Understanding All Factions in Age of Darkness: A Comprehensive Guide

Age of Darkness successfully integrates tower defense mechanics with elements of settlement construction, role-playing games (RPGs), and real-time strategy (RTS). One of the standout features is the selection of three distinct factions, each providing unique gameplay experiences tailored to different player preferences. Although these factions share certain similarities, they present enough diversity to engage players seeking fresh strategies.

While not as extensive in variety as factions found in games like StarCraft, the factions in Age of Darkness bring a refreshing shift to the gameplay. For those unfamiliar, here’s a concise overview of each faction.

The Order

Defense and Siege Experts

Edwin in Age of Darkness Hero Selection Screen

Age of Darkness: The Order Faction
Core Traits	Access to cost-effective siege units early in the game. Emboldened units possess greater health than standard soldiers.
Heroes	Edwin – A flame-wielding warrior capable of significant area-of-effect (AOE) damage. Merek – A tank-like fighter who heals allies and enhances their armor.

The Order is a natural choice for players focused on defense, as this faction excels at withstanding attacks with resilient troops and formidable siege artillery. Particularly beneficial for newcomers to Age of Darkness, Edwin and Merek provide strong capabilities in repelling hordes of lesser Nightmares. However, during encounters with tougher adversaries, teamwork with other faction members becomes essential.

Although leveraging the full potential of the Order’s siege capabilities requires some initial investment, once players establish a solid base, they can steamroll through challenges effectively.

The Rebellion

For Expansionists and Tacticians

Age of Darkness: The Rebellion Faction
Core Traits	Fast-moving ranged infantry that inflict higher damage with lower upkeep costs. Emboldened Rebellion units exhibit enhanced damage output.
Heroes	Aelis – A support hero who buffs allies while debuffing foes, capable of summoning Loyal Guard. Cyrus – An archer with impressive AOE damage potential, ideal for disrupting enemy formations.

The Rebellion promotes a dynamic playstyle that emphasizes exploration and territorial expansion, contrasting with the Order’s defensive nature. Players benefit from this faction’s high-damage units, paving the way for a robust economy as the game progresses.

This faction appeals to those who favor a well-rounded unit composition. While initially emphasizing ranged combat, success in later stages often relies on effective utilization of the entire army.

The Volatists

Aggressive Melee Faction

Age of Darkness: The Volatists Faction
Core Traits	Melee units exhibit increased speed, damage output, and training times. Volatist units maintain damage effectiveness with decreased penalties from the Horrified status.
Heroes	Vizargo – A melee-focused fighter adept at group healing and transformations. Aurelia – A combat hero specializing in crippling foes while boosting her allies’ capabilities.

The Volatists thrive in close-quarters combat, designed to maximize their ability to face Nightmares. Their unique ability to mitigate the Horrified effect, combined with their heroes’ AOE healing skills, allows them to endure longer in battle.

Transitioning to the Volatists from the other factions may require an adjustment period, as their playstyle focuses on aggression rather than passive defense. To succeed, players must strategically employ this faction’s inherent advantages in innovative ways.

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