Age Of Wonders 4 allows players to forge a high fantasy empire that will stand the test of time – and beyond. With so many tomes, spells, cultures, and traits to get stuck in with, it can all seem a bit overwhelming when just starting out.
While the game does feature a bunch of customization options to allow players to handcraft their race however they like (including gameplay traits and aesthetics like height and appearance), some players will opt for one of the premade races for their first world. As such, here are the best races for beginners in Age Of Wonders 4.
11 Crusading Croakers
The better option of the two toadkin races, the Crusading Croakers start the game with a respectable Order Affinity of 7. Their starting tome is the Tome of Zeal, which is focused on inspiring friendly units and condemning enemy ones.
The Crusading Croakers Body Trait is Resilient, giving +3 resistance to statuses, and their Mind Trait is Water Adaptation, allowing them to expend fewer movement points and build farms on swamp terrain.
10 Gnarled Frostlings
Ideal for those wanting to play a Frostling-type race from the earlier games, Gnarled Frostlings begin with a Shadow Affinity of 5. Unsurprisingly, their starting tome is the Tome of Cryomancy, which allows them to cast frost and ice-related spells that freeze their enemies.
Gnarled Frostlings have the Fast Recuperation Body Trait, meaning they heal 15 hit points after every battle, and the Arctic Adaptation Mind Trait, which allows them to expend fewer movement points and build farms on snowy terrain.
9 Arcane Tigrans
A race of adept sorcerers, Arcane Tigrans is the only premade feline race available and start with an Astral Affinity of 7. With the Tome of Warding as their starting tome, these humanoid cats can shield themselves with magic and punish enemies that strike at the wrong time.
Arcane Tigrans have the Resolute Body Trait, meaning negative status effects last one turn less. Their Mind Trait is Desert Adaptation, allowing them to expend fewer movement points and build farms on desert terrain.
8 Deep Dwellers
A race of tunneling Molemen, the Deep Dwellers live in underground caverns and start with a Materium Affinity of 7. Rather fittingly, their starting tome is the Tome of Rock, which utilizes stone to deal crushing damage to the enemy while also bolstering their own defenses.
Their traits complement this playstyle, with the Bulwark Body Trait granting +2 defense and resistance, and the Underground Adaptation Mind Trait allowing players to expend fewer movement points and build farms on cavern floor terrain.
7 Necrotic Goblins
A horde of corrupted goblinoids, Necrotic Goblins are masters of stealth and start with a Shadow Affinity of 7. Their starting tome is Tome of Souls, which specializes in harvesting the souls of their opponents and using them to raise powerful undead.
Just like the Frostlings, the Necrotic Goblins have the Fast Recuperation Body Trait, which heals them for 15 hit points after a battle. As for their Mind Trait, they have Sneaky, which lets them deal +25% damage on flanking attacks, a powerful buff that can turn the tide of a battle.
6 Enthralled Orcs
Captivated by the fatal allure of their master, the Enthralled Orcs ravage the landscape in her name and start with a Chaos Affinity of 7. Karissa The Red is a pyromancer, and as a result, her starting tome is the Tome of Pyromancy, allowing players to rain down flames on their opponents.
Enthralled Orcs enjoy the Strong Body Trait, which gives them +10% damage to melee and physical ranged attacks, and the Ferocious Mind Trait, granting +40% damage in retaliation and opportunity attacks. Combine this with their strong pyromancy spells, and these orcs can deal some serious damage.
5 Wholesome Halflings
Despite their short stature, Wholesome Halflings can make a rather large impact in the game, starting out with a Nature Affinity of 6. Their starting tome, the Tome of Roots, utilizes surrounding nature to protect their units and throw back enemy forces.
Wholesome Halflings make use of the Quick Reflexes Body Trait, which makes them 30% harder to hit with ranged attacks, an indispensable bonus when going up against archer races. Their Mind Trait, Elusive, also gives them +6 defense and resistance against retaliation and opportunity attacks.
4 First Elves
A fantasy world would be incomplete without elves, and the First Elves are no exception. Starting with a Nature Affinity of 5 and their starting tome being the Tome of Beasts, these elfkin employ the help of fearsome and magical animals to fight by their side and do their bidding.
First Elves are also expert archers and sorcerers, with the Keen-Sighted Body Trait boosting accuracy for ranged and magical attacks by 15%, whereas the Arcane Focus Mind Trait buffs magic attack damage by 15% also.
3 Mountain Dwarves
Another iconic fantasy race, Mountain Dwarves are steadfast and strong and start with a Materium Affinity of 7. Like their molekin cousins, they also begin with the Tome of Rock and can use it to boost their defensive capabilities.
Mountain Dwarves focus on an ironclad defense, with the Tough Body Trait giving them +2 defense, and the Defensive Tactics Mind Trait granting them +1 defense and resistance when standing next to a friendly unit with that trait. These dwarves are ideal for beginners, as they are hard to break and aren’t very punishing when it comes to mistakes.
2 Fiendish Rodents
Swarming across the battlefield in great numbers, the Fiendish Rodents carry pestilence and plague wherever they go, and start with a Chaos Affinity of 7. Their starting tome, Tome of the Horde, allows players to field massive but cheap armies and works best by summoning and boosting tier 1 units.
Just like similar-sized Halflings, these vermin enjoy the benefit of the Quick Reflexes Body Trait, making them 30% harder to hit with ranged attacks. Their Overwhelm Tactics Mind Trait gives them a +20% critical hit chance when standing next to a friendly unit with that trait.
1 Human Paladins
Starting with a whopping Order Affinity of 8, Human Paladins are a generalist race that can perform well in almost all circumstances. Their starting tome is the Tome of Faith, which focuses on casting support spells to heal units and get them back into the fight.
As for their Body and Mind Traits, Human Paladins have Fast Recuperation (+15 hit points after every battle), and Adaptable (+30% experience) respectively. They are perfect for beginner players due to their wide usage and traits that give them powerful and across-the-board buffs.
Age Of Wonders 4 is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows.