Environmental objects can be used as cover, but they can also be destroyed.

Each map presents different tactical challenges. There are dozens upon dozens of different combat maps. Regular units improve base stats, while heroes can be customized when they level up. Units can also gain combat experience and improve their skills.

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be nearly as much variety with the navies as there is with land units-although to be fair, if you consider infantry, vehicles, tanks and air force to be separate unit types then naval units have a similar level of diversity. If you don't have hero weapons/equipment, you can outfit them with normal equipment available to your regular troops that you've researched in the military tech tree. Even better, you can find special weapons and equipment specifically designed for heroes by exploring the world map.

If that's not enough customization for you, you can also research mods to kit out your soldiers. Each faction uses its own units each faction has its own heroes each leader has a different secret technology (which customizes 1/4th of their military tech tree) each unit has its own abilities. However, where the game really shines is in its tactical combat. Just blob and grow as fast as you can, while ensuring you have a strong enough army to explore the map and defend your territory. So if it's not a grand strategy game, what kind of game is it? There are strategy elements, but most of the choices are no-brainers on that level. Once I was able to manage my expectations, Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a very good game. DO NOT PLAY THE ENTIRE GAME USING AUTO COMBAT, OR YOU WILL HATE THIS GAME. If you're expecting a typical Paradox deep grand strategy game, this definitely isn't for you. Originally, I wasn't going to recommend this game because it didn't meet my expectations as a Paradox game, or as a complex 4X game.

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