How Empires Work

Empires are systems of power, and Her Imperial Majesty has entrusted you to with building one. Do not disappoint her.

In How Empires Work you manage the development of a state, from local lordships to enormous networks of trade and conquest. Discover systems of taxation, trade, colonization, labour and more. As your state grows, unlock automation features that turn repeated actions into complex interlocking institutions. Build the economic and political machinery of empire, then employ your aristocracy to manage the bureaucracy that keeps it running.

Explore and expand across a hand-painted world that comes alive with flows of capital, commodities, and armies. Employ both diplomatic influence and conquest to bring new lands into your imperial system.

As your empire develops the game changes around you, and new approaches are required to stand the test of history. You will have to deal with internal troubles, rival powers, and - regrettably - the French. Grow your economy, expand your influence, and watch your decisions compound into a grand imperial structure.

If you master the game you might even learn How Empires Work!

Features

Discover and Master Systems

Start with the humble click of a button and expand into the management of an Early Modern state of tax collectors, traders, armies, colonies and bureaucrats!

A Hand-Painted Map

Explore new regions, build roads, manage provinces, and project influence far and wide.

Growth Over Centuries

Build your economic engine and let it propel you into new eras along the long arc of history!

Political Development

Lean on your aristocracy and growing bureaucracy to create the systems that sustain expansion!

A Wealthy State is a Strong State

Turn profit into power, and power into profit - just like real life!

An Angry Empress Telling You What to Do

Receive firm, helpful and always perfectly reasonable guidance from Her Imperial Majesty!