How To Play: Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization – Setup, rule summary and strategy

Quick Summary

Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization is a highly strategic board game where players compete to build and develop civilizations over the course of history. From resource management to technological advancements, cultural achievements, military strength, and card drafting, mastering each aspect is essential to secure victory.

In this captivating game, players must wisely allocate resources, navigate technological advancements, and construct wonders to propel their civilizations forward. Cultivating cultural achievements and military strength strategically plays a crucial role in determining the outcome.

Card drafting adds an extra layer of depth, requiring players to carefully select and utilize cards that align with their long-term goals. As civilizations evolve, players must balance resource production, defensive strategies, and diplomatic negotiations to overcome opponents and establish dominance.

With endless replay value and a wide array of strategies available, Through the Ages promises intense and exhilarating gameplay. The game's depth and complexity reward strategic thinking and adaptation, making each playthrough a unique and engaging experience.

Prepare to test your strategic acumen, make decisive choices, and leave an indelible mark on the tapestry of history as you strive to become the ultimate ruler of Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization.

Overview

Welcome to our comprehensive strategy guide for Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization! In this guide, we will take a deep dive into the world of this captivating civilization-building board game. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newbie to the game, our guide is here to help you navigate the complexities and increase your chances of victory.

Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization is renowned for its intricate gameplay mechanics, strategic decision-making, and immense replay value. This guide aims to provide you with not only an outline of the game rules but also the best strategies to employ in order to come out on top. The path to victory requires careful resource management, technological advancements, cultural achievements, military strength, and effective card drafting.

Each section of this guide delves into one aspect of the game and provides you with valuable insights, tips, and strategies. Whether you’re aiming for an all-conquering civilization or a cultural powerhouse, we’ve got you covered. By mastering these key areas and adapting to the ever-changing game landscape, you’ll have a higher chance of success.

So, if you’re ready to unravel the secrets of Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization and put your strategic skills to the test, let’s dive in and discover how you can forge your destiny and establish the greatest civilization of all time!

What’s in the box

  • 1 Main Game Board
  • 4 Player Boards
  • 340 Cards
  • Over 400 Wooden Tokens
  • 4 Culture Boards
  • 8 Action Tokens
  • 1 Corruption Marker
  • 4 Civil Actions Markers
  • 50 Food Tokens
  • 70 Resource Tokens
  • 10 Happiness Tokens
  • 10 Unhappy Faces
  • 9 Discovery Tokens
  • 4 Progress Tokens
  • 20 Shield Tokens
  • 4 Mine Tokens
  • 4 Military Tactics Tokens
  • 4 Urban Buildings Tokens
  • 48 Conflict Tokens
  • Rulebook

How to Play Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization – Rules Summary

1. Set Up the Game
  1. Place the main game board in the center of the play area.
  2. Give each player a player board, culture board, and markers.
  3. Shuffle the decks of cards (Age I, Age II, and Age III) and place them face down on the appropriate spaces on the board.
  4. Give each player a starting deck of cards and resources.
2. Understand Player Turns
  1. Each player takes turns clockwise.
  2. On their turn, players can take various actions, such as acquiring cards, playing cards, constructing buildings, and more.
  3. Players can also perform military actions, wage war, and negotiate diplomatic relations.
  4. Actions cost civil actions and resources.
3. Manage Resources and Production
  1. Resources include food, materials, science, culture, and military strength.
  2. Produce resources by managing farms, mines, and urban buildings.
  3. Balance resource production according to your civilization’s needs and strategy.
4. Explore and Expand your Civilization
  1. Use civil actions to acquire cards and technologies.
  2. Progress through the ages by building wonders, urban buildings, and more.
  3. Upgrade your military to maintain defense and conquer opponents’ territories.
5. Score Victory Points and Achievements
  1. Victory points are acquired by developing culture, completing wonders, winning wars, and achieving other milestones.
  2. Additional end-game points are awarded based on achievements and progress.
  3. The player with the most victory points at the end of the game wins.

Remember, this rules summary provides a condensed overview. Consult the rulebook for the complete and official rules of Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization. Now that you have a grasp of the rules, dive in and strategize to build the most extraordinary civilization!

Best Through The Ages A New Story Of Civilization Strategies

Resource Management: The Key to Victory

Resource management is a crucial aspect of Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization that can tip the scales in your favor. Effectively managing your resources allows you to sustain your civilization’s growth and pursue a winning strategy. Here are some valuable resource management strategies to increase your chances of success:

1. Prioritize Food Production
  1. Allocate enough resources to ensure a steady supply of food.
  2. Invest in technologies and buildings that enhance food production.
  3. Adapt your food production to match the needs of your growing population.
2. Balance Resource Distribution
  1. Weigh the importance of each resource and distribute them accordingly.
  2. Allocate resources strategically to meet different needs, such as science, culture, and military strength.
  3. Constantly evaluate and adjust resource allocation based on your current goals and game situation.
3. Optimize Card Actions
  1. Utilize cards that offer resource bonuses or reduce resource costs.
  2. Coordinate card plays to maximize resource generation and minimize waste.
  3. Plan your card drafting carefully to ensure a well-rounded mix of resource-related cards.

By effectively managing your resources, you can maintain a strong economy and propel your civilization toward victory. Remember to adapt your resource allocation and strategies based on your opponents’ actions and the changing game state. Consistent refinement and optimization of resource management will give you a significant advantage on your path to triumph.

Mastering Technology Advancements for Victory

Technology advancements play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of your civilization in Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization. By strategically pursuing technological progress, you can gain significant advantages over your opponents. Here are some effective strategies for maximizing your technology advancements:

1. Research Essential Technologies Early
  1. Identify key technologies that provide early-game benefits.
  2. Prioritize researching these technologies to gain an advantage.
  3. Focus on technologies that enhance resource production, military strength, or cultural development.
2. Plan Ahead and Prioritize Progressive Technologies
  1. Engage in long-term planning by identifying technologies that are critical for your chosen strategy.
  2. Prioritize researching these progressive technologies to establish long-term advantages.
3. Balance Technological Specialization
  1. Consider specializing in certain technological branches that align with your chosen play style.
  2. Explore multiple technological paths to ensure a well-rounded technological advantage.
  3. Balance specializing in specific areas with acquiring general technologies to maintain flexibility.

Strategic technology advancements can provide you with a competitive edge as you progress through the ages. Be mindful of your opponents’ technological progress and adapt your strategy accordingly. Aim to acquire technologies that synergize with your civilization’s strengths and objectives. By leveraging technological advancements effectively, you can position yourself as a formidable force and pave the way to victory!

Cultural Achievements: Shaping the Future

Cultural achievements hold significant weight in Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization. By focusing on cultural development, you can gain an edge over your opponents and secure a path to victory. Here are some effective strategies to maximize your cultural achievements:

1. Prioritize Wonders and Cultural Buildings
  1. Identify the most valuable wonders and cultural buildings that contribute to cultural development.
  2. Prioritize constructing these buildings to gain cultural points early and consistently.
  3. Strategically select wonders that provide combinations of culture and other benefits, such as increased resource production or military strength.
2. Pursue Great People
  1. Focus on recruiting great people who can bolster your cultural achievements.
  2. Choose great people who have powerful cultural abilities or offer advantages for cultural development.
  3. Strategically time their use to maximize their impact on your cultural progress.
3. Invest in Culture-Boosting Technologies
  1. Explore and acquire technologies that enhance cultural achievement.
  2. Focus on technologies that grant cultural bonuses or unlock powerful cultural events.
  3. Balance your research investments between cultural technologies and other essential branches.

A well-developed cultural strategy can provide you with a substantial advantage in the race for victory. Cultivating wonders, recruiting great people, and investing in cultural technologies are all crucial aspects to focus on. Take calculated risks and consider your opponents’ cultural progress as you shape the future of your civilization through cultural achievements.

Dominance through Military Strength

Military strength is a crucial component of success in Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization. By focusing on building a formidable military, you can secure your empire and expand your influence over rival civilizations. Here are strategies for maximizing your military strength:

1. Consistent Military Buildup
  1. Allocate resources regularly to build and upgrade your military units.
  2. Bolster your military by training soldiers and investing in military technologies.
  3. Maintain a balance between building an offensive force and establishing a defensive presence.
2. Forge Alliances and Diplomatic Relationships
  1. Seek to establish diplomatic ties and mutual defense pacts with other civilizations.
  2. Form alliances to deter aggression and receive support during conflicts.
  3. Negotiate favorable trade agreements to enhance your military capabilities.
3. Timing and Strategy in Conflicts
  1. Strategically plan your military actions to maximize their impact.
  2. Choose opportune moments to wage wars or engage in diplomatic negotiations.
  3. Adapt your strategy based on the prevailing military balance and your opponents’ actions.

Military dominance can provide you with superiority in conflicts and leverage during negotiations. An effective military strategy, supported by consistent development, alliances, and careful planning, can lead you to victory. Assess the military landscape, calculate risks, and seize opportunities to establish your empire as an unstoppable force.

Card Drafting: Building the Perfect Deck

Card drafting is a pivotal aspect of Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization. By carefully selecting and utilizing cards, you can shape and optimize your civilization’s development. Here are effective strategies for mastering the art of card drafting:

1. Recognize Card Value
  1. Evaluate the potential usefulness and long-term value of each card before making a choice.
  2. Consider the immediate benefits, as well as how the card aligns with your long-term strategy.
  3. Identify cards that synergize well with your existing cards and abilities.
2. Invoke a Balanced Approach
  1. Strive for a balanced deck that contains a mix of different types of cards.
  2. Include cards that cover various aspects, such as resource management, military strength, technology advancements, and cultural achievements.
  3. Ensure that your deck provides flexibility to adapt to changing game situations.
3. Adapt to Opportunities and Threats
  1. Be open to adjusting your strategies based on the cards available during the drafting phase.
  2. Recognize when it is necessary to pivot your strategy and prioritize acquiring specific cards.
  3. Monitor the cards drafted by opponents and adjust your approach accordingly.

Mastering the art of card drafting is key to building a powerful and synergistic civilization. Pay careful attention to the value of each card, strive for balance in your deck composition, and adapt your strategy to exploit opportunities and counter threats. Through strategic card selection and a well-constructed deck, you can chart a path to victory in Through the Ages.

Conclusion: Forge Your Civilization’s Legacy

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our strategy guide for Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization. Armed with valuable insights and effective strategies, you are now equipped to embark on a journey of building the most prosperous and influential civilization of all time.

Through the Ages offers a rich and immersive gameplay experience, with intricate mechanics that reward skillful decision-making and strategic planning. By focusing on resource management, advancing technologies, cultural achievements, military strength, and strategic card drafting, you can shape the fate of your civilization and emerge victorious.

But remember, the path to triumph will be filled with challenges and rivals aiming to achieve greatness. Stay adaptable, evaluate your opponents’ actions, and be prepared to revise your strategies as you navigate through different ages and ever-changing landscapes.

Now, it’s time to grab your player board, rally your leaders, and make history across the ages. The success of your civilization lies in your strategic prowess and your ability to adapt and conquer. Forge new stories, shape a glorious legacy, and etch your name among the greatest rulers in Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization!

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.