Imperium: Classics — Price & soundtrack

Osprey Games, Banana Games, Board Game Rookie · Board game · 2021
8.5 Ludopedia 7.7 BGG 1–4 · best 1 Solo 40–160 min Weight 3.6/5
Buy · from US$ 33.49
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Perfect for those who love heavy strategy and asymmetry; the highlight is the feeling of building a unique empire.

Highlights
  • Deep asymmetry between civilizations
  • Very polished solo system
  • Smart combination of deck building
  • High replayability due to factions
Keep in mind
  • Slightly steep learning curve
  • Language barrier for some players
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Ever wondered what it feels like to lead the rise of one of history's greatest empires? In Imperium: Classics, you aren't just a general; you are the architect of the destiny of legendary civilizations. The game puts you in control of eight radically different nations—such as the Romans, Vikings, Greeks, and Persians—each with its own unique advantages and headaches. The goal is simple on paper but tense in practice: expand your territory, invest in science and culture, and dominate the ancient world. But be careful! If you are too ambitious and grow too quickly, internal unrest can bring your empire to its knees before you even conquer the first neighboring province. On the other hand, if you are too cautious, you'll end up as nothing more than a forgotten footnote in the history books.

The heart of the game beats through deck-building and hand management mechanics, where every card played can mean the difference between eternal glory or humiliating defeat. Asymmetry is the highlight here; playing as the Celts is a completely different experience from playing as the Macedonians, ensuring that every match requires a fresh strategy. Furthermore, the game is fully standalone, but if you crave even more variety, it is compatible with Imperium: Legends, allowing you to mix civilizations from both games. For those who prefer the solitude of the throne, the game includes a robust solo system with automated opponents that simulate each nation's behavior, making the experience challenging even without friends around. It is a game of pure strategy, where the balance between expansion and stability is the key to victory.

Expansions

Published additional content

2 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

12 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Imperium: Classics English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 BEST
2 BEST
3 OK
4 OK

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Category: Autonomous simulation Crowdfunding: Spieleschmiede Game: Imperium (Osprey Games) Historical Figures: Various Mechanism: Tableau Building Series: Imperium Engine Meta Series
Publisher Osprey Games, Banana Games, Board Game Rookie, CMON Global Limited, Devir, Fox in the Box, Gémklub, Giant Roc, Hobby Japan, Korea Boardgames, Lucrum Games, MeepleBR, Niza Gams, Origames
Designer Dávid Turczi, Nigel Buckle
Artist Mihajlo Dimitrievski

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

18,002owners
2,858wishlist
325want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Is the game complex? Do I need previous experience?
It has a medium-high weight (3.6 on BGG), so it's not for absolute beginners. If you're familiar with deck building, you'll pick it up quickly, but be ready to study each civilization's abilities.
Can I play it solo?
Absolutely! The game features an excellent solo mode with automated opponents that simulate the nations, so you don't need company to conquer the world.
Do I need Imperium: Legends to play?
No. Classics is a standalone game. Legends simply acts as an expansion to add more civilizations to your arsenal.
How long does a game last?
It varies. It can range from 40 minutes for quick games to over 2.5 hours if there's a fierce struggle between 4 players.
Is the game available in English?
Yes, the original version is in English, and the mechanics are well-documented for English speakers.

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