In the endless seas of clouds, there is no ground below. Life clings to drifting rocky isles, each harboring its own strange biome and people. Lizards, birds, insects, even humans thrive on these floating bastions. Some soar on wings of giant beasts, others build airships of metal, yet all find ways to trade, explore, and battle across the open skies. Though the islands often drift away from one another, once each generation the great storms pull them together, forcing neighbors into uneasy alliances or bloody wars. At the center of it stands the great fortress city of the Council, seat of the Hegemon, a meeting place for the hundreds of cultures of the world. As the guiding hand for your civilization, you are determined to secure your future by claiming a place of power. To this you call your advisors, marshall your forces, and venture forth into the Empyrean Skies.
A game of Empires Above places you in control of a floating civilization, competing for success with its rivals. On your turn, you will select 1 of 7 actions for your civilization to execute. You will explore new island clusters, research technologies, and build mighty airships with which to wage war. There are many potential paths to victory, so you need to plan your strategy according to the strengths and weaknesses of your unique faction and society cards. Choose when to score victory points so that your civilization can ascend to be the victor.
—description from the publisher