Age of Wonders 4 is Triumph Studios' fantasy 4X strategy game that stands out from the genre with its deep faction customization system, letting you create entirely unique civilizations by combining body types, culture traits, and magical affinities. The tactical combat layer gives you direct control over individual units on hex-based battlefields, making wars feel personal rather than abstract. The Tome system replaces traditional tech trees with magical research that transforms your units and realm. With multiple DLC expansions adding new mechanics and content, AoW4 offers massive replayability through its procedurally generated realms and story-driven campaign scenarios.
Resource management and crafting determine how quickly your power scales. This guide covers what to prioritize, where to farm, and how to avoid wasting resources on the wrong upgrades.
Crafting Priority List
The order you should invest resources:
| Priority | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary equipment | Biggest damage increase per resource spent |
| 2 | Core build gear | Enables your build's key synergies |
| 3 | Defensive upgrades | Survivability for boss fights |
| 4 | Secondary equipment | Situational options for specific content |
| 5 | Consumables | Temporary boosts for hard content |
Resource Farming by Area
Enchanted Forest
Key resources: Mana nodes, Nature materials, defensive terrain advantages Farming efficiency: Low value per run, but safe and consistent
Focus on gathering materials for Support Spells upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Volcanic Wastes
Key resources: Chaos resources, high production, Tier 4-5 neutral creatures to recruit Farming efficiency: Good early-game farming spot
Focus on gathering materials for Support Spells upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Frozen Tundra
Key resources: Frost resources, defensive terrain, frost giant recruitment Farming efficiency: Best mid-game farming, worth revisiting
Focus on gathering materials for Support Spells upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Desert Empire
Key resources: Gold mines, Order resources, open terrain for cavalry Farming efficiency: High-value materials for late-game upgrades
This is where you farm materials for Tier 5 Units max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Shadow Realm
Key resources: Tier V resources, unique Shadow buildings, Astral crafting materials Farming efficiency: Best resources in the game, requires strong build
This is where you farm materials for Tier 5 Units max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Upgrade Path
Early Game (Enchanted Forest — Volcanic Wastes)
- Upgrade your starting equipment to functional level
- Craft basic defensive gear
- Save specialty materials — you'll need them later
- Focus on Support Spells once accessible
Mid Game (Frozen Tundra)
- Push Support Spells to mid-level upgrades
- Start collecting materials for Tier 5 Units
- Craft situational consumables for boss fights
- Upgrade build-specific gear pieces
Late Game (Desert Empire — Shadow Realm)
- Max out Tier 5 Units — this is your top priority
- Complete your build's core gear set
- Craft endgame consumables
- Optional: upgrade secondary equipment for variety
Crafting Mistakes to Avoid
- Spreading upgrades across multiple equipment — Focus one weapon to max before diversifying.
- Hoarding materials — Use them. The game provides enough if you farm efficiently.
- Upgrading the wrong gear — Check our builds guide before investing.
- Ignoring Frozen Tundra farming — This area has the best resource-to-time ratio in mid-game.
- Crafting consumables too early — Save specialty materials for late-game recipes.
Resource Efficiency Tips
- Plan your Tome path before the game starts. Reaching Tier V in one affinity is usually better than spreading across multiple affinities at low tiers.
- Farm Frozen Tundra during mid-game for the best return on time
- Check the walkthrough to know when each resource becomes available
- Match your farming route to your build — some classes farm faster in certain areas
More Age of Wonders 4 Guides
- Age of Wonders 4 Age of Wonders 4 Overview
- Age of Wonders 4 Best Builds
- Age of Wonders 4 Tier List
- Age of Wonders 4 Walkthrough
- Age of Wonders 4 Beginner's Guide
- Age of Wonders 4 Tips & Tricks
- Age of Wonders 4 Weapons Guide
- Age of Wonders 4 Combat Guide
- Age of Wonders 4 Boss Guide
- Age of Wonders 4 Maps & Locations
- Age of Wonders 4 Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Age of Wonders 4, check out these related guides:
- Sid Meier's Civilization V Crafting Guide — strategy game with similar mechanics
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Crafting Guide — strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Crafting Guide — strategy game with similar mechanics
