Top 8 Best Space Exploration Board Games of 2024
Hey fellow board game enthusiasts! Today, we’re shooting for the stars with our roundup of the 8 best space exploration board games out there. Now, picking the crème de la crème wasn’t just about which game’s got the shiniest rocket – no sir! We focused on a mix of strategy, fun, and, of course, that sweet, sweet cosmic adventure feel. Whether you’re into building intergalactic empires, trading with alien species, or just terraforming Mars, we’ve got something that’ll tickle your astronaut fancy. So strap in and let’s launch into the universe of board games where space exploration is the name of the game!
On this list:
8 Race for the Galaxy
Kicking off our space exploration quest, we stumbled upon Race for the Galaxy. This gem had us building galactic civilizations faster than you can say ‘hyperspace!’ It’s all about playing cards to build worlds and social structures, which is cool because it makes you feel like a space emperor without the whole ‘heavy is the head’ business. Plus, the learning curve is a nice challenge – not too steep but enough to keep us on our toes.
7 Cosmic Encounter
Next, we rocketed into Cosmic Encounter, where making friends (and frenemies) in space is the name of the game. This one’s a classic, with a zillion different alien races (okay, maybe not a zillion, but close). What’s fun is every race has its own special power, which makes each game unpredictable. It’s like throwing a space party where everyone’s got a secret move. Never a dull moment!
6 Twilight Imperium Fourth Edition
If you want to take space exploration to the next ‘epic’ level, Twilight Imperium Fourth Edition is your huckleberry. This beast of a game is a day-long adventure of strategy, diplomacy, and conquest spanning an entire galaxy. We loved how every choice felt weighty, from diplomacy to warfare. It’s like being in your own space opera, minus the annoying love triangles. Definitely a game day main event.
5 Eclipse
Eclipse had us at ‘hello’ with its perfect blend of space exploration, empire-building, and epic space battles. It’s like someone took the best parts of board gaming and said, ‘Let’s set this in space.’ Managing resources and building fleets feels genuinely rewarding. Plus, the technology upgrade path is as satisfying as popping bubble wrap. Great for those who enjoy a bit more depth in their space conquests.
4 Star Realms
For a quick space fix, Star Realms hits the spot. This deck-building game is fast-paced, easy to learn, and insanely addictive. We found ourselves going from space rookies to strategizing admirals in no time. What’s nifty is its compact size, making it perfect for space exploration on the go. Plus, the thrill of building up a powerful fleet to crush your opponents never gets old.
3 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars had us feeling like bona fide planet engineers. The goal? Make Mars livable. This involves a lot of strategy around managing resources, building infrastructure, and advancing technology. We particularly loved the thematic depth and how the game mechanics echo real-world science (well, with a bit of a space twist). It’s a thinker’s game, where every decision counts and can lead to a triumphant ‘I terraformed Mars!’ bragging right.
2 Gaia Project
For those who love Terraforming Mars but crave even more depth, Gaia Project is the next frontier. This game takes everything great about space exploration and turns it up to 11. You’re not just terraforming; you’re navigating different factions, each with unique abilities, across multiple planets. The variability and strategic depth are out of this world (pun intended). It’s a brain burner in the best way possible.
1 The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
And here we are, the crème de la crème of space exploration: The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine. Why’s it the best? It’s cooperative, which means instead of beating each other up for space credits, we’re teaming up for the greater good. It’s also surprisingly challenging and rewarding with a series of missions that unfold a compelling story. The teamwork and problem-solving aspect had us hooked from mission one. It’s not just a game; it’s an adventure.
