Top Space-Themed Board Games
Updated: September 7th, 2024
If you're a fan of space-themed board games, you're in for a treat. These games transport you to galaxies far, far away, where you can explore, conquer, and build your interstellar empire. Whether you're an experienced board gamer or a casual player looking to dive into the cosmos, this list has something for everyone.
Here are the top 20 best board games set in space, offering a mix of complexity, different gameplay elements, and endless hours of fun.
Disclaimer: Games are not sorted in any particular order. This is not a review article - the article includes a brief overview of each game. The article contains affiliate links - when you buy through links on our site, we may earn commission at no cost to you.
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Best Table Top Games Set in Space
Terraforming Mars
👉 Read our full Terraforming Mars review here.
Gameplay Mechanics: Strategy, resourse management, eurogame.
Thematic Elements: Well... Terraforming Mars.
Player Interaction: Medium, with competition of the board elements.
Theme and Playability: In Terraforming Mars players control their megacorporation and competes in the process of terraforming Mars. The theme fits well the gameplay elements, like, raising temperature, oxygen levels, planting forests, and more.
Strong Points: Great gameplay, theme, good pace with little downtime between turns, wide variety of cards and possible actions.
Weak Points: The game's complexity can be overwhelming for newcomers; art style.
Personal Opinion: Terraforming Mars is our go-to space game at the moment. It has fun gameplay with a lot of strategic options. In our review we gave it a 4.5/5 stars, so if space themed games interest you, have a look at it.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Arcs
Gameplay Mechanics: Strategy, combat, card management.
Thematic Elements: Galactic expansion and space combat.
Player Interaction: High as the core mechanics revolve around combat and playing cards depending on other player cards and actions.
Theme and Playability: In Arcs, players build spaceships, space cities and space ports to gain their superiority against other players! But the key mechanic is that the the points will be counted for ambitions that the players will set themselves.
Strong Points: Interesting ambition (point-getting) mechanism, cut-throat gameplay, quality components.
Weak Points: The game's complexity can be overwhelming for newcomers; many players might consider it to be too competitive, unlucky dice throw can be very disastrous, especially, if done early in the game.
Personal Opinion: Arcs is a new game (at the time of writing it is still not officially available for purchase) with a unique take on competitive games. It introduces engaging board game mechanisms making you think your next moves almost non-stop. Overall, it is a fun game in the right company but it is not for the casual players.
Evacuation
Gameplay Mechanics: Competitive, strategy, building, race.
Thematic Elements: Evacuating your nation to a new planet.
Player Interaction: Medium, competing for cards and board elements.
Theme and Playability: In Evacuation the old planet is burning and players need to transport their nation to the new planet by managing economy, juggling resources, building space ships, managing power, and more.
Strong Points: Two-world mechanics, high flexibility of actions, strategy cards.
Weak Points: Overwhelming rules, especially in the advanced mode;
Personal Opinion: Evacuation is a new take on the space themed games, introducing novel mechanics and many possible actions to get to your goal. That alone makes it a candidate for one Edward's wish-listed board games of this year.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Twilight Imperium (4th Edition)
Gameplay Mechanics: Strategy, diplomacy, exploration, combat.
Thematic Elements: Galactic empire building and conflict.
Player Interaction: High, with alliances and conflicts
Theme and Playability: Twilight Imperium epitomizes epic space operas in board gaming. Players lead different factions vying for galaxy control through diplomacy, warfare, and trade.
Strong Points: Its vast scope and depth offer a truly immersive experience. The game encourages strategic thinking and negotiation.
Weak Points: The game's length and complexity can be overwhelming, requiring a full day to play.
Personal Opinion: Twilight Imperium's epic scale and deep strategic elements make it a must-play for serious board gamers. It's a grand saga of interstellar politics and warfare.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy
Gameplay Mechanics: Exploration, resource management, combat
Thematic Elements: Space exploration and empire building
Player Interaction: High, with strategic combat and alliances
Theme and Playability: Eclipse lets players explore the galaxy, build their civilizations, and engage in space battles. It combines resource management with tactical combat.
Strong Points: The game's balance between strategic planning and tactical combat is excellent, and the modular board keeps the gameplay fresh.
Weak Points: The rules can be complex, and the setup time is considerable.
Personal Opinion: Eclipse's blend of strategy and combat provides a thrilling space exploration experience. The game's replayability and depth keep me coming back.
XIA: Legends of a Drift System
Gameplay Mechanics: Sandbox, exploration, trading, combat
Thematic Elements: Open-world space adventure
Player Interaction: High, with trading, alliances, and conflicts
Theme and Playability: XIA offers a sandbox experience where players can explore, trade, and battle in a vibrant, open-world space setting. The game is highly modular and customizable.
Strong Points: The freedom to choose your path and the detailed components make the game highly immersive. The variability ensures no two games are the same.
Weak Points: The game can be lengthy, and the rules are complex, which might not suit everyone.
Personal Opinion: XIA's open-ended gameplay and rich thematic elements create a unique space adventure. The freedom to carve your own path is exhilarating.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Star Realms
Gameplay Mechanics: Deck building, combat
Thematic Elements: Space battles and empire building
Player Interaction: High, with direct combat
Theme and Playability: Star Realms is a fast-paced deck-building game where players build space fleets and outmaneuver opponents in combat.
Strong Points: The game's quick setup and playtime make it accessible. The strategic depth of deck-building and combat is highly engaging.
Weak Points: The game is more suitable for head-to-head play and might not be as engaging with more players.
Personal Opinion: Star Realms' quick play and strategic depth blend make it a perfect filler game. Its portability and replayability are major pluses.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Race for the Galaxy
Gameplay Mechanics: Card drafting, tableau building, resource management
Thematic Elements: Space exploration and civilization building
Player Interaction: Low to moderate, with competition for cards
Theme and Playability: Race for the Galaxy has players building galactic civilizations through card drafting and resource management. The game is fast-paced and strategic.
Strong Points: The deep strategic choices and variety of cards ensure high replayability. The learning curve is steep but rewarding.
Weak Points: The game's iconography can initially be confusing and may take learning time.
Personal Opinion: Race for the Galaxy's strategic depth and quick play make it a staple in my collection. The variety of strategies keeps the game exciting.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Galaxy Trucker
Gameplay Mechanics: Real-time tile placement, resource management
Thematic Elements: Space trucking and ship building
Player Interaction: Moderate, with competitive ship building and race elements
Theme and Playability: Galaxy Trucker is a chaotic and fun game where players build space trucks in real time and then race them through dangerous space routes.
Strong Points: The real-time ship-building phase is frantic and fun. The game's humor and thematic elements are well-integrated.
Weak Points: The chaotic nature might not appeal to everyone, and the randomness can be frustrating.
Personal Opinion: Galaxy Trucker's blend of real-time action and strategic planning makes it a unique and entertaining game. The light-hearted theme adds to the fun.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Star Wars: Rebellion
Gameplay Mechanics: Strategy, area control, asymmetrical gameplay
Thematic Elements: Galactic conflict between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance
Player Interaction: High, with direct conflict and strategy
Theme and Playability: Star Wars: Rebellion is an epic game of cat-and-mouse set in the Star Wars universe. One player controls the Empire, while the other leads the Rebel Alliance.
Strong Points: The asymmetrical gameplay and strategic depth are impressive. The game captures the Star Wars theme perfectly.
Weak Points: The game is lengthy and complex, which might deter some players.
Personal Opinion: Star Wars: Rebellion's thematic immersion and strategic depth make it a standout game. The epic battles and covert operations are thrilling.
Cosmic Encounter
Gameplay Mechanics: Negotiation, area control, special powers
Thematic Elements: Intergalactic diplomacy and conflict
Player Interaction: High, with negotiation and alliances
Theme and Playability: Cosmic Encounter is a game of intergalactic diplomacy, alliances, and conflict. Each player controls a unique alien species with special powers.
Strong Points: The game's negotiation and alliance mechanics are highly engaging. The variety of alien powers ensures no two games are the same.
Weak Points: The game can be unpredictable and chaotic, which might not suit everyone.
Personal Opinion: Cosmic Encounter's negotiation and strategic depth blend makes it a classic. The unique alien powers add endless variety and replayability.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Sidereal Confluence
Gameplay Mechanics: Trading, negotiation, resource management
Thematic Elements: Interstellar trading and alliances
Player Interaction: High, with constant negotiation and trading
Theme and Playability: Sidereal Confluence is a game of intense trading and negotiation set in space. Players must cooperate and compete to build their empires.
Strong Points: The game's focus on trading and negotiation is unique and highly engaging. The variety of alien factions adds depth and replayability.
Weak Points: The constant negotiation can be overwhelming and might not suit everyone.
Personal Opinion: Sidereal Confluence's unique focus on trading and negotiation makes it a standout game. The dynamic interactions and strategic depth are highly rewarding.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Roll for the Galaxy
Gameplay Mechanics: Dice rolling, tableau building, resource management
Thematic Elements: Space exploration and colonization
Player Interaction: Low to moderate, with competition for resources
Theme and Playability: Roll for the Galaxy is a dice game where players build space empires by managing resources and exploring new worlds. The game is fast-paced and strategic.
Strong Points: The dice rolling and tableau building mechanics are well-integrated. The game's speed and strategic depth are impressive.
Weak Points: The luck factor in dice rolling might not appeal to everyone.
Personal Opinion: Roll for the Galaxy's blend of strategy and luck makes it a fun and engaging game. The variety of strategies and quick playtime are major pluses.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Star Trek: Ascendancy
Gameplay Mechanics: Exploration, resource management, diplomacy
Thematic Elements: Star Trek universe and galactic exploration
Player Interaction: High, with diplomacy and conflicts
Theme and Playability: Star Trek: Ascendancy lets players control major factions from the Star Trek universe, exploring and expanding their empires through diplomacy and warfare.
Strong Points: The game's thematic immersion and strategic depth are excellent. The diplomacy and exploration mechanics are highly engaging.
Weak Points: The game's length and complexity might be daunting for some players.
Personal Opinion: Star Trek: Ascendancy's blend of exploration and diplomacy makes it a must-play for Star Trek fans. The strategic depth and thematic richness are highly rewarding.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
Gameplay Mechanics: Strategy, combat, campaign-based
Thematic Elements: Based on Star Wars cinematic universe and tactical missions
Player Interaction: High, with direct combat and cooperative elements
Theme and Playability: Imperial Assault is a tactical combat board game set in the Star Wars universe. Players embark on missions, battling enemies and completing objectives.
Strong Points: The campaign mode and tactical combat are highly engaging. The game's thematic immersion is excellent.
Weak Points: The game can be complex and lengthy, requiring significant time investment.
Personal Opinion: Imperial Assault's tactical depth and thematic immersion make it a standout game. The campaign mode offers a rich and rewarding experience.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
On Mars
Gameplay Mechanics: Worker placement, resource management, strategy
Thematic Elements: Colonizing and terraforming Mars
Player Interaction: Moderate, with competition for resources and goals
Theme and Playability: On Mars is a complex strategy game where players work to colonize and terraform Mars. The game involves careful planning and resource management.
Strong Points: The game's strategic depth and thematic integration are impressive. The variety of strategies and goals adds replayability.
Weak Points: The game's complexity and length might be overwhelming for new players.
Personal Opinion: On Mars' blend of strategic depth and thematic immersion makes it a favorite in my collection. The challenge of colonizing Mars is highly rewarding.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Space Alert
Gameplay Mechanics: Real-time, cooperative, programming
Thematic Elements: Space survival and teamwork
Player Interaction: High, with cooperative gameplay
Theme and Playability: Space Alert is a real-time cooperative game where players must work together to survive in space. The game involves programming actions and reacting to threats.
Strong Points: The real-time aspect and cooperative gameplay are thrilling. The game's intensity and teamwork elements are highly engaging.
Weak Points: The game's real-time nature might be stressful for some players.
Personal Opinion: Space Alert's blend of real-time action and cooperative gameplay makes it a unique and exciting experience. The teamwork and strategic planning are highly rewarding.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Among the Stars
Gameplay Mechanics: Card drafting, tableau building, resource management
Thematic Elements: Space station construction
Player Interaction: Moderate, with competition for cards and resources
Theme and Playability: Among the Stars is a card drafting game where players build space stations. The game involves managing resources and placing cards strategically.
Strong Points: The card drafting and tableau building mechanics are well-integrated. The game's speed and strategic depth are impressive.
Weak Points: The game might feel repetitive after several plays.
Personal Opinion: Among the Stars' card drafting and strategic planning blend makes it a fun and engaging game. The variety of strategies and quick playtime are major pluses.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Beyond the Sun
Gameplay Mechanics: Tech tree development, worker placement, resource management
Thematic Elements: Space exploration and technological advancement
Player Interaction: Moderate, with competition for tech and resources
Theme and Playability: Beyond the Sun is a game of space exploration and technological advancement. Players develop technologies and manage resources to expand their influence.
Strong Points: The tech tree development and strategic depth are impressive. The game's variability and replayability are excellent.
Weak Points: Some players might find the game's complexity and length daunting.
Personal Opinion: Beyond the Sun's blend of tech tree development and strategic planning makes it a standout game. The variety of strategies and thematic depth are highly rewarding.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Ad Astra
Gameplay Mechanics: Resource management, exploration, strategy
Thematic Elements: Interstellar exploration and colonization
Player Interaction: Moderate, with competition for resources and exploration
Theme and Playability: Ad Astra is a game of interstellar exploration and colonization. Players manage resources and explore new planets to expand their influence.
Strong Points: The game's strategic depth and thematic integration are excellent. The variety of strategies and replayability are impressive.
Weak Points: The game might feel repetitive after several plays.
Personal Opinion: Ad Astra's blend of exploration and resource management makes it a fun and engaging game. The strategic depth and thematic richness are major pluses.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Space Empires 4X
Gameplay Mechanics: Exploration, expansion, exploitation, extermination (4X)
Thematic Elements: Galactic empire building and conquest
Player Interaction: High, with direct conflict and strategic planning
Theme and Playability: Space Empires 4X is a game of galactic empire building and conquest. Players explore the galaxy, expand their empires, and engage in strategic battles.
Strong Points: The game's 4X mechanics and strategic depth are highly engaging. The variability and replayability are excellent.
Weak Points: The game's length and complexity might be daunting for some players.
Personal Opinion: Space Empires 4X's blend of exploration and strategic planning makes it a standout game. The variety of strategies and thematic depth are highly rewarding.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Nemesis
Gameplay Mechanics: Semi-cooperative, survival horror, hidden roles
Thematic Elements: Survival on a spaceship infested with aliens
Player Interaction: High, with both cooperative and competitive elements
Theme and Playability: Nemesis is a thrilling game of survival where players must work together to complete objectives while contending with hidden traitors and deadly aliens. The game's intense atmosphere and rich narrative make it highly immersive.
Strong Points: The game's thematic depth and tension are unparalleled. Combining cooperative gameplay with hidden roles adds layers of strategy and suspense.
Weak Points: The game can be long and complex, with rules that may be challenging for new players.
Personal Opinion: Nemesis offers one of the most intense and immersive gaming experiences. The blend of cooperation and betrayal keeps every game suspenseful and exciting.
Alien Frontiers
Gameplay Mechanics: Dice rolling, worker placement, area control
Thematic Elements: Space colonization and resource management
Player Interaction: Moderate to high, with competition for resources and territory
Theme and Playability: Alien Frontiers combines dice rolling with worker placement, where players colonize a newly discovered planet. The game involves managing resources and building colonies.
Strong Points: The dice rolling mechanic adds a layer of unpredictability and excitement. The strategic depth and resource management are well-balanced.
Weak Points: The game can be luck-driven due to dice rolling, which might not appeal to everyone.
Personal Opinion: Alien Frontiers' blend of dice rolling and strategic planning makes it a fun and engaging game. The thematic elements and resource management add to the overall enjoyment.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Conclusion
If you're a fan of space-themed board games, you're in for a treat. These games transport you to galaxies far, far away, where you can explore, conquer, and build your interstellar empire. From the grand scale of Twilight Imperium and the tactical combat of Imperial Assault to the strategic depth of Gaia Project and the immersive horror of Nemesis, this list offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of board gamer. Whether you prefer intense strategy, cooperative survival, or the thrill of exploration, there's a space-themed game here to captivate your imagination and provide endless fun.
Each game brings its own unique mechanics, thematic elements, and player interactions, ensuring that your journey through the cosmos is always engaging and varied.
Ready to embark on your next interstellar adventure? Visit our website for more board game recommendations and in-depth reviews. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on board games, exclusive content, and special offers.
We'd love to hear from you! Share your favorite space-themed board games and your experiences in the comments below. Which game from this list are you most excited to try?
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FAQ Section: Top Space-Themed Board Games
What are the best space-themed board games for beginners?
Games like Terraforming Mars, Star Realms, and Galaxy Trucker offer easy-to-learn mechanics with plenty of depth, making them excellent options for new players who want to explore the space genre.
How long do these space-themed board games typically take to play?
The playtime varies significantly depending on the game. For example, Star Realms and Race for the Galaxy can be played in under an hour, while epic games like Twilight Imperium can last up to 8 hours or more.
Which space-themed games work best for large groups?
Games like Twilight Imperium and Cosmic Encounter are excellent for larger groups. They offer deep strategic play, alliances, and plenty of player interaction for up to six players or more.
Are there any cooperative space-themed board games?
Yes, games like Nemesis and Space Alert offer cooperative gameplay, in which players work together to survive alien threats or navigate dangerous space missions.
What’s a good space-themed game for players who enjoy intense strategy?
If you love deep strategy, Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy and On Mars are fantastic choices. They blend resource management, exploration, and combat with strategic decision-making.