Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

Czech Games Edition (CGE), Cranio Creations, Devir · Board game · 2015
2–4 · best 3 120 min Weight 4.4/5
8.8 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
8.8 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're a fan of deep strategic thinking and epic civilization building, Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization is an absolute must-play. It's a masterclass in resource management and long-term planning, offering an incredibly rewarding experience.

Highlights
  • Deep, rewarding civilization-building strategy
  • Refined card interactions and military system
  • Excellent resource management challenge
  • High replayability across ages
Keep in mind
  • Significant time commitment per game
  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Can feel overwhelming initially
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
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About the game
Get ready to build the most glorious civilization the world has ever seen in Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization! This revised edition of the classic Through the Ages offers an even more refined empire-building experience, with adjustments to cards across all three ages and a complete overhaul of the military system. Your goal is simple yet challenging: lead your nation from antiquity to the modern age, outcompeting your rivals in culture. But how do you achieve this? By mastering resource management, of course! You'll need to invest in new technologies, elect charismatic and competent leaders, erect wonders that will stand the test of time, and, above all, maintain a robust army. After all, a weak civilization is an open invitation for more aggressive neighbors. The core mechanic revolves around card drafting: technologies, leaders, and wonders enter play and become more accessible the longer they remain available. To utilize a technology, you'll need science to discover it, food for your population to work on it, and ore to construct the necessary structures. And don't forget the military! It's built similarly to civilian buildings. A strong army doesn't guarantee victory, but a weak one will certainly lead to defeat, as other players can steal your resources, science, population, or culture, and even eliminate your leaders. Ultimately, the civilization with the highest culture score in the modern age is the grand champion. It's a dense, strategic game that will make you ponder every decision!
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization English · PDF
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BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
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Game details

Families

Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Google Play Digital Implementations: Steam Game: Through the Ages Historical Figures: Various Mechanism: Tableau Building
Publisher Czech Games Edition (CGE), Cranio Creations, Devir, DiceTree Games, Eagle-Gryphon Games, Feelindigo
Designer Vlaada Chvátil
Artist Filip Murmak, Jakub Politzer, Milan Vavroň, Radim Pech
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal player count for Through the Ages?
Through the Ages is played by 2 to 4 people. Many consider the experience to shine with 3 or 4 players, as military interaction and card competition become more dynamic.
How long does a game of Through the Ages last?
Prepare for an epic session! A game can take 2 to 3 hours, or even more, depending on the number of players and the group's experience. It's a game to dedicate an afternoon or evening to.
What is the complexity level of Through the Ages?
This is a highly complex game, with a BGG weight of 4.44/5. It demands long-term planning, management of multiple resources, and a good understanding of card interactions. It's not recommended for newcomers to the hobby.
What makes Through the Ages different from other civilization games?
The key differentiator is the absence of a physical map, focusing entirely on building your card 'tableau' and internal civilization management. Military interaction is abstract but impactful, and the way cards 'age' on the market is brilliant.
What are the main components of the game?
The game is predominantly card-based, with hundreds of cards representing technologies, leaders, wonders, and events. Additionally, it includes individual player boards and many tokens to track resources, population, and military power.
Is it necessary to own the original base game to play this edition?
No! Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization is a standalone and revised edition. It replaces the previous version with all improvements and does not require the original game.
Who is Through the Ages best suited for?
It's perfect for experienced players who love deep strategy, complex resource management, engine building, and civilization games without the map exploration aspect. If you enjoy thinking a lot and feel rewarded by tactical and strategic decisions, you'll love it!