Science fiction has always been a fascinating genre, and it’s not just limited to books, movies, and TV shows. Board games offer an immersive way to experience sci-fi worlds, and there are plenty of excellent games to choose from.
Here are some of the best sci-fi board games to play.
- Players: 3-6
- Ages: 14+
- Play Time: 4+ Hours
- Complexity: Advanced
Twilight Imperium is a classic sci-fi board game that has been around for more than two decades. The game involves players taking control of different alien races as they compete to control the galaxy.
The game can take several hours to complete, and it’s recommended for experienced board gamers.
- Players: 1-5
- Ages: 12+
- Play Time: 2+ Hours
- Complexity: Easy
In Terraforming Mars, players are corporations working on terraforming Mars and making it habitable. The game involves managing resources, developing technology, and competing with other players to be the first to complete various milestones.
With beautiful artwork and well-balanced gameplay, Terraforming Mars is a game that’s easy to learn but difficult to master.
- Players: 3-5
- Ages: 12+
- Play Time: 1+ Hours
- Complexity: Intermediate
Cosmic Encounter is a game of intergalactic negotiation and conflict. Players take on the role of alien races attempting to establish dominance over the galaxy. The game involves players forming alliances, negotiating deals, and engaging in battles with each other.
With different alien races, each with unique abilities, Cosmic Encounter offers a lot of replayability.
Android: Netrunner
- Players: 2
- Ages: 14+
- Play Time: 30m+
- Complexity: Intermediate
Android: Netrunner is a 2-player card game that takes place in a dystopian future where corporations rule the world. Players take on the role of hackers and corporations, trying to outwit each other in a game of cat and mouse.
The game is asymmetrical, meaning that the hacker and corporation have different abilities and goals, making each game unique.
- Players: 1-4
- Ages: 14+
- Play Time: 1+ hours
- Complexity: Intermediate
XCOM: The Board Game is a cooperative game where players take on the role of different members of a military organization fighting against an alien invasion. The game involves managing resources, researching technology, and cooperating to defend Earth from the alien threat.
The game uses an app to add an element of randomness and tension to each playthrough.
- Players: 2-6
- Ages: 14+
- Play Time: 1+ hours
- Complexity: Advanced
Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy is a 4X game (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) where players take on the role of different alien races competing for control of the galaxy. The game involves managing resources, building fleets, and engaging in battles with other players.
With a modular board and a wide variety of alien races, Eclipse offers a lot of replayability.
- Players: 1-5
- Ages: 14+
- Play Time: 1+ hours
- Complexity: Advanced
Star Wars: Imperial Assault is a dungeon-crawler game set in the Star Wars universe. Players take on the role of either the rebels or the empire, completing missions and fighting against each other.
The game includes a campaign mode where the outcome of each mission affects the overall story.
- Players: 2
- Ages: 14+
- Play Time: 2+ hours
- Complexity: Advanced
Star Wars: Armada is a 2-player game of large-scale space battles in the Star Wars universe. Players take on the role of either the rebels or the empire, commanding fleets of ships and engaging in epic battles.
The game includes a variety of ships and upgrades, allowing players to customize their fleets.
- Players: 2-4
- Ages: 12+
- Play Time: 30m+
- Complexity: Intermediate
Race for the Galaxy is a card game where players build and manage civilizations in space. The game involves operating resources, developing technology, and competing with other players to be the first to complete various milestones.
With multiple strategies and a quick playing time, Race for the Galaxy is an excellent game for experienced and new players.
- Players: 2-4
- Ages: 12+
- Play Time: 1+ hours
- Complexity: Intermediate
The Expanse Board Game is a game of political intrigue and conflict set in the universe of the hit TV show and book series.
Players take on the role of factions competing for control of the solar system. The game involves managing resources, negotiating deals, and engaging in battles with other players.
- Players: 2-4
- Ages: 14+
- Play Time: 3+ hours
- Complexity: Advanced
Star Wars Rebellion is a game of strategy and tactics set in the Star Wars universe. Players take on the role of either the rebels or the empire, trying to gain control of the galaxy. The game involves managing resources, building fleets, and completing missions to gain an advantage.
With unique objectives and hidden information, Star Wars Rebellion offers a lot of depth and replayability.
Specter Ops
- Players: 2-5
- Ages: 13+
- Play Time: 1+ hours
- Complexity: Intermediate
Specter Ops is a game of stealth and strategy where players take on the roles of either agents or hunters. The agents are trying to complete objectives, while the hunters are trying to track them down and eliminate them.
The game involves using special abilities and tactics to outsmart the other team.
- Players: 1-4
- Ages: 13+
- Play Time: 2+ hours
- Complexity: Intermediate
Firefly: The Game is a space exploration and smuggling game set in the Firefly universe. Players take on the role of captains of their own ships, trying to complete jobs and build up their crews.
The game involves managing resources, upgrading ships, and avoiding the authorities. With its unique theme and engaging story, Firefly: The Game is an excellent game for fans of the show.
Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia
- Players: 2-6
- Ages: 13+
- Play Time: 1+ hours
- Complexity: Advanced
Euphoria is a game of resource management and worker placement set in a dystopian future where players take on the role of leaders of factions trying to gain control of the city.
The game involves managing resources, developing technology, and completing objectives to gain an advantage. With unique player abilities and well-balanced gameplay, Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia is an engaging game for experienced players.
- Players: 3
- Ages: 14+
- Play Time: 2+ hours
- Complexity: Advanced
Star Trek Ascendancy is a game of exploration and conquest set in the Star Trek universe. Players take on the role of different civilizations, trying to gain control of the galaxy. The game involves managing resources, building fleets, and engaging in battles with other players.
- Players: 2-4
- Ages: 12+
- Play Time: 2+ hours
- Complexity: Intermediate
T.I.M.E Stories is a cooperative game where players take on the roles of time travelers, trying to solve a mystery in different time periods. The game involves exploring different locations, solving puzzles, and avoiding hazards.
With its unique themes and engaging puzzles, T.I.M.E Stories is a great game for anyone looking for an immersive experience.
In conclusion, there are plenty of excellent sci-fi board games to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of space exploration, intergalactic conflict, or dystopian futures, there’s a game out there for you. So gather some friends, choose your favorite game, and prepare for a sci-fi adventure!
What is your favorite Sci-Fi board game? Share it with us in the comments!
Source: Tabletop Gaming News
