Empires is a gem for those who love social interaction and no-holds-barred negotiations. With a frenetic pace of simultaneous actions, it shines in larger groups where the table turns into a true trading floor. If you enjoy games where diplomacy is just as important as military strategy, you'll feel right at home.
- Constant and intense social interaction
- Total freedom to trade anything
- Simultaneous actions eliminate downtime
- Engaging and strategic economic dynamics
- Can be chaotic for shy players
- Requires silver-tongued negotiation skills
- Works best with larger groups
About the game
What you do in a play session
What makes Empires truly special is the total freedom. Forget those annoying trading restrictions: here, if you have it, you can trade it. We're talking about trading practically anything: territories, people, gold, goods, and even your nation's special player powers. If you think a deal will put you ahead, you can negotiate your own grandmother if she's at the table!
Wars are the highlight of the tension. To expand, you need armies, and armies cost gold. Winning conflicts not only grants you more territories and resources but is also one of the main ways to fill your coffers for future rounds. The game takes place in simultaneous rounds, meaning no one is left sitting idle while others think. Everyone acts at the same time, keeping the pace frenetic and requiring you to keep an eye on what your opponents are plotting. It's a game of pure negotiation, where silver-tongued talk and strategic vision are worth just as much as efficient resource management. If you enjoy games that allow for constant interaction and where a 'gentleman's agreement' can be broken the next minute, Empires will be your new favorite table game.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Where to Buy
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Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Community
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play?
Is the game very complex?
How long does a game take?
Can I really trade anything?
How does the simultaneous turn work?
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