Struggle of Empires
- Players
- 2-7
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 7 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 240 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 13+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.6 / 5
- Year
- 2004
About the game
Struggle of Empires recreates the eighteenth-century wars between European powers for global dominance, as 2-7 players build armies and fleets, forge alliances, and expand colonies. A key twist requires players to split into two rival alliances before each war: once allied, you cannot turn on your partner until the conflict ends, removing the backstabbing of games like Diplomacy while still demanding careful political calculation. Improvement tiles let you shape your empire's economy, and mismanagement can spark a costly revolution. Designer Martin Wallace built it to scale smoothly from three to seven players. It's a big, meaty empire-building wargame with real historical weight.
Hobbli's Notes
The forced-alliance system is what makes Struggle of Empires special: it strips out pure backstabbing chaos while keeping real political tension alive. It's a long, heavy sit, but the strategic payoff for groups willing to commit is considerable. Best saved for a dedicated game night with players who love empire-building wargames.
What we like
- Clever forced-alliance system prevents pure backstabbing.
- Scales impressively well from three to seven players.
- Deep economic and military strategy throughout.
- Strong historical theme tied to real 18th-century conflicts.
Keep in mind
- Very long playtime demands a serious time commitment.
- Downtime can be significant with a full table.
- Forced alliances may frustrate players who prefer full freedom.
Who it's for
Serious wargame and empire-building fans aged 13 and up, ideal for a committed group of 3-7 players over a long session.
