Imperium: Classics is a deck building game that looks to replicate the growth of historic and mythic "nations." The game features eight different nations, each with its own unique gameplay mechanics and solo behavior. The game can be played with one to four players in solo or two player modes.

A key part of the game is managing your nation's unrest, which represents turmoil within your nation. If the unrest pile in the market runs out, the game will end and the player with the least amount of unrest will be declared the winner. In addition to managing unrest, players must also manage their resources and population in order to get the most out of each turn. This is done by taking up to three actions and using up to five exhaust abilities.

Players can also choose to discard their entire hand to "break through" for a market card, allowing them to grab a card without taking any attached unrest. And if their hand is full of unrest, players can choose to revolt and get rid of it all. Although the game is primarily a deck builder, Imperium offers more in scope and play than many other deck building games. This Classics box includes the Carthaginian, Celt, Greek, Macedonian, Persian, Roman, Scythian, and Viking "nations." The game is suitable for players ages 14 and up and takes 60 to 120 minutes to play.