Hi there, time for this week’s Planetfall development journal. This time we’ll pick up discussing the locations you might encounter on the worlds of the Star Union. Last time we had a look at sites you encounter in the early game. This time we take a look at the Landmarks. After colonies, they are the most important class of structures found on the world map providing. They can be captured (or traded) with other players without taking over a full colony.
All landmarks are themed around the history of the Star Union. We have the Elysium Parks - Las Vegas type entertainment centers. There are ruins of the lavish Governor’s Palaces and Then there is black-sites associated with each of the Secret Technologies. Check out the screenshots below for their look and function.
Here are the main rules surrounding the Landmarks on the World Map:
Landmarks and Combat:
When rebuilding the Star Union, you’ll have to harness the ruins of its past.
All landmarks are themed around the history of the Star Union. We have the Elysium Parks - Las Vegas type entertainment centers. There are ruins of the lavish Governor’s Palaces and Then there is black-sites associated with each of the Secret Technologies. Check out the screenshots below for their look and function.
Here are the main rules surrounding the Landmarks on the World Map:
- Landmarks are key structures that are sector-dominant. It means that they take up an entire sector and no city can be founded there. Landmarks can be acquired by annexing their sectors to one of your Colonies.
- Landmarks come in three power levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold Landmarks.
- Landmarks provide an economic boost to your cities when annexed, of course the amount depends their level and exploitation type.
- One annexed, you immediately get the flat incomes listed in the structure panel.
- Landmarks come pre-specialized in one of the four exploitations: Food, Energy, Production or Research. Bronze starts at level 1, Silver at level 3, Gold at level 5. This means landmarks are a shortcut in empire building, but at the same time mean a loss of flexibility for that sector. Prioritize capturing one which one fits with your plans.
- Silver and Gold Landmarks unlock a unique doctrine when added to a colony. Of course, the Gold Doctrines are stronger.
Landmarks and Combat:
- Landmarks need to be cleared from Marauders that have set up camp there. To add to challenge, the adjacent hex rule doesn’t apply so you have to go in with a max party of 6. This results that the higher tier landmarks must be saved for later in the game. To add to the challenge, the defenders also are upgraded with mods as the game progresses.
- Many Landmarks have inherent Battlefield effects, adding to the challenge. For some examples, see the combats screenshots.
- Landmarks have a one-time clear-reward themed to the site. They involved a mix or resources, units and or hero items.
- After being annexed, Landmarks are considered sector province bases meaning Militia Upgrades also spawn defenders on them. The Combat Effects now work in the owner’s favor.
- As Landmarks are Sector dominant, combat maps for Landmarks are now more important then their equivalents in Age of Wonders 3. You can attack and steal landmarks from other players. Landmark combat maps are defender-favored. After being annexed they have a city-siege like layout with troops deployed in lines. Combat maps tend to be loaded with hazard obstacles. The Void Landmark for example contains explosives that cause Void Instabilities on nearby units.
When rebuilding the Star Union, you’ll have to harness the ruins of its past.