Is this game suitable for a 4X beginner?

[HotRunes]

Hi,

I really like the look and aesthetic of this game, and I've always wanted to try and get into the 4X genre, but I tend to find all of the management systems overwhelming, like, I never feel like I really know what I'm supposed to be doing.

Would this game be a good place to start, or is it not very beginner friendly? I do prefer the fantasy aesthetic over sci-fi (Planetfall), which is why this stood out to me.

Thank you for your help.

[Morindacil]

Yeah, I would think so. I find it much easier to get into and the tutorials that play out when you start in the initial realm explains well enough on the systems and the combat itself.

The game overall mostly somewhat encourages you to build tall and use vassals because of the city limit caps that were put in. But if you like managing all your cities, there is an repeatable Imperium rite that increases the city cap. And the map sizes tend to be somewhat small, kinda further emphasizing on the semi-building tall strategy. So, you can just stay and manage at least 1-4 cities, which is enough to get your ball rolling when you build certain upgrades. But that's the good alignment kind of style. I haven't played the evil alignment kind of style.

But yeah, I think you can fit just fine with the tutorials that explain well enough the game, with the rest being found on your own experience.

[Crosshka!!]

I would personally consider this to be more beginner friendly, just by the fact that it's turn based alone, which gives you plenty of time to learn the mechanics, while not pressuring you with the whole "while you're doing nothing, your enemy could be expanding." thing

[Blanch Warren]

It's intuitive enough to learn it within the day.

[avenger711]

I don't see anything too hard to understand. This is mostly battle oriented game. Always was. City managment is rather just simple build structures for what you want to get.

[soldatx]

Yes you can play on easy mode for a first playthrough ans I am sure anyone could win. Plus the fantasy rpg side would keep you interested when you are not sure if you are playing right.

[darkholyPL]

It's probably the best 4x for beginners, or at least one of the best. If you can't get into 4x games with this, then I don't think any other game would do it.
AoW4 has some nice tutorials, that tell you during play what to do, and remind you of stuff, like the fact that you have imperium to spend, or that you have low income or low city stability and so on. It's a good choice I think.

[jephrey64]

I agree the aesthetic is better than Planetfall. I would say it is friendly because it is very well made. Things make sense. But it's big. If you're like me, you'll restart games because now you understand (something or other) and wanting to do better. It'll be a bit of a long road, especially if you're not at all familiar with tactical combat in this franchise. But not a frustrating road, as with games that have no internal logic or sense of symbolism. You will lose battles, though it allows you to replay them and thus practice. You can do it, if you let yourself enjoy the journey. This is possibly the greatest fantasy 4x game we'll see for years to come, just my bias.

[4verse]

yes! use the easy mode option and play! watch the guides e.g. on youtube, play more, get better, then use the more difficult mode options. Point is: CRUSH YOUR ENEMIES FOR UNLIMITED POWER and never ending fun! :-)

[Razamanaz]

You will likely feel overwhelmed with this game also. There's a lot to learn. The tutorial gives you a fair bit of hand holding and you will catch some of the basics but you will probably still feel lost until you've played at a couple of times. At which point you will still be learning new things for a good bit longer, but it will stick easier.

[BBB]

It's tailor made for new people.

[StarFishon]

look AOW4 going to be classic.. its not easy. you need to learn things... but.. belive me its worth it.

just playing it for 10~.. still say to my self WOW.. this game so good in full of content..

[camelotcrusade]

If you're a beginning I recommend trying the easy starter campaign with the tutorial tips on, THEN going into the custom settings and making a relaxed game with other gentle settings so you can explore the game systems. I wouldn't do it first, though, as having a baseline for what you're looking at helps. This is what I'm doing and I'm learning a lot. Still struggling with gold income though.

[Dreepa]

It's pretty beginner friendly with a good helper system.