History of the World
- Players
- 3-6
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 6 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 270 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.8 / 5
- Year
- 1991
About the game
History of the World spans seven epochs of civilization, from ancient Sumer to the eve of World War I, as three to six players guide a succession of rising empires. Each epoch, players are dealt a new empire to expand across the map using area control and dice-driven combat, scoring points for territory held at the end of the round. Event cards, forts, and monuments add tactical options within the sweeping historical arc. Because each empire eventually fades, players must maximize their impact before passing the torch to their next civilization. It's an epic, dramatic sweep through the rise and fall of history's great powers.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team regards History of the World as a beloved classic for its dramatic scope and ever-shifting empire draws. The tension of maximizing your civilization's brief moment in the sun before it inevitably declines is genuinely compelling. It's a long, meaty experience best suited to a dedicated group willing to commit a full evening. A great choice for fans of sprawling area-control history games.
What we like
- Sweeping multi-epoch arc across all of history.
- Exciting area-control combat with real stakes.
- High classic replay value from randomized empires.
- Dramatic scoring swings keep every epoch exciting.
Keep in mind
- Very long playtime spanning several hours.
- High downtime between player turns.
- Dice and empire-draw luck can frustrate strategic purists.
Who it's for
Best for strategy-minded teens and adults who enjoy epic area-control history games, ideal for larger groups of 3-6.
