Imperator: Rome: split-screen and player count

25 Apr 2019
27players
Evenings at a time

Strategy · Grand Strategy · Simulation

Grand strategy in the ancient Mediterranean: lead Rome, Carthage or one of hundreds of other states through war, trade, families and provincial politics.

65%Mixed19,000 Steam reviewsMetascore 76 · OpenCritic 79 · 74% of critics recommendSteam Deck playable

Who can play

No split-screen on any platform.
Online for up to 27 players on PC.
Each player online needs their own copy.

SteamPrice on SteamGet it

A copy each

How it plays

Each player runs a nation on the same map while the AI runs the rest, so a group can carve up the Mediterranean as allies or turn on each other.
Campaigns span many eveningsThe host saves the game and reopens it as a lobby, and players can join a game in progress.
It is PC only, and each player needs a copy.

Strategy

Is it good

65%

Mixed on Steam

of 19,000 reviewsRead on Steam (opens the store in a new tab)

Steam Deck Playable

Every way to play together

No split-screen. Online versus for up to 27 on PC. 65% positive of 19,000 Steam reviews.

- PC
PCCheck (how we check facts)
Same screen
No
Same room, own screens
No
Online
27players, versus
Each player leads a nation in one campaign and may ally with or fight the others. Paradox ran a 27-player game; the cap itself is not published.

CheckDetails marked Check are being verified. How we check facts

Quick facts

Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Platforms: PC
Released: 25 Apr 2019 on PC
Languages: Text in 6 languages
Also needs: Paradox Accounts (Requirement is for multiplayer only)

Answers

Updated October 27, 2026

Does Imperator: Rome have couch co-op?: No. Imperator: Rome has no same-screen multiplayer; play it together online instead.
How many players can play Imperator: Rome together?: Online versus for up to 27 on PC.
Do you need two copies of Imperator: Rome?: Yes. Each player online needs their own copy.
What platforms is Imperator: Rome on?: PC.
Does Imperator: Rome work on Steam Deck?: Yes, with some extra steps: Steam rates it Playable for Steam Deck.
Is Imperator: Rome free?: No, it's a paid game.

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