Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Fans of light civilization games will love First Empires — it's tactical, fast-paced, with game-changing dice rolls.
Highlights
- Dynamic and easy to learn
- Great balance of luck and strategy
- Quick playtime (under 1h)
- Satisfying personal board progression
Keep in mind
- Some turns can be dice-luck dependent
- Direct conquest may deter peace-loving players
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About the game
What you do in a play session
What if the empires we know never existed? In First Empires, you rewrite history by leading a forgotten civilization, using dice and strategy to conquer territories and develop technologies. Each player starts with a personal board to evolve abilities like movement, combat, and expansion. Dice are your main resource: their faces match your empire's areas, and a good roll can mean conquering a region or advancing your tech tree. But beware — opponents are eyeing the same territories, and sometimes a lucky (or unlucky) roll can change history. The game is fast-paced, lasting about an hour, and balances luck and planning so even those new to civilization games can enjoy it. In the end, the winner will be whoever manages resources wisely, expands strategically, and completes key objectives.
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
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
5
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Sand Castle Games, ADC Blackfire Entertainment, テンデイズゲームズ (TendaysGames)
Designer
Eric B. Vogel
Artist
Jérémie Fleury
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,828owners
391wishlist
49want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is First Empires hard for beginners?
Not at all! Rules are simple, and the game teaches as you develop your empire. Great to introduce civilization games.
What's the best player count?
Works best with 3 or 4, where territory disputes shine. With 2, it's more controlled and strategic.
Is there a lot of text?
Barely any! Symbols and icons make it easy to learn, and cards have minimal wording.
How does it differ from other civ games?
It's faster and more straightforward, focusing on dice and personal development without complex details.
Are expansions needed?
Nope, the base game is complete. All mechanics are in the box, no extra purchases required.
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