Choose by your preferred play style
The strongest choice depends on your preferred approach: Kin of Sheredyn suits accessible defense, Aspects suits diplomacy, Necrophage suits relentless conquest, and Last Lords suits a Dust-centered economy.
For other constraints, choose Tahuks for science, Sandshapers for territorial expansion and terraforming, Order of Zelevas for aggressive expansion, or Severed Claws for a strategy built around exploiting minor factions.
This comparison covers the post-1.0 roster of six core factions and two rogue alternatives and ranks their fit using documented archetypes and mechanics.
Player data was collected throughout Early Access; the choices below are organized around the documented 1.0 faction styles.
Complete faction fit matrix
| Faction and best fit | Defining constraint or strength |
|---|---|
| Kin of Sheredyn — beginner comfort and defensive play. | This Defender faction is the most basic and easier-to-understand option because of its familiar human character. |
| Aspects — diplomacy-focused play. | Their documented archetype is Diplomats, making them the roster's direct diplomatic fit. |
| Order of Zelevas — aggressive territorial expansion. | They use a more aggressive and expansionist style than Kin of Sheredyn and seek conquest across Saiadha. |
| Necrophage — relentless conquest and constant hostility. | This ravenous swarm is always hostile and relentless in its pursuit of conquest. |
| Severed Claws — minor-faction-dependent expansion. | Their population does not grow by itself, so expanding their cities depends on exploiting minor factions. |
| Last Lords — a Dust-driven economic build. | Their Economic archetype focuses on producing and consuming Dust to create and heal themselves. |
| Tahuks — scientific development. | Their Scientists archetype combines faith and technology through a religious hierarchy. |
| Sandshapers — land claims, terraforming, and expansion. | They claim land to empower their Wishes and economy, leaving desert tiles that are less useful to other factions. |