Imperial Settlers
- Designer Ignacy Trzewiczek
- Publisher Portal Games , Arclight Games , Edge Entertainment , FunBox Jogos , Gém Klub Kft.
- Illustration Mateusz Bielski , Tomasz Jedruszek , Jarosław Marcinek , Rafał Szyma
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Imperial Settlers, you lead one of four factions — Romans, Barbarians, Egyptians, or Japanese — to build your empire by constructing buildings and gathering resources. Over five rounds, you place workers to explore lands, trade resources, and conquer enemies. The multi-use cards allow diverse tactical choices while competing for limited space and resources. Victory depends on careful card and action management.
Who Is This Game For?
The game targets experienced and family players aged 10 and up. With a playing time of about 90 minutes, it demands strategic thinking and patience. A solo mode is included, making it suitable for solo play as well.
How It Works
Imperial Settlers uses mechanics such as Closed Drafting, Hand Management, and Multi-Use Cards. Players select cards from a closed draft, build structures, and assign workers to gain resources or attack foes. Contracts and End Game Bonuses add extra scoring opportunities. The gameplay centers on engine building and tactical resource management across five rounds.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Ignacy Trzewiczek, building on his earlier game 51st State. Imperial Settlers won the 2014 Board Game Quest Award for Best Card Game and received multiple nominations including Game of the Year. Its combination of multi-use cards and closed drafting sets it apart from other city-building games. It belongs to the Ancient family and is available digitally on Board Game Arena.
Awards
2014
- 2014 Board Game Quest Awards Best Card Game — Winner
- 2014 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game — Nominated
- 2014 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year — Nominated
Pro
- Includes solo mode
- Winner of Board Game Quest Best Card Game 2014
- Multi-use cards provide strategic depth
- Moderate playtime around 90 minutes
Contra
- Requires learning complex mechanics
- Playtime may feel long for casual players
- Recommended for players aged 10+, but better with some experience
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in an ancient world where four great cultures — Romans, Barbarians, Egyptians, and Japanese — settle new lands competing over resources. The theme blends city-building with warfare and trade in a historic context.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding the multi-use cards and experiment with different factions to grasp the gameplay.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Imperial Settlers includes a solo mode for one player.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes, plus setup and explanation time.
What prior experience do I need?
This is a strategy game suited for players with some experience in card and engine-building games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Imperial Settlers combines closed drafting and multi-use cards, offering unique tactical and engine-building gameplay.
Is this suitable for families?
It is suitable for players aged 10 and up, though its complexity favors families with some gaming experience.
What mechanic makes it special?
The multi-use cards mechanic allows cards to be used in various ways, adding strategic depth.
Fazit
Imperial Settlers is a recommended strategy card game for 1-4 players who enjoy engine building and tactical depth. It suits those willing to invest time learning its mechanics for rewarding gameplay.
