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.

Age of wonders planetfall custom race