Continuing the series that began in 1989, Warlords IV: Heroes of Etheria is a combination of strategy and role-playing. A Dark Elven mage Aravein has been summoning lesser daemons into the realm of Etheria and placing them in charge of her orcish minions. Aravein has sent these evil creatures on a number of quests to plunder libraries and mage towers. She seeks dark knowledge required to summon powerful daemon lords.

Players take control of a hero of Etheria who must protect the land from Aravein's evil hordes while crossing paths with dwarves, elves, orcs, and the undead forces led by Lord Bane. In the Campaign mode, players will have to make decisions on the battlefield and on the economic front: when and where to build new cities, whether to upgrade existing cities, and when to spend gold on building more armies. A diplomatic system is also in place that allows users to form and break alliances.

Heroes are the most important unit in battle, as they can boost army morale and turn the tide of battle. Experience gained through combat will let heroes gain new abilities and skills over time. During battles players will also find treasure and items to help turn the tide of war. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide