Shape the birth of an empire in Zhanguo: The First Empire, a heavy strategy board game set in ancient China during the unification of the Warring States. Serving beneath Qin Shi Huangdi, you’ll compete to make the greatest contribution to the Emperor’s ambitious plans while securing your family a place among the eternal ranks of the Terracotta Army.
 
Across five intense rounds, manage your hand of cards while influencing six regions of the empire. Play cards to gather matching resources, build your position in the regions or use the imperial court to unlock powerful actions. Recruit officials, hire workers, construct palaces, support the Great Wall, search distant lands for the elusive elixir of life as well as develop your influence through carefully timed decisions.
 
The court offers six different actions, but choosing the right opportunity is crucial. Your cards can provide permanent benefits throughout the game or help gain the Emperor’s approval, creating a strategic web of short-term gains plus long-term advantages. Regional influence also feeds into the unification system, rewarding players who contribute most effectively as the empire takes shape.
 
At the end of each round, unification rewards give the leading players valuable opportunities to exchange their accumulated tokens for powerful benefits. After five rounds, final scoring determines which family has done the most to support the Emperor’s grand vision.
 
With deep hand management, area influence and resource planning along with asymmetric opportunities within a richly detailed historical setting, Zhanguo: The First Empire is designed for experienced strategy gamers seeking a demanding tabletop challenge.