Imperium: Horizons

Osprey Games, Devir, Giant Roc · Board game · 2024
1–4 · best 1 Solo 40–160 min Weight 4.0/5
9.2 rating Ludopedia
8.5 rating BGG
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9.2 rating Ludopedia
8.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love high-complexity civilization games and hate repetition. The asymmetry is the star of the show!

Highlights
  • Incredible variety of civilizations
  • Solid deck building mechanics
  • Very well-implemented solo mode
  • Trade module adds great depth
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Language dependency for smooth play
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Get ready to write history! In Imperium: Horizons, you take command of one of humanity's most iconic civilizations (or even some Martians, if you're feeling adventurous), fighting to turn your people into a dominant empire. The game is a constant balancing act: expand too quickly, and internal unrest could bring your government crashing down; move too slowly, and you'll end up as a mere footnote in the history books.

The real brilliance here is the asymmetry. With 14 different civilizations—including the Abbasids, Japanese, Mayans, and Inuit—each game demands a completely new strategy. You aren't just playing the same game with different colors; the unique capabilities of each people drastically change how you interact with the board and your opponents. The game blends deck building with hand management and a 'move through deck' mechanic, creating a flow where every card purchase impacts your future.

Furthermore, Horizons is a standalone experience, but it's fully compatible with the Classics and Legends versions. If you already own those boxes, you can mix and match civilizations to create even more insane combinations. The latest addition is the trade module, which brings that layer of political intrigue and wealth generation that every great empire game needs to feel complete. Whether playing in solo mode to test your tactics or in a fierce competition with up to 4 friends, the goal is clear: dominate, evolve, and prosper while trying not to implode in the process. It's a dense, strategic game, perfect for those who love feeling the weight of every geopolitical decision.
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Categories

Families

Country: China Country: Ghana Country: Hungary Country: India Country: Iran Country: Iraq Country: Japan Creatures: Aliens / Extraterrestrials Game: Imperium (Osprey Games) Mechanism: Tableau Building Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Region: Caribbean Sea Region: East Africa Region: Oceania Series: Imperium Engine Meta Series Theme: Inuit Peoples Theme: Mayans
Publisher Osprey Games, Devir, Giant Roc, MeepleBR
Designer Dávid Turczi, Nigel Buckle
Artist Dávid Turczi, Mihajlo Dimitrievski
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need other games in the series to play?
Nope! Imperium: Horizons is a standalone game. Classics and Legends are simply optional expansions to add more civilizations.
Is it too hard for beginners?
It has a 4/5 weight on BGG, making it an 'expert' game. It's not for casual gamers, but for those who love dense strategy, it's fantastic.
How does the solo mode work?
The game features dedicated solo rules, allowing you to face the challenge of building your empire alone while maintaining the depth of multiplayer.
How long does a game take?
It varies: from 40 minutes for quick or solo games, up to 160 minutes for 4-player matches with heavy competition.
What differs between civilizations?
Everything! They are radically asymmetric, meaning each people has completely different powers and scoring methods.
Is the game language-dependent?
Depending on the edition, there is moderate language dependency, potentially requiring translation sheets for the cards.