Twilight Imperium (4th Edition)

Twilight Imperium (4th Edition) is an epic space strategy game in which three to six players represent various galactic factions in a contest for supremacy of the universe. Each faction, of the seventeen available, has unique abilities and characteristics, which shape the way you play and interact with others. From the cunning Sardakk N'orr to the diplomatic Emirates of Hacan, each offers a unique experience, full of alliances and betrayals. The game board is set up dynamically, using 51 tiles representing planets, asteroid fields and new galaxies, allowing the configuration of the game to be different every time. Players take turns building the galaxy around Mecatol Rex, the central planet, which serves as the heart of the great empire. The struggle for control of the galaxy is not just military; diplomacy and trade play crucial roles, and every move can completely alter the balance of power. Rounds begin with the choice of strategic cards that define the order of play and offer special actions, from moving fleets to manipulating galactic laws. After the planning phase, players engage in battles, colonizations and negotiations, while advancing towards their public and secret goals. The objectives, which are gradually revealed throughout the game, add an extra layer of complexity and strategy, as each player seeks to achieve their goals in order to score points and get closer to victory. A player wins by reaching ten victory points, but this journey is full of challenges and surprises, ensuring that each game of Twilight Imperium is a new saga of galactic conquest and conquest. Complexity: 4.3 / 5 (BGG 29/03/2023)

Age 14 + 480 min 3 to 6 players

Table of Contents
- How to Play
- Tips for playing
- Game mechanics
- Game components
- Additional Information

How to play Twilight Imperium (4th Edition)

First, choose a race from among those available, each with its own unique abilities. Prepare the board by setting up the galactic systems, following the rules in the manual for arranging the pieces.

Each player receives public and secret objective cards. Place ships and starting troops according to their race card. Determine the turn order by dealing initiative cards.

At the start of each round, everyone chooses a strategy card. These cards define the priority actions and special abilities that can be used.

During your turn, you can perform a strategic, tactical or influence action. Tactical actions allow you to move your ships and engage in combat, while strategic actions unlock abilities from the cards you choose. Use influence actions to manipulate policies and laws in the galactic council.

Earn victory points by completing objectives or by controlling Mecatol Rex and other strategic planets. The game ends when a player reaches the required total of victory points.

Diplomacy is key. Negotiate trade goods, alliances and agreements with other players. Use your power of influence and vote in the political phases to gain decisive advantages.

Main objective

In Twilight Imperium (4th Edition), the main objective is to achieve 10 victory points by fulfilling public and secret objectives in order to control the universe in an epic strategy scenario. Players take on the role of unique galactic factions, expanding their empires, negotiating alliances, fighting battles and developing technologies. Each turn, players compete for political influence and resources, trying to fulfill conditions that guarantee them victory points, while preventing their opponents from doing the same. The game ends when one player reaches the required score and becomes the new ruler of the universe.

Tips for playing Twilight Imperium (4th Edition)

Here are some tips for doing better in the game Twilight Imperium (4th Edition):

  • Understand your faction's unique skills and strategy; each has specific strengths and weaknesses that you should take advantage of.
  • Establish strategic alliances, but always keep an eye on them, as they can quickly be undone.
  • Control the high resource production systems at the start of the game to ensure a good economic base.
  • Manage your ships and military units carefully; clever positioning can intimidate opponents without having to attack.
  • Pay attention to the agendas during the political phase; influencing votes can drastically change the course of the game.
  • Plan your moves with secret objectives in mind; they are often the key to an unexpected victory.
  • Never underestimate the importance of technology; it can offer decisive advantages in confrontations and expansion.
  • Manage your playing time well, especially during the planning phase, to maximize the efficiency of your actions.
  • Maintain open communication with other players to exchange information and negotiate during the game.
  • Be prepared to adapt to unexpected changes in your opponents' strategy; flexibility is essential.

Video about the game

Mechanics of Twilight Imperium (4th Edition)

  • Players with Different Skills: Each player chooses a race with unique abilities, influencing their strategy. The races range from elusive merchants to ruthless warriors, providing a diverse gaming experience.
  • Hexagonal grid: The board is made up of hexagons, representing planetary systems. Players expand across these hexes, planning a strategy for controlling territory.
  • Negotiation: Players can form alliances, exchange resources and create political or military agreements. These negotiations are crucial for forming strategies and temporary alliances.
  • Variable phase order: The game is divided into several phases, such as Strategy, Action and Status. Each phase has a fixed order of execution, but the selection of the Strategy Card can change this order, influencing the flow of the game.
  • Rolling dice: Combat and some special abilities are resolved by rolling dice, introducing an element of controlled randomness into the battles.
  • Modular tray: Each match has a different board, set up with hexagonal tiles that create a unique galaxy, encouraging replayability and different exploration and control tactics.
  • Votação: At the end of each round, players vote on laws and political agendas, using their accumulated influence. Galactic politics can change significantly depending on the decisions made.
  • Area Impulse: Players expand to control areas, using ships to explore and colonize new systems, consolidating power and increasing their resources and strategic options.
  • Influence / Majority in the Area: Control of planets and systems grants resources and influence, and is essential for building fleets, technological research and political power.
  • Trees / Technology Trails: Players develop advanced technology in a technology tree, improving their skills in combat, movement, production and diplomacy.
  • Follow Action: When a player chooses a Strategy Card, others can choose to "follow" some of their actions by paying command tokens, benefiting from the actions of others in a strategic way.

Game components Twilight Imperium (4th Edition)

See all the items in the game below Twilight Imperium (4th Edition):

  • 17 Alliance Tokens
  • 80 Tactics Cards
  • 6 Command cards
  • 49 Hunting Markers
  • 62 Unit Improvement Charters
  • 1 Protector marker
  • 40 Mission Cards
  • 354 Plastic units
  • 2 Creuss Wormhole Chips
  • 1 Victory Points Trail
  • 122 Engineering Letters
  • 272 Action Markers
  • 49 Infantry Markers
  • 8 Strategy Cards
  • 348 System Parts
  • 41 Promissory Letters
  • 1 Naalu marker "0"
  • 8 Ten-Sided Dice
  • 289 Control markers
  • 48 Trade Markers
  • 50 Agenda Cards
  • 2 Nekro Assimilation Markers

Additional Information

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