# Imperium: The Contention

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2021
- **BGG Rating**: 7.8
- **BGG Rank**: #4123
- **Players**: 1-6 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 30-120 min
- **Weight**: 2.75 / 5
- **Designers**: Gary Dworetsky
- **Artists**: Alex Ruiz, Chris Ng Fhze Yang, Chris Rallis, Juan Pablo Roldan, Radoslav Javor, Stefan Celic
- **Publishers**: Contention Games
- **Categories**: Card Game, Civilization, Fighting, Science Fiction, Space Exploration, Territory Building
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Deck Construction, Grid Movement, Hand Management, Modular Board, Simultaneous Action Selection, Take That, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you enjoy a card-driven 4X game with plenty of interaction and deck construction, Imperium: The Contention will hook you! It's a tense and strategic experience.Epic space combatAddictive deck buildingDynamic action selectionUnique faction powersHigh language dependencyInitial learning curveCan be intimidatingHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Prepare for a galactic showdown in Imperium: The Contention, a card game that dives headfirst into the 4X genre! Here, the fight is serious: only one can wield the Void Scepter and reign supreme. You choose one of six factions, each with its starting deck, or venture to build your own with over 300 cards available – no random packs, everything included! The goal is to expand your empire, move fleets across the modular map, and engage in tactical combat to diminish your rivals' influence. Capturing the Imperial Capital can be the path to glory or disaster. There are multiple routes to victory: accumulate 8 favor points (influence) or control 8 worlds. Your favor can increase by destroying enemy planets or through political intrigue, using spies and corporations. Simultaneous action selection ensures no one waits idly for their turn, while the 'take that' mechanic keeps the tension high. With asymmetric player powers and a board that changes each game, replayability is guaranteed. It's a game that demands strategy, planning, and a bit of daring to lead your civilization to the top and claim the Void Scepter. Be aware: the game has significant text on its cards, so a good command of English is essential for the full experience.

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime for Imperium: The Contention?
Playtime varies significantly, from 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the player count and familiarity with the rules. For 4 players, expect around 90-120 minutes for your first game.

### How many players can play?
The base game is for 2 to 4 players. With the 'Void Scepter Solo Campaign' expansion, solo play is possible, and other expansions might increase the player count.

### Is the game very complex?
The weight on BGG is 2.75/5, indicating an intermediate complexity. The 4X mechanics are streamlined, but the sheer number of cards and interactions might require a few plays to master.

### Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has a considerable language dependency, with a lot of text on the cards. A good understanding of English is essential to play smoothly.

### What does '4X' mean in this game?
4X stands for eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate. Imperium: The Contention focuses on these elements through cards, ship movement, and territory control.

### How do you win the game?
You win by reaching 8 'favor' points (influence) or by controlling 8 worlds. Destroying an opponent's homeworld is also a way to eliminate them from the game.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
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