Mega Empires

Ares Games, Colossus Games · Board game · 2022
— Ludopedia 8.5 BGG 3–18 · best 12, 15, 16, 17, 18 180–900 min Weight 3.4/5
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— rating Ludopedia
8.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you love gigantic civilization games with tons of interaction and negotiation, Mega Empires is the one! It's an epic game that can last a whole day but rewards you with a unique empire-building experience.

Highlights
  • Epic and immersive scale
  • Intense social negotiation
  • Deep historical strategy
  • Unique modular experience
Keep in mind
  • Long playtime
  • Considerable complexity
  • Requires a dedicated group
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Mega Empires is a colossal board game that puts you in the shoes of ancient civilization leaders, guiding your people through millennia of history. Imagine a game spanning from the Stone Age to the end of the Iron Age, with a map stretching from Britain to modern-day Bangladesh and from Scandinavia to Sudan. You start with a single population token and the goal is to expand, build cities, develop arts, sciences, and religion, all while dealing with the twists of fate. The game is modular, with different parts that can be played separately or combined for experiences ranging from 3 to 18 players (and even more with expansions!).

The focus isn't purely war, but rather a complete cycle of development, trade, and culture. Negotiation is the beating heart of Mega Empires: in frantic, simultaneous sessions, everyone trades commodities and, who knows, even calamities! These calamities, like epidemics or revolts, can be a bucket of cold water on your plans. Managing your hand of cards, deciding which civilization advances to develop (each giving discounts for subsequent ones), and expanding your influence across the map are crucial. The game is a marathon, potentially lasting from 3 to 15 hours, but it rewards with a deep and immersive experience, perfect for groups that love strategy and long gaming sessions. Prepare to build your legacy and withstand the test of time!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–18 players
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK
6 OK
7 OK
8 REC
9 REC
10 REC
11 REC
12 BEST
13 REC
14 REC
15 BEST
16 BEST
17 BEST
18 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Upcoming Releases Components: Map (Regional scale) Crowdfunding: Kickstarter
Publisher Ares Games, Colossus Games
Designer Flo de Haan, Gerart de Haan, John Rodriguez
Artist Franz Vohwinkel

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

99owners
171wishlist
20want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How long does a game of Mega Empires take?
A game can vary significantly, ranging from 3 to 15 hours, depending on the number of players and the chosen scenario. It's a game for dedicating a whole day!
How many players can participate?
The base game supports 3 to 18 players, but with expansions, this number can increase even further. It was designed with large groups in mind!
Is it a war game?
Not exactly. While conflicts can occur, the main focus of Mega Empires is civilization development, culture, trade, and negotiation. War is just one of the tools.
What is the game's complexity?
Mega Empires has a medium-high strategic weight (3.4/5 on BGG). The basic rules are accessible, but the strategic depth and management of so many elements require dedication.
Do I need a large table?
Yes! With a 2-meter map and many components, you'll need plenty of space to play comfortably, especially with more players.
Who is Mega Empires recommended for?
It's ideal for groups of friends or families who love long civilization games with lots of social interaction, negotiation, and a rich historical theme. It's not for those seeking quick games.
Do I need to play all parts of the game together?
No! Mega Empires is modular. You can play 'The West' or 'The East' parts separately, or combine them. Expansions also add new ways to play.

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