Age of Wonders 4: Rise from Ruin

The main pros of the game

• New Culture and Mechanics: The introduction of the nomadic culture allows players to move cities and extract resources dynamically, which many players find innovative and fun.
• New Tomes: The new magical tomes add variety and depth to gameplay, particularly for non-magic and desert-themed strategies.
• Environmental Features: New handcrafted regions and environmental challenges enhance the exploration aspect of the game.

Summary

• Content Variety: The addition of new creatures and mounts, alongside the ability to loot during combat, provides fresh gameplay experiences.

The main cons of the game

• Content Quality Concerns: Several players express disappointment about the perceived increase in recycled assets and the lack of unique units, feeling that the new content is not as substantial as in previous expansions.
• Balancing Issues: Feedback indicates a problematic balance in combat due to the new damage resistance system, which some players find overly complicated and detrimental to gameplay.
• Cultural Weakness: The nomadic culture is criticized for lacking depth and strategic synergy, making it feel less engaging compared to other cultures.
• High Price for Limited Content: Many reviews mention that the DLC feels overpriced given the amount of content provided, leading to mixed feelings about its value.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Desire for More Unique Content: Users express a wish for more unique forms, tomes, and units that could diversify gameplay beyond what is currently offered.
• Neutral Nomad City-States: Some players feel the absence of neutral nomadic city-states limits the gameplay possibilities and variety on the map.
• Improved Balancing: There are calls for a rework of the new damage resistance and combat mechanics to restore strategic depth and variety in battles.
• More Engaging Cultural Mechanics: Players hope for more distinctive mechanics for the nomadic culture that would enhance its strategic appeal and uniqueness.

Summary

• Overall, while Age of Wonders 4: Rise from Ruin introduces some exciting new features and mechanics, it faces criticism regarding content quality, balancing issues, and the perceived value of its offerings. Many players still express hope for future updates and improvements from the developers.

Summary generated on: March 19, 2026