11 Best Cosmology Board Games to Play in 2025
Explore cosmology with our top board games. Discover galaxies, time travel, and epic space adventures with friends.
Welcome to the mind-blowing universe of cosmology-themed board games! If you’re ready to explore galaxies far, far away without leaving your living room, you’re in the right place. We know picking the right game can be like finding a needle in a cosmic haystack, so we’ve done the hard work for you. We looked at galactic setting, gameplay mechanics, and how much fun you can squeeze out of each session for new and seasoned players alike. Brace yourself as we warp into the cosmos with our top picks that promise to captivate and entertain!
On this list:
11 Starfarers of Catan
Starfarers of Catan sends us on a cosmic trade mission. It’s like regular Catan, but with lasers and aliens. We loved it because trading sheep for ore has never been this intergalactic. It’s a fab way to revisit the classic Catan formula with a cosmological twist. Watching your friend’s face when you outmaneuver their fleet is priceless. What’s more, the 3D ships are a bit fragile but super cool. Just don’t sneeze around them.
10 Cosmic Encounter
Cosmic Encounter is like cosmic chess but with alien races. It lets you negotiate, ally, and sometimes betray, which is just spicy. We found it rewarding, mostly because those vibrant alien powers always keep us on edge. The cosmology theme is all over it. We laughed when the pacifist alien won by convincing everyone to let him! Plus, with many expansions, you never run out of cosmic chaos.
9 Distant Suns
Distant Suns takes exploration seriously. It’s a game where you become a star-hopping explorer. We think it’s a great pick if you love revealing new planets and developing tech. It’s got a bit of everything – diplomacy, exploration, and battles. One time, we spent too much time arguing over the merits of exploring a gas giant. Oops!
8 Eclipse
Eclipse delivers hours of cosmic strategy. You manage resources, explore new star systems, and engage in epic battles. We enjoy how it lets us flex our strategic muscles without everything turning into a galactic brawl. The cosmology theme is strong, with a depth that keeps us coming back. Also, upgrading ships is such a satisfying experience!
7 Gaia Project
Think of Gaia Project as Terra Mystica in space. We say this because it involves terraforming planets and expanding territories. The cosmology theme fits wonderfully here, as we get to explore the vast universe in search of habitable planets. We found it required intense planning, and if you’re a fan of resource management, this is for you. The variety of factions gives it replayability.
6 Space Alert
Space Alert is a real-time cooperative game that makes you feel like you’re on the frontier of the universe. We enjoyed it for its frantic pace and teamwork. The cosmology theme seeps into every decision as you fend off alien threats. One time, we almost lost because we couldn’t stop laughing at a friend’s dance move while tackling invaders.
5 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is a constant favorite. It’s about using science and resources to bring a barren planet to life. We enjoy the blend of strategy and luck. It’s glorious when you finally build the perfect synergy in your cards. The cosmology theme shines here as the cards educate while you play. A game with endless possibilities.
4 Twilight Imperium
This is the epic space saga you didn’t know you needed. Twilight Imperium is an all-day affair where empires rise and fall. We think it’s great for groups who love heavy strategy. It’s full of diplomacy, warfare, trade, and intrigue. The cosmology aspect is deeply rooted as you navigate a universe of factions and alliances. It’s a big commitment, but oh-so-rewarding.
3 Star Realms
Star Realms is the deck-building game that never lets us down. It’s fast, furious, and full of cosmic battles. We love its simplicity, and the satisfaction of building a powerful deck is undeniable. The cosmology theme keeps it fresh and engaging. We always end up wanting just one more game. The expansion options give it serious legs.
2 Roll for the Galaxy
Roll for the Galaxy is where dice meet the cosmos. It’s a dynamic and colorful game of empire building. We adore the balance between luck and strategy here. The cosmology theme is woven into its fabric, making each playthrough a unique universe. A friend once rolled so badly, we nicknamed them ‘The Black Hole’!
1 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven, though known as a dungeon crawler, is ultimately an epic cosmic journey of discovery and adventure. We chose this as the best because it combines all elements we love: storytelling, strategy, and immersive cosmology. The sheer depth and complexity are both challenging and rewarding. We’ve lost countless weekends exploring its branching narratives. If you’re in for a true adventure, this is it.
