Empires: Age of Discovery

Eagle-Gryphon Games · Board game · 2015
2–6 · best 5 50–150 min Weight 3.3/5
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 109.99
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy a solid strategy game with worker placement and exploration, Empires: Age of Discovery is a golden pick! It's a cool evolution of the classic Age of Empires III, with plenty to do and think about.

Highlights
  • Strategic worker placement
  • Rich exploration theme
  • High replayability
  • Quality components (Deluxe)
Keep in mind
  • Can be complex for beginners
  • Long playtime
  • High competition for spots
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Empires: Age of Discovery throws you right into the Age of Exploration, around the 16th century. Imagine yourself as a European power expanding your domains in the New World, establishing colonies and trade routes. It spans three Eras of pure adventure and strategy: you'll send out expeditions to chart the unknown, build up your merchant fleet and armies, train your workforce, construct buildings that grant unique advantages to your nation, and, of course, develop your economy. If things heat up, war is an option to ensure your empire becomes the greatest of all! It's worth noting that this game is a reimplementation of the classic Age of Empires III: The Age of Discovery, but under a different name due to licensing costs. The Deluxe Edition also includes the Builder expansion and extra buildings that boost your player board. It's a medium-heavy game that requires planning and long-term vision, ideal for those who enjoy civilization and exploration games with significant interaction and decision-making.

Prepare for an epic journey where every decision matters. Will you focus on maritime expansion, territory control, economic development, or militarily dominating your opponents? The beauty of Empires: Age of Discovery lies in its strategic flexibility and the multiple paths to victory. With a solid dose of worker placement and area control, the game keeps you engaged from start to finish. The quality of the components, especially in the Deluxe version, enhances the experience, making each play a dive into the history of exploration and colonization. If you enjoy games that challenge you to think on multiple levels and interact heavily with other players, this one is for you!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST
6 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Miniatures Continents: North America Continents: South America Country: England Country: France Country: Italy Country: Netherlands Country: Portugal Country: Spain Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Crowdfunding: Spieleschmiede Game: Empires (Glenn Drover) History: Age of Discovery Mechanism: 4X Region: Caribbean Sea Theme: Colonial
Publisher Eagle-Gryphon Games
Designer Glenn Drover
Artist Cyril Van Der Haegen, João Tereso

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime?
A game can take between 90 to 150 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules.
What is the ideal player count?
The game works well with 3 to 5 players. With 2, there might be less area competition, and with 6, the playtime increases considerably.
Is this game very complicated to learn?
It has a medium-high complexity. The basic worker placement rules are straightforward, but mastering the strategies and interactions might take a few plays.
What are the main components?
The game includes a main board, player boards, meeples (workers), cubes (resources), cards, tiles, and, in the Deluxe version, miniatures and premium components.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's ideal for players who enjoy deep strategy games, worker placement, resource management, and a historical theme of exploration and colonization.
Do I need to have played Age of Empires III to understand this?
No! Empires: Age of Discovery is a complete reimplementation and can be played and enjoyed without any prior knowledge of the previous game.

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