You never have the world to yourself. Rival empires share the map in a free-for-all, all grabbing for the same good ground.
What the AI does
Rival empires play the same game you do, with no hidden bonuses. They expand by founding new cities, build out an economy, train armies, and go on the offensive once they have gathered enough force. Because they use the same actions available to you, a rival’s empire is built the same way yours is.
How you interact with them
Rivals create the pressure that makes the map matter. Their borders limit where you can expand, their cities are targets, and their armies are threats you have to read and counter. Capturing a rival city flips it and its districts to you; losing your last city ends your run.
Why it matters
Because the AI competes for the same finite resources and land, there is no safe, scripted lane. Every empire that grows is one less patch of good ground for you, which is what turns settling and building into a race rather than a sandbox.
This article reflects the game in active development and will change as systems evolve.