7.2
rating
Ludopedia
6.9
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Love a nail-biting reverse auction? Empire's End is for you! It's a civilization game with a fast pace and tense decisions that make you think with every bid.
Highlights
- Clever reverse auction
- Engaging engine building
- Fast-paced and tense
- Strategic depth
Keep in mind
- Can have some luck
- Auction can be brutal
- Language dependent
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Hey everyone! Ready to roll up your sleeves and save a civilization from the brink? In Empire's End, you and up to 3 friends take the reins of ancient empires at their peak, but teetering on the edge of collapse.
This game masterfully blends the tension of reverse auctions (think No Thanks!) with engine-building mechanics that make you stronger each round. The key here is long-term planning and that strategic depth we all love. The outcome? A game with a breakneck pace, full of twists, and offering multiple paths to victory.
Each game begins with your empire at its zenith, but soon disasters start knocking: famine, floods, barbarian invasions... whoever bids lowest to avoid the disaster takes the hit, suffering a devastated territory. But don't despair, because each catastrophe also brings wisdom and new abilities, the famous innovations, which help your people adapt and overcome challenges. It's a cycle of learning and resilience!
The game progresses along a track that dictates the phases: production to gather resources, industry to rebuild what was lost, and even military phases to challenge opponents. At the end of the track, the player with the most victory points, based on intact territories, innovations, and military achievements, is crowned the champion. If you enjoy games with auctions, resource management, and a touch of civilization-building, Empire's End might just be your next obsession!
This game masterfully blends the tension of reverse auctions (think No Thanks!) with engine-building mechanics that make you stronger each round. The key here is long-term planning and that strategic depth we all love. The outcome? A game with a breakneck pace, full of twists, and offering multiple paths to victory.
Each game begins with your empire at its zenith, but soon disasters start knocking: famine, floods, barbarian invasions... whoever bids lowest to avoid the disaster takes the hit, suffering a devastated territory. But don't despair, because each catastrophe also brings wisdom and new abilities, the famous innovations, which help your people adapt and overcome challenges. It's a cycle of learning and resilience!
The game progresses along a track that dictates the phases: production to gather resources, industry to rebuild what was lost, and even military phases to challenge opponents. At the end of the track, the player with the most victory points, based on intact territories, innovations, and military achievements, is crowned the champion. If you enjoy games with auctions, resource management, and a touch of civilization-building, Empire's End might just be your next obsession!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
BEST
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Brotherwise Games, Broadway Toys LTD, Gémklub, Lucky Duck Games, Maldito Games, Nice Game Publishing
Designer
John D. Clair
Artist
Kwanchai Moriya
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
4,476owners
1,021wishlist
133want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for Empire's End?
A game typically lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the player count and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can play?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players.
Is Empire's End a complex game?
Its weight is estimated around 2.4 out of 5, placing it at a medium complexity level. The reverse auction rules are intuitive, but the strategy can become quite deep.
Do I need to know English to play Empire's End?
Yes, the game has a language dependency, especially on event and innovation cards. It's recommended to have a guide or translated cards.
What is the main objective of the game?
The goal is to have the civilization with the most victory points at the end of the game, earned through intact territories, innovations, and military successes.
How do disasters work?
Disasters are events that occur in specific phases. The player who wins the reverse auction to avoid the disaster ends up with a devastated territory but gains a new ability (innovation).
Who would you recommend Empire's End to?
We recommend it for those who enjoy games with auction mechanics (especially reverse auctions), engine building, strategic planning, and a civilization theme with a crisis twist.
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