Warborne: Above Ashes is a tactical, turn-based strategy game that offers players a sleek, mech-driven battlefield filled with nuanced decision-making and layered faction design. While the game looks accessible on the surface, a deeper experience awaits those who take the time to understand its mechanics and structure before committing to a WAA Solarbite campaign or multiplayer match. One of the most important decisions in Warborne is choosing your faction and commander, as each significantly impacts your playstyle, strengths, and strategic approach.
Here are several key notes and tips every player should consider before locking in their choice.
1. Factions Are Not Just Cosmetic
One of the most common early-game misconceptions is that factions only affect unit aesthetics or minor traits. In reality, Warborne: Above Ashes factions are designed around distinct tactical philosophies. Each has a unique unit roster, deployment style, tech strengths, and battlefield tactics.
Emperium excels in slow but devastating firepower and defense.
Cerillion offers stealth, speed, and surgical strikes.
Ordhedge leans into overwhelming numbers and rush tactics.
Virelon thrives on support synergy and utility-based strategies.
Choosing a faction locks you into a specific style, so it's critical to align your decision with your preferred approach: are you more methodical, reactive, aggressive, or tactical?
2. Know Your Commander’s Role
Each faction features multiple commanders, and each commander comes with specific tactical powers and unique loadouts. These powers can turn the tide of battle, such as air strikes, reinforcements, or healing zones.
Before committing to a commander, ask yourself:
Do I prefer offense or defense?
Do I want to support my troops from afar, or dive into the thick of it?
Do I want quick ability cooldowns or powerful but situational effects?
Match your playstyle with your commander’s strengths. Some excel at early-game pressure, while others become dominant in drawn-out conflicts.
3. Consider the Map and Mission Type
While you may have a preferred faction, Warborne encourages adaptability. Some maps favor fast-moving units (Cerillion), while others reward defensive choke points (Emperium). Similarly, certain mission objectives, like holding a point or escorting a convoy, may better suit specific tactics.
Map awareness is crucial. Before locking in a faction or commander, analyze the terrain, objective, and resource points. Flexibility often outperforms loyalty to a single playstyle.
4. Multiplayer and Campaign Are Different Beasts
In the single-player campaign, you’ll gradually experience all factions through story progression. This mode allows you to experiment safely without long-term consequences. However, in multiplayer, you’re committing to a full game with your chosen faction and commander from the outset.
If you're new, start with the campaign to understand each faction’s units, pacing, and synergy. Then, bring that knowledge into multiplayer to make an informed, confident decision.
5. Unit Synergy Matters
Warborne: Above Ashes isn’t about fielding the biggest mech and charging forward. Each faction’s strength lies in unit synergy—how your scouts, artillery, support vehicles, and heavy hitters work together. Don’t just look at unit stats in isolation. Ask:
Does this unit benefit from buffs?
Can it cover another unit’s weakness?
Does my commander’s ability enhance this unit's role?
Mastering synergy is the key to battlefield dominance.
6. Adaptation Is the Ultimate Strategy
The best commanders aren’t the ones who rigidly follow a strategy—they’re the ones who adapt to changing conditions. Choose a faction that allows for growth and tactical creativity. Don’t be afraid to change your approach mid-game, and always be ready to counter your opponent’s style.
Final Thoughts: Choose With Purpose
Choosing your faction and commander in Warborne: Above Ashes is more than picking a color scheme or a cool ability—it defines your tactical experience. Take your time to learn the mechanics, evaluate your playstyle, and understand the strengths of each faction. The right choice will not only help you win—it will enhance your enjoyment of the buy WAA Solarbite game’s deep and rewarding combat systems.