SEED GAME#2232 BGG all-time

Empyreal: Spells & Steam(2020)

★ 7.4 BGG2–6 playersWeight 2.86
Hexagon GridModular BoardNetwork and Route Building

Games like Empyreal: Spells & Steam

Looking for games like Empyreal: Spells & Steam? It's a strategy game with real decisions on every turn — built on asymmetric powers that make your side play unlike any other and carving out routes before your rivals box you in. This page rounds up 12 of the closest alternatives, scored on mechanical overlap with the original (45%), complexity match (35%), and player-count fit (20%), then weighted by BoardGameGeek community ratings so every pick is one players genuinely rate. The strongest matches come first; the further down you go, the more a game trades exact overlap for a fresh take on the same core appeal.

How ISO scores this list:Mechanic overlap 45%·Complexity proximity 35%·Player-count fit 20%·BGG quality multiplier applied

12 recommendations · scored by ISO

Wonderland's War(2022)

★ 8.02–5 players45 minWeight 3.0
ISO Match
64/100

Shares Open Drafting + 2 more

Area Majority / InfluenceDeck, Bag, and Pool BuildingDice Rolling

Worldspanner Factions, Set 1: Heroes(2024)

★ 8.62–8 playersWeight 3.1
ISO Match
63/100

Shares Hexagon Grid + 3 more

Grid MovementHexagon GridLine of Sight

The Chronicles of Dragon Wing(2011)

★ 6.72–10 playersWeight 3.0
ISO Match
63/100

Shares Hexagon Grid + 3 more

Dice RollingHexagon GridOpen Drafting

In the Hall of the Mountain King(2019)

★ 7.52–5 players90 minWeight 2.9
ISO Match
62/100

Shares Network and Route Building + 2 more

Grid CoverageNetwork and Route BuildingPick-up and Deliver

Iron Dragon(1994)

★ 7.02–6 playersWeight 2.9
ISO Match
62/100

Shares Hexagon Grid + 2 more

Crayon Rail SystemHexagon GridMultiple Maps

Witchstone(2021)

★ 7.52–4 players60 minWeight 2.8
ISO Match
62/100

Shares Hexagon Grid + 2 more

End Game BonusesGrid CoverageHexagon Grid

Small Railroad Empires(2021)

★ 6.61–4 playersWeight 2.3
ISO Match
62/100

Shares Hexagon Grid + 4 more

Hexagon GridModular BoardOpen Drafting

Wondrous Creatures(2024)

★ 8.11–4 players40 minWeight 3.0
ISO Match
62/100

Shares Hexagon Grid + 2 more

End Game BonusesHand ManagementHexagon Grid

Maglev Metro(2021)

★ 7.21–4 players60 minWeight 2.8
ISO Match
61/100

Shares Hexagon Grid + 2 more

End Game BonusesHexagon GridNetwork and Route Building

Mansions of Madness(2011)

★ 7.32–5 players120 minWeight 3.2
ISO Match
61/100

Shares Modular Board + 3 more

Area MovementDice RollingHand Management

Terra Nova(2022)

★ 7.12–4 players60 minWeight 2.9
ISO Match
61/100

Shares Hexagon Grid + 2 more

ChainingHexagon GridNetwork and Route Building

Monolith Arena(2018)

★ 7.32–4 playersWeight 2.4
ISO Match
61/100

Shares Hexagon Grid + 2 more

Hand ManagementHexagon GridPlayer Elimination

As an Amazon Associate, ISO earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability vary; ISO never displays prices. Affiliate links are marked rel="sponsored" per FTC guidelines.

IS

Get picks tuned to your shelf

This list is built from community data. Sign in to ISO and log what you own — your personal feed factors in your complexity preferences, play history, and the games already on your shelf.

Get personalized recommendations →

Free · no credit card · 2-minute setup

More recommendation lists