Warring States: Seven Hegemons

About the Game

Conquering a city is only the beginning. To stand your ground among rival states, you must sustain your armies, retain your talent and care for your people.

Warring States: Seven Hegemons is a single-player, turn-based strategy game set in ancient China's Warring States era. Take charge of a state and issue orders each season, weighing the needs of the economy, the people, diplomacy and war. Victory depends not just on the battlefield, but on the strength of the state behind it.

Different states, different paths to power

Choose Qin, Chu, Qi, Yan, Zhao, Wei, Han or Yue. Each state's geography, resources, historical figures and unique policies present different challenges. Develop trade and build your strength, or secure your borders and gradually expand: the choice is yours.

Build an economy that serves your ambitions

Develop local resources, build industries and undertake major state projects to supply your military, support your people and fund reforms. Grain spoils, facilities need upkeep, and selling large quantities of the same goods drives prices down. Consult the resource ledger to decide which investments to maintain and which expenses to cut.

Recruit talent and put reformers in office

Recruit historical figures with offers of office, generous payments and gifts. Certain reforms require specific figures to hold office, while major projects also need someone to oversee them. Appointments are limited, and talented people may leave for other states. Bringing in a capable official means making room in both your government and your budget.

Diplomacy and conquest both come at a cost

Navigate relations between states through trade agreements, mutual aid, protection and vassalage. War consumes provisions and military funds, and affects public sentiment. Newly conquered cities must be pacified and their production restored before they can contribute to your state's strength.

Combat centers on army organization, troop composition, terrain and supply preparations. Battles are resolved by the game system; you do not control battlefield units in real time.

Make seasonal decisions and live with the consequences

Respond to events involving famine, labor levies, trade routes and talent, weighing immediate difficulties against long-term gains. Play a short campaign of fifteen seasons or embark on a long campaign. Pursue accomplishments through trade and prosperity or territorial expansion and consolidation, and keep governing after you achieve them.

This is a game inspired by history, not a strict recreation of a historical timeline. The map, character abilities, policy effects, portraits and dialogue include artistic interpretations.