Description
In Empires End, 2 - 4 players aged 10 and above embark on an epic journey to save their grand civilization from disaster. You start with a civilization at its peak of power. The game combines reverse - bidding, engine - building, long - term planning, and strategic depth. As you progress through various phases, you'll face common threats like famine, floods, or barbarians during the Disaster phase. The player who wins the bidding takes the disaster, which hits one of their territories. But here's the catch: with each disaster, your people gain wisdom and resilience. Similar to the game No Thanks, the resources bid by all players go to the one who takes the disaster card, and they also get a new ability. Players move along a progress track each turn, determining the phase they'll face. In Production phases, you can gather new resources; in Industry phases, rebuild lost territories; and in Military phases, challenge your opponents. At the end of the track, the civilization with the most victory points wins. Victory can come from intact territories, innovations, or military successes. The game lasts 45 - 60 minutes and is designed by John D. Clair, known for Space Base, Cubitos, and other great games. It features an auction/bidding mechanism with an ancient civilization theme.
How to play Empires End: First, gather 2 to 4 players aged 10 or older. Each player starts with a civilization at the height of its power. The game proceeds through a series of phases as you move along the progress track. During the Disaster phase, be ready to face threats like famine or barbarians. You'll bid to avoid taking the disaster, but if you end up winning the bid, you'll take the hit to one of your territories. However, you'll also gain resources from other players and a new ability. In Production phases, focus on getting new resources. Use the Industry phases to rebuild lost territories and the Military phases to challenge other players. Keep an eye on the progress track as the game ends when you reach the end, and the civilization with the most victory points wins. Note: Make sure everyone understands the rules before starting to avoid confusion. Try different strategies to see what works best for you. Maintenance is simple: just keep the game components in a dry place and make sure the cards don't get bent or damaged. Have fun playing Empires End!
