In the dynamic realm of Age of Wonders 4, victory is not a singular path but a diverse array of strategies and conditions. Unlike some 4X strategy games, achieving triumph is not solely dependent on military dominance, and the game offers multiple victory conditions, each with its own nuances and challenges. This guide aims to unravel the intricacies of winning in Age of Wonders 4, shedding light on the various victory paths and how to navigate them.
Related: Age of Wonders 4 Hidden Achievements
1. Military Victory: The Conqueror’s Triumph
The most straightforward path to victory is the Military Victory, where supremacy is asserted by eliminating every major empire. Notably, Free Cities and Vassals need not be conquered—only the ruling powers displayed in the top-right corner of the screen. An alliance with a ruler, whether through diplomacy or subjugation, excludes them from the count.
Banishing a ruler to the Astral Void, achieved by reducing their health to zero in battle while not controlling their Throne City, eliminates them permanently. Players can choose the order of these actions, either conquering the Throne City before eliminating the ruler or vice versa. A strategic approach involves seizing opportunities when other players besiege a Throne City, allowing you to eliminate the ruler without a full-scale invasion.
2. Expansion Victory: Mastering the Territories
For those who prefer territorial dominance, the Expansion Victory beckons. This victory condition necessitates controlling a vast majority of the map’s territory. While direct control of the required provinces might be impractical due to city caps and annexation speeds, vassal cities with Bonded or higher Allegiance levels contribute to the total territory.
To pursue an Expansion Victory, vassalizing cities—whether through diplomacy or force—becomes crucial. Once the required number of provinces is under control, players can construct Beacons of Unity, special Province Improvements. With a maximum limit of three Beacons, players need to strategically choose their locations. Initiating the construction of these beacons triggers a fifteen-turn countdown to victory.
However, the path to expansion is fraught with challenges. Enemy stacks on beacons halt the timer, and both rival players and marauding armies pose threats. Vigilance and strategic defense become paramount to secure victory.
3. Spell Victory: Harnessing Affinity Power
Players heavily invested in a specific Affinity can pursue the Spell Victory. As advanced Tomes are researched, Special Province Improvements akin to Beacons of Unity become available. Seeds, Roots, and Hearts of specific Affinities, each built in different cities, culminate in the ability to cast an Affinity’s victory spell.
Similar to the Expansion Victory, a fifteen-turn timer is initiated upon casting the spell, demanding protection for the Seed, Root, and Heart. Here, marauders opposing the chosen Affinity will spawn, adding an extra layer of challenge.
4. Score Victory: A Measure of Excellence
Age of Wonders 4 introduces a Score Victory, tracking each player’s overall score based on various factors such as city size, hero levels, and research achievements. If no player achieves another victory condition by Turn 150, the player with the highest score claims victory.
5. Special Victory Conditions: Unveiling Unique Paths
Certain maps, particularly Story Realms, feature special victory conditions, offering unique ways to secure triumph. These conditions often involve defeating exceptionally powerful rulers with distinct advantages. While players can opt for conventional victory routes, pursuing these alternative conditions can lead to swift wins for adept players.
In Age of Wonders 4, victory is not a singular destination but a journey shaped by strategic choices and adaptability. Whether through military might, territorial dominance, harnessing affinity power, achieving a high score, or unraveling unique map conditions, players can chart their course to triumph in this dynamic strategy realm. Adaptability and strategic foresight become the keys to unlocking the diverse paths to victory in Age of Wonders 4.