The Emperor and State

The Emperor and State

Early access since Jul 2024

The Emperor and State is a turn-based strategy game that simulates the rule of an ancient feudal monarch. It involves the administration, policy adjustment, diplomatic checks and balances, national wars, as well as the emperor's self-cultivation, the cultivation of successors and so on.

57% positive · 343 reviews
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
High confidence
Active Development
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
High confidence
Active Development

Where to buy

Steam $14.99
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Evaluation

The Emperor and State entered Steam Early Access on July 26, 2024 at version 0.3. At launch, the developer explicitly stated this was "just a small beginning" and that the game had not yet reached its "ultimate goal for the full version," with numerous planned features (faction struggle system, emperor's tour, princess marriage alliances) still to be implemented. Since launch, the developer has maintained an exceptionally active update cadence. The 49 posts scanned include 3 major content updates, 20 feature patches, and 22 bug fix patches. Recent updates have arrived roughly every 1–5 weeks: v0.65 (May 22, 2026), v0.66 (May 29, 2026), v0.67 (June 20, 2026), v0.68 (June 25, 2026), v0.69 (July 15, 2026), and v0.7 (July 31, 2026). Each update adds meaningful new content — new buildings, characters, game systems, and mechanics — alongside optimizations and bug fixes. The game remains at version 0.7, the Early Access flag is active, and the developer continues to deliver updates at a high frequency with no indication of an upcoming 1.0 release or conclusion of development.
Evidence
Feature patch v0.7 released, adding new official skills, characters, and game mechanics — the most recent of a long series of consistent updates.
news post · Jul 31, 2026 source development ongoing
high
Developer stated at Early Access launch that version 0.3 is 'just a small beginning' and that development will naturally continue, with multiple systems still planned for future implementation.
news post · Jul 26, 2024 source development ongoing
high

Content

1 of 1 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Hawthorn Games
Achievements
62
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player

About this game

Pleases follow us and add the The Emperor and State to your wishlist! Your support is the greatest motivation for game development!

English localization is still in progress. We expect to provide English support in the update after the release of the Early Access version. We sincerely ask for your understanding and patience.

Game Introduction

The Emperor and the State is a simulation game that combines elements of strategy, management, development, and collection. Players will portray ancient Chinese monarchs, governing the country, collecting renowned ministers and consorts from various eras, nurturing descendants, and ultimately building an enduring empire through generations.

Conduct court sessions, handle memorials, and set national policies. The State includes over 20 different Indicators that interdepend and influence each other. By adjusting the relationships between these Indicators, stabilize and promote the development of the nation.

Issue decrees, contemplate strategies, appoint officials, and enforce decrees. Decrees are categorized into seven major types, requiring issuance by the Secretaries of the six Ministry: Personnel, Revenue, Rites, Military, Punishment, and Public Works, as well as the Prime Minister. These decrees contribute to the governance and development of the nation, with most requiring cooperation between the Emperor and ministers through policy proposals.

Making distant friends while attacking nearby in diplomacy. Send envoys to other countries, establish trade relationships, or initiate wars...

Train soldiers, prepare military supplies. When the time is right, seize cities and conquer territories. Influence the course of war by issuing military commands.

Promote education, advance imperial examinations, and gather talented ministers. Through the annual imperial exams and additional special exams, collect historically outstanding ministers and employ them according to their abilities.

The Emperor possesses four attributes: governance, benevolence, valor, and talent. Engage in self-cultivation within various facilities in the imperial palace to enhance corresponding attributes. The Emperor's personal attributes greatly influence the efficiency of governance; therefore, properly schedule daily activities to exercise and improve oneself.

Gather beauties, bestow favor in the six palaces, and enjoy worldly splendor. Confer titles in the harem, bear imperial heirs, and relax to increase efficiency in other matters.

The Emperor is also mortal, and life has its limits. Choose the most talented prince in advance and focus on their cultivation. After the current Emperor's passing, the imperial heir will ascend the throne, and the game will continue! Through generations of inheritance, create your everlasting empire.

Through generations of inheritance, developing national strength, expanding territories, ultimately creating your eternal empire.

Last evaluated Aug 19, 2026
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