Age of Wonders: Planetfall , a sci-fi spin-off of the turn-based strategy games in the Age of Wonders series , allows players to colonize different planets with their unique climates, hazards, and neutral factions. Each session presents a new challenge as players must adapt to the planet's conditions.
The game features six distinct races, each with its own set of technologies, support powers, and units. Players can customize their commander unit, assign them a "secret tech" for additional capabilities, and research military and social branches to unlock upgrades and gear. Units can also be modified with up to three upgrades at a time.
Colonies are represented by nodes in the center of regions and can be connected as they grow in population size. These nodes act as outposts that share defensive forces with the main colony. Players must balance production, defense, and relations with other players and neutral factions.
Support powers, also known as "special operations", can aid combat units, sabotage opponents, or defend against disruptions. These powers come at a cost and have limitations on strength and quantity of uses.
Relations between players involve diplomatic communication, trade, wars, and covert operations. Neutral factions can be subdued or communicated with, and maintaining good relations allows players to access unique units and gear. The game's reputation system affects how AI-controlled players and neutral factions treat the player.
Age of Wonders: Planetfall offers single-player campaigns, offline skirmishes, multiplayer modes, and a map editor for creating custom maps.