Top 9 Best Space Colonization Board Games of 2024

Explore the best space colonization board games! From Terraforming Mars to Twilight Imperium, find the perfect cosmic conquest for your game night.
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Race for the Galaxy coverAlien Frontiers coverEclipse cover

Hey, fellow space explorers! Ready for an adventure that’s out of this world? We’ve scoured the universe to bring you the 9 best board games focused on space colonization. We know what makes a game truly stellar: engaging gameplay, strategic depth, and, of course, the thrill of building civilizations among the stars. Whether you’re looking to conquer new planets, manage resources like a space-age mogul, or just enjoy some good old-fashioned interstellar exploration, we’ve got something for everyone. So, suit up and prepare for launch; we’re about to embark on a journey through the cosmos, where the stars are the limit!

On this list:

9 Race for the Galaxy

Race for the Galaxy cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Kicking off our space colonization adventure, Race for the Galaxy has us gather cards to build galactic civilizations. We tried it once at a friend’s game night and couldn’t stop. It’s all about choosing the right strategies and when to play your cards. Plus, the space theme is really cool.

8 Alien Frontiers

Alien Frontiers cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 90 minutes

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So, we played Alien Frontiers because we heard it’s a blast if you love dice. You use those dice as ships! And it’s all about managing resources on a planet. Honestly, it feels like you’re actually fighting for control of a new world. Super fun.

7 Eclipse

Eclipse cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 60-200 minutes

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Eclipse was a game-changer for us. It mixes space exploration with epic battles and diplomacy. Building your own space empire is as fun as it sounds. Plus, it’s epic when you get to upgrade your spaceships. We spent an entire weekend hooked on this one.

6 Galaxy Trucker

Galaxy Trucker cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 60 minutes

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Galaxy Trucker is hilarious. You build a spaceship from sewer pipes. Then, you see if it survives the journey. We laughed so hard when ships fell apart. It’s a must-try for light-hearted fun with a space theme.

5 Terraforming Mars

Terraforming Mars cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 1-5
  • Play Time: 120 minutes

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Terraforming Mars is about making Mars livable. It’s got tons of options and ways to win, which keeps it interesting every time we play. Figuring out the best combo of cards is a brain-burner, but in a good way. This game is a space colonization dream.

4 Tiny Epic Galaxies

Tiny Epic Galaxies cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-5
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Don’t let the ‘Tiny’ fool you. This game is deep. It’s all about expanding your galaxy and managing resources. And the fact that it can fit in your bag and be taken anywhere makes it a hit for us. Quick, fun, and portable.

3 Star Trek: Catan

Star Trek: Catan cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 3-4
  • Play Time: 75-90 minutes

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Mixing the classic Catan with Star Trek was genius. Competing to build the best space colony with resources just feels right in the Star Trek universe. We’re not huge Trekkies, but this game made us feel like part of the crew.

2 Sid Meier’s Civilization: A New Dawn

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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We loved the video game, and this board game captures that thrill of expanding a civilization — but in space. The strategies and options feel endless. Definitely a denser game, but incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it.

1 Gaia Project

Gaia Project cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 60-150 minutes

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Gaia Project takes the top spot for us in space colonization games. It’s a step up from Terra Mystica, set in space. You have to terraform planets and manage resources across different sectors. The depth of strategy is insane. We spent hours trying to perfect our approach. It’s the best one because no two games are the same, and it really makes you feel like you’re out colonizing space.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.