With the holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to gift a space-themed board game. These games offer fun for families and friends alike.
When looking for a board game, you’ll find them in three categories: heavyweight, medium, and lightweight. This guide highlights some of my favorite space-themed board games, all of which I’ve either purchased or played with friends. None were given to me for review.
Let’s dive into some of the best:
1. Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition
This game is a blend of strategy, diplomacy, and conflict. It’s known for its depth, allowing 4 to 8 players to explore the galaxy, build empires, and engage in political maneuvering. Players choose from various factions, each with unique abilities. While it offers exciting gameplay, it’s also one of the longest games, taking several hours to complete.
2. Gaia Project
If you enjoy terraforming and strategic planning, Gaia Project might be for you. Players use different factions to transform planets over competitive rounds. The game features a variable board, adding to its replayability. In the base version, you can choose from 14 factions, and expansions can add even more.
3. Nemesis
Imagine waking up on a space ship with a lurking alien. In Nemesis, players must complete objectives while facing threats from alien creatures. This game involves a mix of cooperation and potential betrayal, making every session unique. It’s more suited for players who enjoy a deeper, thematic experience.
4. Terraforming Mars
In this game, players represent different corporations aiming to make Mars habitable. You can raise temperature, place oceans, and build cities while competing with others. It’s approachable for newcomers to heavy games and has multiple expansions to enhance gameplay.
5. Apiary
In Apiary, players control space bees exploring the galaxy. It’s a creative worker placement game, focusing on resource management. The art is vibrant and appealing, making it enjoyable for a range of players.
6. Expeditions
This game takes you on an adventure, inspired by historical events like the Tunguska meteor. Players embark on a journey to explore, gather resources, and earn points. The artwork is visually stunning and engaging.
7. Pulsar 2849
A dice drafting game set in the cosmos, Pulsar 2849 allows players to develop their space colonies. It balances luck and strategy well, offering various paths to victory.
8. Catan: Starfarers
This adaptation of the classic Catan introduces players to space. You gather resources, establish colonies, and navigate your way through the galaxy. It’s simple enough for younger players yet still enjoyable for adults.
9. The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
A trick-taking game with a cooperative twist, The Crew requires players to work together to achieve goals without discussing detailed strategies. It’s quick and entertaining, making it a great option for casual gaming.
10. Twilight Inscription
A lighter counterpart to Twilight Imperium, this game condenses the experience into a quicker format, using dice and strategy boards. It’s perfect for those short on time but still looking for strategic gameplay.
In conclusion, whether you’re an experienced board gamer or new to the hobby, there are plenty of engaging space-themed games that cater to all preferences. According to a recent survey, more families are discovering board gaming as a way to bond, especially during holidays. So, grab one of these games, gather your loved ones, and enjoy some stellar fun!
