Shot and Chaser: Pocket Imperium

The wargame that fits just about anywhere and plays very quickly.

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You’d need a pretty big pocket, but it’s very small as far as wargames go.

Photo © 2026 WargamesandWhisky.com

News cycle got you down, but have too much to do? Let us introduce Pocket Imperium, a science-fiction 4X experience that can be played on your lunch break. (Note: we earn a small commission with the affiliate link at no cost to you.)

The innovation here is the consolidation of the Expand, Explore, and Exterminate Xs into action cards that Players select and lay out facedown in a row, then simultaneously reveal one at a time. For each of those ‘reveals’ any players who selected Expand will act first, then those that selected Explore, and lastly those who selected Exterminate - repeat two more times for the full round. The Exploit happens last in a round, when all players score points for the planets they control. The programming of all three of your actions before you see what anyone else has done makes Pocket Imperium a game of careful timing, trying to zag when your opponents think you will zig.

In the spirit of keeping things pocket-sized, we’d recommend pairing this one with your favorite mini bottle of whisk(e)y, whether Scotch or Irish whiskey. A few readily available recommendations are Glenmorangie, for the one who likes a lighter-bodied tipple, Glenfiddich, for those who appreciate the sweeter side of things, and Bushmills, an Irish whiskey with orchard-in-autumn notes.

Grab your favorite mini bottle and set forth to conquer the stars!

Photo © 2026 WargamesandWhisky.com