Age of Wonders 4 is a 2023 4X turn-based strategy video game developed by Triumph Studios and published by Paradox Interactive.

[2] When wizards such as Yaka, Karissa, and Nimue left Athla in search of riches in the Shadow Realm, Merlin sealed their return path.

[3] The scheming Shadowborn helped the Wizard Kings escape their otherworldly prisons and return to Athla to establish themselves as gods over mortals.

The mortal champion is ascending to Godirhood on Athla and challenged by old Wizard Kings who reclaim the realms from which they were banished.

[3] The mortal champion must prepare by mastering forbidden arts and rallying the population for an unparalleled confrontation in the universe.

Athla is one of the oldest worlds with great natural beauty and magical potency due to the convergence of Astral Flows.

Through the ages, Athla had a pivotal role in the shaping of the cosmos with important battles of conquest and many Godir originate from this planet.

In the Fourth Age, the Ascended Champion who joined the Pantheon of Godir at Magehaven, starts on the Valley of Wonders in the Blessed Continent on Athla.

The Ascended Champion must build a new home for their tribe in the Valley of Wonders and overcome a clash with the returning Wizard Kings who seek power across the realms of the Astral Sea.

[3] The ascended Mortal Champions and Wizards become godlike Godir capable of traveling between the worlds and create followers.

The Godir built magic portals called World Gates to allow near-instant access to new realms.

There are 20 official factions or build a unique starting race defined by their physical form, culture, traits and magical tome.

[5] AoW III's lower magic era has autumn hues, renaissance, and industrialization.

[6] On May 15, 2023, a lo-fi soundtrack of AoW 4 composed and mixed by Van den Bos was released on YouTube.

[11] It added the Avian form, the militaristic Reaver culture, four tomes, the Seals of Power victory mechanic, two story missions, an ancient wonder and an infestation location, wildlife units and mounts, and six music tracks by Van den Bos.

[13] The Wolf Update is free for all players and includes War Bounties, Hero Recruitment, a Necromancy overhaul, Pantheon Expansion and QoL improvements.

[16] It features the Oathsworn Culture with warrior codes, intrigue events with betrayals and assassinations, 2 new forms (Simians, Ogrekin), 4 new tomes (Discipline, Shades, Calamity, and Prosperity).

[16] Additionally there's new mounts, music, ancient creature lines, realm templates and an interface skin.

[16] Age of Wonders 4 received a "generally favorable" reception from video game publications on release (88% positive).

[17] PCGamesN said: "This is undoubtedly the best 4X game I’ve played in years, delivering top-notch exploration, combat, and diplomacy alongside a rewarding and dynamic customisation system."

Polygon said: "Age of Wonders 4 is good fun as a solidly entertaining amalgamation of familiar things I love.

[28] The judges said AoW 4 is an excellent continuation of the series, innovative within the strategy genre and combines old and new mechanics to create a masterpiece.