Triumph Studios and Paradox Interactive have released the Secrets of the Archmages Story Pack for Age of Wonders 4 alongside the free Sprite Update. The expansion introduces a new story campaign, the Owlkin form, six new tomes, Shrouded Isles, Secret Spells, additional landmarks, infestations, and a variety of customization options.
The accompanying Sprite Update delivers substantial free improvements, including a Reaver Culture rework, a major Empire Development Tree overhaul, updated team systems, expanded faction customization, new gameplay settings, and several quality-of-life enhancements designed to improve player freedom and strategic expression.
Patch Notes
Secrets of the Archmages Story Pack
New Story: Circles of Power
- Added the new Circles of Power story campaign.
- Follow the legacy of Athla’s Wizard Kings.
- Explore:
- Evermore
- Azh’Ruun Pit
- Burrow Downs
- Duatha
- Features storylines involving:
- Merlin
- Karissa
- Ham Binger
- Arachna
New Form
- Added the Owlkin form.
- Includes new visual customization options.
- Allows players to create Owlkin rulers and factions.
New Tomes
- Added six new tomes:
- Tome of Abjuration
- Tome of the Cosmos
- Tome of Gluttony
- Tome of Burning Passion
- Tome of Sprite
- Tome of the Weaver
New Layer: Shrouded Isles
- Added Shrouded Isles.
- Features isolated pocket dimensions created by ancient wizards.
- Allows players to:
- Explore unique environments.
- Discover hidden lore.
- Claim powerful secrets.
Secret Spells
- Added Secret Spells.
- Introduces powerful and unusual spells not found in standard tomes.
- Secret Spell artifacts can become Ascension Traits when completing a realm.
New Landmarks and Infestations
- Added modified landmark variants from Story Realms.
- New landmarks include:
- Broken Wizard’s Throne
- Chained Hellion
- Mistflow Gardens
- Added Mistwalker Camp Infestations.
Additional Content
- Added 8 new achievements.
- Added 5 new music tracks.
- Added 2 new premade rulers.
- Added new realm templates.
- Added new realm traits.
- Added Weaver Spider mounts.
- Added a Secrets of the Archmages interface skin.
- Added new banner emblems.
Sprite Update
Reaver Governments
- Reworked the Reaver Culture.
- Added two new Reaver subcultures through Government options.
- Expanded diplomatic and world-map gameplay opportunities.
- Improved overall culture flexibility.
Empire Development Tree Update
- Expanded the Empire Development Tree.
- Updated Empire Skills.
- Improved faction identity customization.
- Better aligned progression systems with current game mechanics.
Teams Update
- Added new team settings.
- Players can begin as teammates while retaining diplomatic interactions.
- Expands strategic and alliance options.
Quality of Life Improvements
Narrative Content Filter
- Added the Narrative Content Filter.
- Allows players to control narrative event frequency and availability.
- Includes customization of:
- Happenings
- Lost Souls
- Wandering Merchants
Customization Additions
- Added new Wizard King outfits inspired by Tome units.
- Added Grimoires as a new weapon class for magic users.
- Added additional mount options for factions.
Additional Improvements
- Added updated gameplay settings.
- Added new cosmetics.
- Added additional faction creation options.
- Implemented various accessibility and usability improvements.
Age of Wonders 4 is a 4X turn-based strategy game developed by Triumph Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 2, 2023, the game is available on Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The Secrets of the Archmages Story Pack introduces a new story campaign, Owlkin, six tomes, Shrouded Isles, and additional content, while the free Sprite Update delivers major gameplay systems reworks, customization options, and quality-of-life improvements.
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