Empires Of The North - How To Play

[@WatchItPlayed]

Note: The game's rules have been updated since this video released. Raze tokens are now included when gaining Victory Points at the end of the game - they are worth 1 Victory Point for each one in your supply.

[@calebalexander6518]

I recently purchased this game and was watching this to assist with my teach prep. I am glad I checked the comments. Thank you for sharing the update to the rules!

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@calebalexander6518 I'm glad you caught it! Have fun playing :)

[@kormisosh]

Great video, Mr Smith, I got the game for Chrismas and you helped me a lot with the rules, I am now officially a fan of yours. Just one question, although I don't doubt your credibility (after all I was referred to you by a print on the box), I can't find the information on the rules update with the raze tokens included on the final scoring and I was wondering if this was a suggested variant by the designer or an official rule change? On Portal's web page I didn't find any mention on the topic. Cheers!

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@kormisosh It's an official change. I'm not sure where the publisher has recorded this officially, but I do work with the publisher, so I'm as confident as I can be that this is correct :) Cheers, and welcome the channel!

[@kormisosh]

@@WatchItPlayed Thanks for the prompt answer. Raze tokens included then!

[@brunobaetens4969]

You have a gift, a talent: you are one of those few teachers we always think of with a big smile and a good feeling for the rest of our life. Thank you!

[@RodneyJSmith]

So very kind of you to say Bruno - glad you're enjoying!

[@MsGinahidesout]

I agree!!

[@ProductionMabou]

I totally agree!

[@neverlooz]

Listen to your channel for years, from the first video in fact, I understand why you shift the focus from Watch It Played to How To Play, you are the best game teacher on the internet for sure.

[@jaretmorlan5050]

Full on agree. My son and I, after getting a new game, are always excited to watch your tutorial. You are, quite literally, the best.

[@ishaansamag3935]

You are the best board game tutorial channel ever. That's because your videos are so well oriented and professional! Thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

I'm so glad you've been enjoying the videos Ishaan!

[@ishaansamag3935]

That's because they are so good!

[@kingoftheapplesauce7135]

Just got my copy. Looks awesome. I like how the engine building is still there, but it seems to be lot more manageable and straight forward than regular Imperial Settlers. Great run through 👍

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you enjoyed what you saw!

[@Br0kenM0nkey]

Thank you like always for helping learn a new game a lot smoother. Just FYI, the FAQ/Errata states that you now get 1 VP for each Raze token in your supply end of the game.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Good to know!

[@dancheston5786]

I have a few solo plays under my belt so far. Can't wait to play vs humans now! Always great to watch your videos to see if I've been doing it right. My only miscue: I've been extending fields of different resource types. Totally missed that they need to be the same in the rulebook. Oops! Thanks for another phenomenal video!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad the video could help and so nice to know you've been enjoying the game Dan!

[@ewok-breath]

Hi Dan, how do you rate the solo play please?

[@dancheston5786]

@@ewok-breath I've only played solo twice, using the easiest clan in 2 different scenarios, but it's fun! I've enjoyed it a little more at 2 players, but I will definitely get more solo plays in. Each of the 6 solo scenarios (2 were from Portal pre-order promos) has a unique twist, demanding different strategies to tackle them. All 6 clan decks also play very differently from each other, so I basically have 36 unique games in the box.

[@ewok-breath]

@@dancheston5786 thank you! Even with 4 solo scenarios with six factions that would be great. It looks like something i would really enjoy playing - so I'll keep an eye out for release over here 😀

[@dancheston5786]

@@ewok-breath I'm sure more solo scenarios will follow, via bgg files and/or Portal's website and you KNOW more factions are coming. Now I just need to try the original Imperial Settlers...

[@Tyrogandio]

Now it's showing up! I'll watch it again so it gets the watch time. Thanks for the re-publish

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you Pedro, very appreciated!

[@jacobjslee]

Thanks for teaching me how to play! There should be a few more tie breaker rules to add to the list at the end of the video. That part was kind of funny.

[@WatchItPlayed]

:)

[@gmscott9319]

Flipping the box and catching it without looking - Easy. Saying the names of the game developers - Hard.

[@WatchItPlayed]

You aren't wrong!

[@a-blivvy-yus]

@@WatchItPlayed Posting a comment that earns a response from Rodney? Priceless. (sorry the format of the original comment reminded me of Mastercard advertising)

[@azizabdelmajeed295]

This was a really good video and really detailed, I understand the game now, its a bit much but all I need is to play it to remember it and thats not your fault, thanks for the good video, I liked and subscribed.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Welcome to the channel - and have a great time playing!

[@LassePeterson]

Received my copy today. Good to know where to start :-) With Rodney of course! Thanks!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Ah, have a great time playing Lasse!

[@veselinstoyanov8531]

Hi @Watch It Played and greetings from Bulgaria and Thank you for the amazing content. I have been watching the series for some time, mainly for the games we have purchased and you really helped me a lot to understand many things :) , your explanations are really good and understandable :) I really enjoy your videos but unfortunately I've missed a lot of the new content that you have created but I am glad to see that you expand :) . The video is great but there are still some specific things for some factions that are unclear to me :P . Could you please advise if there is a place where we can place request for other games to watch them played :) ? Thank you again for your work.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you've been enjoying. There really isn't anywhere you can request videos. I have to decide which ones I cover. Since they all take so much time to make, I can't really do personalized requests. Happy gaming!

[@TheStimply]

I would love to see a montage of all the out-takes in which Rodney drops the box after spinning it into the air. Does such a thing exist? Or perhaps... he's never dropped it once?? :D Love you Rodney!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Right here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4i7hYGeaMumg5I

[@eerroorr87]

Omg! You made me rewind twice to see you do that box flipping trick! Hahaha. So cool!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you liked it :)

[@_varden]

I'm not sure what to think about this one. I have Imperial Settlers already. It used to appear on my table quite often, until my group just burned out and forgot about it. I bought a few expansion packs as a refreshener, but we didn't want to bother with deckbuilding, so we went for the open/random format... and we didn't really enjoy it. It's just gathering dust on the shelf. There's something compelling about Empires of the North, but maybe it's just because I'm Polish and I want to support Trzewiczek. I think I'll wait for more reviews on BGG.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for checking out the video either way!

[@boardgamefangirl]

Zee Garcia of the Dice Tower gave it a 10/10 and said it was better than Imperial Settlers & 51st State and worth getting. Not that you should get it. You should watch his take too and see what you think since he does review it.

[@brownrhythms]

@@boardgamefangirl Broken Meeple also gave it a 10/10. Imperial Settlers is still a bit more straightforward, so I'll show my girlfriend this video and go from there.

[@LookAtTheBacon]

@@brownrhythms I disagree. This is a streamlined, family friendly version of Imperial Settlers. There is no deckbuilding before the game, no deckbuilding within the game and not even drafting. Also there are less ways to interact with each other (no destruction etc.) as well as no building of huge combos, as the game ends when someone reaches 25 points anyway. There is certainly depth here though, don't get me wrong, it's just not regular Imperial Settlers level by far. Especially not with several expansions (Why Can't We Be Friends, We Didn't Start The Fire, etc.).

[@Thantas]

Thank you! :) I think i am ready to try the solo mode and start learning the first deck!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Have a great time playing!

[@Thantas]

@@WatchItPlayed one question arose! ..can a player leave a ship one the expedition board and wait for the next turn for the new islands to show up?? Or should all players remove their ships from the expedition board during the clean up phase?

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@Thantas I'm not quite sure what you're referring to, could you give me a time stamp to the section of the video you're asking about?

[@Thantas]

@@WatchItPlayed The question is not relevant to your video! I just wonder if a player is allowed to leave a ship on the expedition board and wait for the next round’s action phase to pillage or conquer with this ship as an action activated from a location card.

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@Thantas I guess I'm not really clear on the question. Sometimes it can be hard to visual something being expressed through text. I can say that the video here does show you what's allowed though, so if you're asking to do something that isn't illustrated here, then no, it's probably not allowed.

[@WatchsNBoots]

Hi, I’m here for the amazing board game box flip, thanks you made my day

[@WatchItPlayed]

Have a great day :)

[@ZoidbergForPresident]

10:08 So it's two individual resources, never mind that the first one usually gives two woods?

[@_varden]

This specific card said "1 Resource from 2 different cards", so I think that makes sense.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Exactly, 2 individual resources - no matter how much the field would normally give you with a Harvest action.

[@giladnadler]

Hey! You are doing Vassel there from 23:16 !

[@WatchItPlayed]

Just a partial Vasel :)

[@einan1748]

Great vidéo thanks. Card 188 Need to know if you need to have a ship with the axe already on the expédition board to do the action ? Thank.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I do by best to answer all rules questions on the games I cover, but I avoid individual card effects, as that's a level of detail beyond what I can manage across all the videos I do. I'd suggest checking the rules forum for the game on BoardGameGeek or the publishers website. I hope you can find your answer there - have fun playing!

[@lopek43]

As always Great video and btw. Nice catch - try full box next time ;) ;)

[@WatchItPlayed]

I value the contents too much :)

[@medellangtlejon4788]

Thanks for the great teaching! A question about card #176 in the Glenn Clan deck. It shows to be played either as a Food field or as an upgrade to a food field, but since there are no other food field cards in that whole deck I wonder when you would be able to use the upgrade ability?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey Isac, I do my best to answer all general game play questions about the games I feature, but I avoid getting individual card effects, as that's a little more than I can manage as one person with all these videos :) That said, I'd recommend posting this question on the forums for the game at BoardGameGeek!

[@derradler5596]

Thank You! Best card explanation.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to say!

[@prufrock1977]

I loved Imperial Settlers. And 51st State Master Set is my favorite game. So this is an Insta-buy. Ignacy!!!! Stop taking my money!

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope you enjoy (I think you will!)

[@windylim8386]

great video always... i have question. for example, if i draw explore to play boost card from my clan action when i choose to explore, can i play that boost card immediately?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Sorry Windy, I’m finding the wording on the question a little confusing to follow.

[@Jay-si9dw]

I'm pretty sure you have to play the "explore to play" card before doing the explore action, so to answer your question.......no

[@KevinStees]

Great video, as always! Thanks, Rodney!

[@WatchItPlayed]

SO glad you liked it Kevin!

[@RickHunter1968]

Hello! I have a question, when you place a meeple on a card that has the action of assigning it, in the cleaning phase does that meeple return to your play area or stay on the card? Thanks in advance for the answer.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey Oscar, I am always happy to help with rules questions, but if the answer is in the video, than I have to direct you there. There is a handy dandy index in the description to help you find sections you might be looking for.

[@RickHunter1968]

@@WatchItPlayed Hello! Thank you for your answer. Yes, I found the answer to my question by watching carefully the video again!

[@HITFORDCYCLE1]

Couple of questions: If I used my raze token to exhaust an opponents card that had the mystic island copy on it, would this also block the copy feature meaning he/she would not be able to use the mystic island at all? If there are no more face up cards on the expedition board, can I use my boat to go to a near or far island that is still facedown,? (you explained this but I was not sure if it was still an option if the board no longer has ANY face up cards to explore? Thank you!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey David! You can always go to the top face down card on an expedition. For your other question, I'll have to pass, as I avoid getting into card specific effects and interactions (just a bit more than I can manage as one person with all the various games I cover).

[@HITFORDCYCLE1]

Watch It Played thanks. Completely understand.

[@LookAtTheBacon]

Afaik the Mystic Island still works. The card text does not specifically state that you have to target an active building, so it should still work. Also with one Raze you would effectively have canceled out two enemy actions, which would be a little too strong. So it's 2:0 for the Mystic Island still functioning properly. I hope this was helpful.

[@Lesspics1151]

What are those silver dots on the cards? Do they have a purpose?

[@EyalItsik]

Probably a counter of the copies of that card?

[@original1up]

How many copys of that card is in the deck

[@WatchItPlayed]

Yep, as others are saying, it let's you know how many copies of that particular card are in the deck.

[@abhijitshaw2019]

Hi, grear review. Please make a tutorial for Imperium Classics game.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for asking! Rodney talks about how he handles specific game requests here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5XXdaisfrqUbKM. I hope this helps! -Chaz

[@Twister4815]

Very well explained. Thumbs up

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you enjoyed - thank you!

[@salvadorfausto7558]

Clean up phase you return workers in the clan spent workers tule but do you get workers assigned to cards in your empire as well?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey, there, I'm always happy to try to help with rules questions, but if the answer is provided in the video, than I have to direct you there. You'll find an index in the description to help you find the section you might be looking for.

[@jonathancarre6932]

If you sail with a common ship, after the Expedition phase, does the common ship return to the player supply, or to the general supply?

[@WatchItPlayed]

It returns to your supply.

[@johnnyparos7]

Sorry for the silly question, but can you spend gold on cards that require other resources to activate them? For example, if a card says "spend a sheep to gain a VP," can you use gold instead of the sheep?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Yep!

[@ArsenalLT]

Hello, great videos! I have question for assign worker cards, if I didnt release worker from that card and now have multiple workers on it once I do release actions do i get back all workers? or just one?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Sorry, I’m traveling now, and not near my copy of the game, but If you check the end of the rulebook, there is a list of keywords, and it defines Release there. Also, this video explains it as well, if you haven’t watched the video yet, then I’d suggest starting there. There is an index in the description, to help you find the area of the video you are looking for as well.

[@ArsenalLT]

@@WatchItPlayed Ohh sorry for such questions, checked keywords at end of the rulebook, clearly says release 1 Worker. Played this today with two player setup, had a blast! Keep up with your videos, always fun to watch even if I dont plan to buy that game :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

Edgaras Isacenko So glad you enjoyed!

[@frankdetank9126]

Just continuing my trip through time on the Watch It Played meeple of moxie.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Catching up to the present!

[@frankdetank9126]

@@WatchItPlayed if you did a video on Imperial Miners, that'd get us pretty close to the present. 'Cause that's where I'm headed next.

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@frankdetank9126 Yeeeeep!

[@mat-ventures]

In the Glenn clan, the two cards with 2 tomatoes on it separated by a "/". Can you explain how to use them, since Im not sure why the / is on that ? (Sorry i don't recall the name of the cards)

[@WatchItPlayed]

I do my best to answer all rules questions on the games I cover, but I avoid individual card effects, as that's a level of detail beyond what I can manage across all the videos I do. I'd suggest checking the rules forum for the game on BoardGameGeek or the publishers website. I hope you can find your answer there - have fun playing!

[@Psyduck13pl]

When you HARVEST you can take goods from any card? Even if it's not a RESOURCE (like Axe)??..

[@WatchItPlayed]

You'll find that covered here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGe9eqeCq7aUns0

[@DanielLopez-ep9ex]

Can you please create a walkthrough for Root? I was thinking it could be a multi part series? One video for set up and basic mechanics then an additional video for each faction?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for the interest Daniel, I talk a bit about that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5XXdaisfrqUbKM&t=342

[@Coppertop777]

23:58 Box Inception.

[@BakedGoods]

One day I'd like to see a box flip go higher than the camera frame

[@WatchItPlayed]

Keep checking back then ;)

[@rawels.1605]

how is the replayability playing with the same clan more tha one time ? there is enough card and variation with the combos?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey Rawal, just seeing this question now. Sorry for the delayed reply. I avoid reviewing on this channel, and this question falls under that, as it's really going to depend on you as a player. I've played the same clans more than once, but my experience doing that and how much I enjoy it could be different from yours. I can say this - each time you play the clan, it's not likely that you'll go through the whole deck, and it's even less likely that you'll get the cards in the same order each time!

[@rawels.1605]

@@WatchItPlayed understood thank you for your time now i have a better idea about the game

[@scottelam3726]

This looks really complicated and overwhelming... but I'm hoping that after one play through, it'll be easier. Just got this for my birthday and was excited to play, but a tad concerned now.

[@WatchItPlayed]

First off - happy birthday! Second, I believe in you. If it helps, don't be afraid to replay the video, and have the game in front of you matching what you're seeing with what you are learning about. I believe in you!

[@scottelam3726]

@@WatchItPlayed we played the other night and it was an AMAZING experience! Not that difficult at all in the end and my family can't wait to play again and try different clans. I actually rewatched AFTER playing and it very much help solidify my understanding. Keep up the great work!

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@scottelam3726 Ah, that's great to hear! Glad it went smoothly and that you all had a great time :)

[@yousrabenslimane8582]

I have a question about empire of the north Roman banners how can you play a 4 player game if there is two clans

[@WatchItPlayed]

Sorry, I'm not really sure what you're asking.

[@yousrabenslimane8582]

I am asking when I could l played empire of the north Roman banners there was two clans and we were cou fused how to play with 4 players and only two clans

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@yousrabenslimane8582 If you have the core box (which is featured in this video and is necessary to play), then you can include the Roman Banners clans in your games.

[@moltenbullet]

Weird, my copy doesn't have unique scoring markers like that in the base game (only in the expansions).

[@WatchItPlayed]

Huh, I'm surprised to hear that.

[@Crelixal]

ProZD brought me here...…. and I guess I've discovered a new hobby!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Have fun diving in Jordan!

[@christorresm]

Awesome!

[@RulebooksForYou]

Great video, thanks!

[@garg064]

Hello, can I use a gold instead of food to exhaust my pawn?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Yes, gold can be used in place of food.

[@stevenvanheuverzwijn596]

In the FAQ it is now mentioned that raze tokes are included in the final scoring.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for the note Steven! I have now added it to a pinned comment and updated the description of the video.

[@chriswinston1223]

Such a great game!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ilqrd.6608]

I wonder where the replay value comes from, especially when one prefers a certain clan?

[@WatchItPlayed]

The order in which you gain the cards from your deck, will change how it plays. The action wheel order will also change, influencing your options there, as will the distant and far decks.

[@dontstress88]

Is this game better than Imperial Settlers (original game), since I`m not sure If I should buy expansion for Imperial settlers or chose Settlers Empires of the North. Anyone has any suggestions?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey Marko, I avoid reviewing on this channel, so I can't help you there - all the best in your quest to decide!

[@angelhb777]

아저씨 웃는 얼굴이랑 목소리가 너무 좋은것이에용!

[@WatchItPlayed]

감사합니다!

[@TheEricBooth]

How do you know which ships go with what clan?

[@WatchItPlayed]

This isn't as clear as it could be, but if you go through the deck of a clan, you'll find a card that shows a picture of a ship, and that's how I knew. Some are a bit more obvious (based on the theme of the deck). To help, I believe I have a shot in the video that shows each deck with its ships.

[@TheEricBooth]

@@WatchItPlayed Thanks

[@spiozke]

Awesome. Thanks, Rodney. Waiting for it in Russia

[@WatchItPlayed]

Enjoy!Hope you don't have to wait too long!

[@uncleocean2832]

How do I get this game cause I can’t find anywhere I can buy it

[@WatchItPlayed]

That's hard to answer. Not sure where you live or what options are available in your area. I do hope you have some success tracking it down!

[@uncleocean2832]

@@WatchItPlayed i got the game and im having lots of fun

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@uncleocean2832 Hey hey, glad you tracked it down!

[@DaBigBoss100]

Can you build 2 fields in 1 turn

[@WatchItPlayed]

Just one.

[@bijanajamlou5152]

Great video!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you Bijan!

[@Tr1pleOseveN]

Can you spent a gold to travel to the distant island or does it HAVE to be a fish?.....🤔

[@WatchItPlayed]

You can spend a gold!

[@Henrique_S_Ribeiro]

great video! this game is to easy like some peoples are saying?

[@WatchItPlayed]

I'm not sure what you mean by too easy, that said, I don't review on this channel, because, as you pointed out, everyone is going to have different opinions, and I can't really say for you, what your experience will be.

[@Henrique_S_Ribeiro]

@@WatchItPlayed fair :) love your "table talk". looking forward to the next

[@Drashia08]

Is the font and icons as tiny as Imperial settlers? That's what turned me off from that game.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I found them to be larger.

[@RulebooksForYou]

Just watched again - made learning the game again after 3 years possible on daylight savings brain tired mode 😅

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very glad to know this was helpful!

[@RulebooksForYou]

@@WatchItPlayed Always - and I write rulebooks, so you even help people in the industry too (not just new gamers).

[@MsGinahidesout]

I like the concept of this game, but there seems like there's a lot going on and it!

[@WatchItPlayed]

There's quite a bit, but after a play or two, you may not find it too bad at all!

[@PublicExecution]

Interesting how this how to play video came out in July 2019, while it took a long 8 months to do a video on the solo mode in April 2020. Likely, this was because of sympathy for solo gamers during the pandemic.

[@WatchItPlayed]

The publisher reached out to see if I would be able to do a solo only video, and I was glad to collaborate with them to make it happen.

[@kentay3109]

can you play millennialtoons, it's my favorite party game and I think it is under rated

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey Ken, I talk a bit about that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5XXdaisfrqUbKM&t=342

[@frankdetank9126]

🥓🥓🥓

[@stickandmud]

Is this a good game for kids though? 8-year-old-ish.. seems there is a ton of rules to keep in mind

[@WatchItPlayed]

I avoid questions like that, just because every kid is different and has different capacities. It gets especially complicated to answer when you consider that there are often kids who grasp game rules better than adults. Really depends on the individual.

[@stickandmud]

@@WatchItPlayed thanks for the reply! I don't know the kids that much so I went with Prophecy from Vlaada Chvatil. I know they already play Talisman wih a couple of expansions so that was a safe bet

[@stickandmud]

@@WatchItPlayed But I'm going to get this one for them some day, maybe next christmas

[@TheManofDew]

Not for me, but thanks for the video.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@nightmaregiraffe2671]

I swear I've seen this before...

[@TJTrickster]

Finally no one comments first

[@WatchItPlayed]

Shares some similarities with Imperial Settlers!