Space Games
Browse all Space board games in the Meeple Pulse database.
Styles
Themes
AbstractAdventureAncientAnimalsArtBusinessCard GameCo-operativeComic BookCooperativeCrimeEconomicEnvironmentalismExplorationFantasyHistoricalHorrorHumorIntrigueLiteraryMagicMarvelMedievalModernMuseumMysteryMythologyNatureNauticalPoliticalPress Your LuckSatireSci-FiSocial CommentarySocial InteractionSpaceSuperheroesThematicTravelWarWesternWord-Guessing
Mechanics
3D PlacementActingAction / DexterityAction DraftingAction Point AllowanceAction Point Allowance SystemAction Point SystemAction PointsAction ProgrammingAction QueueAction RetrievalAction SelectionAction/EventAlliancesAlternate ActivationApp-AssistedApp-DrivenArea ControlArea InfluenceArea MajorityArea Majority / InfluenceArea MovementArgumentationAsymmetricAsymmetric FactionsAsymmetric GameAsymmetric PowersAsymmetrical PowersAuction & BiddingAuction/BiddingAuctioningBag BuildingBettingBetting and BluffingBetting and WageringBetting and WagersBiddingBingoBlind BiddingBluffingCampaign / Battle Card DrivenCampaign / LegacyCampaign / Legacy GameCampaign / Mission-basedCampaign / ScenariosCampaign GameCampaign PlayCard DraftingCard DrawingCard DrivenCard Driven ActionCard Driven CombatCard Driven Dice AllocationCard Driven MovementCard ManagementCard PlayCard Play / Hand ManagementCard Play Conflict ResolutionCard SheddingCard-Driven MovementCharacter CreationCharacter ProgressionChit-Pull SystemCo-op PlayCo-operative GameCo-operative PlayCode-breakingCombat ResolutionCombo ChainCommand CardsCommodity SpeculationCommunication LimitsContract FulfillmentContractsCooperative GameCooperative GameplayCooperative PlayCooperative Trick-takingDebateDeck BuildingDeck ConstructionDeck, Bag, and Pool BuildingDeck-BuildingDeductionDexterityDice DraftingDice PlacementDice RollingDiplomatic InfluenceDraftingDynamic Battle SystemEnclosureEnd Game BonusesEngine BuildingEngine-BuildingEscape RoomEvent DrivenExplorationFarmingFlip and WriteFollowFollow ActionGrid CoverageGrid MovementHand ManagementHex-and-CounterHexagon GridHidden MovementHidden RolesI Cut You ChooseIncomeInfluence / Area MajorityLadder ClimbingLegacyLegacy ElementsLegacy GameLegacy SystemLimited CommunicationLine DrawingLine of SightMancalaMap MovementMarketMarket DraftingMarket ManipulationMarket MechanicMarket SpeculationMatchingMeasurement MovementMemoryMission ObjectivesModular BoardModular Board ConstructionMovement TemplatesMulti-Use CardsMulti-use CardsMultiple ScenariosMust FollowNarrative ChoiceNarrative Choice / ParagraphNegotiationNegotiation MechanicsNetwork & Route BuildingNetwork BuildingNetwork and Route BuildingOne vs ManyOne vs. ManyOpen DraftingPaper-and-PencilPartnershipsPattern BuildingPattern RecognitionPick-up and DeliverPlayer EliminationPlayer InteractionPlayer JudgePoint SaladPoint to Point MovementPolyominoesPush Your LuckPush-Your-LuckPuzzlePuzzle-LikePuzzle-SolvingRaceReal-TimeRecipe FulfillmentResource ManagementRole PlayingRole SelectionRoll / Spin and MoveRondelRoute BuildingRoute-BuildingRoute/Network BuildingSanity SystemScenario / Campaign PlayScenario / Mission / Campaign GameScenario / Mission FunctionSecret Unit DeploymentSemi-Cooperative GameSet CollectionSheddingSimulationSimultaneous ActionSimultaneous Action SelectionSimultaneous Hidden AllocationSocial DeductionSocial InteractionSolo / Solitaire GameSpace ExplorationStat Check / Skill CheckStock HoldingStorytellingStrategic PlanningTableau BuildingTactical Decision-MakingTake ThatTargeted CluesTeam PlayTeam-Based GameTeam-Based GuessingTeamworkTech TreesTech Trees / Tech TracksTechnology & Armament TracksTechnology TreeTension & Aggression TracksTile DraftingTile LayingTile PlacementTime TrackTime TravelTower DefenseTrack MovementTradingTrick-takingTug of WarTurn Order: PassTurn Order: Stat-BasedUnit PlacementVariable Phase OrderVariable Player PowersVariable Set-upVariable SetupVictory Point TracksVotingWord AssociationWord GameWord GuessingWord-GuessingWord-guessingWordplayWorker Placement

RANK #5
Dune: Imperium – Uprising invites players to delve deeper into the political intrigue and strategic warfare of Arrakis in this compelling 2023 standalone worker placement and deck-building board game. Experience the brutal struggle for spice as you command iconic factions, deploy agents, and build a powerful deck to outmaneuver rivals and reshape the fate of the Imperium. With fresh mechanics, a new game board, and exciting avenues for conflict and victory, this epic strategy game delivers a rich, cinematic experience where every decision echoes across the desert planet. Forge alliances, betray enemies, and lead your forces to supremacy amidst the sands of Dune.
1-6 90m⚖️ 3.5

RANK #6
Dune: Imperium
2020Dive into the epic world of Arrakis with Dune: Imperium, a groundbreaking 2020 board game that masterfully blends the strategic depth of deck-building with the tactical choices of worker placement. As a leader of a Great House, players will deploy agents to crucial locations across the desert planet, gathering precious spice, forging alliances, and battling for dominance in the Landsraad. Every decision shapes your hand and your influence, demanding clever card play and precise agent placement to outmaneuver rivals, secure victory points, and ultimately control the flow of spice and power in the universe.
m⚖️ N/A
BoxNo Cover Art
RANK #160
In Clank! In Space!, players take on the roles of thieves trying to steal valuable treasures from a spaceship while navigating its dangers and avoiding detection by the ship's security systems.
The game is played over several rounds, with each player starting with a hand of cards that represent their character's abilities and equipment. On each turn, players can choose to draw new cards, play cards from their hand to perform actions such as moving around the ship or attacking other players, or use special abilities to gain an advantage.
One of the key mechanics in Clank! In Space! is deck-building, where players can acquire new cards and upgrade their existing ones to improve their chances of success. However, this also means that players must carefully manage their resources and make strategic decisions about which cards to play and when.
Another important aspect of the game is its thematic elements, which are heavily focused on space exploration and adventure. The game's artwork and design are highly detailed and immersive, drawing players into the world of the spaceship and its inhabitants.
2-4 45m⚖️ 3.0

RANK #194
Immerse yourself in the harrowing universe of the Alien franchise with Legendary Encounters, a purely cooperative deck-building game that challenges you and your fellow players to survive against overwhelming odds. Players assume the roles of iconic protagonists from the first four films, such as Ripley, Dallas, or Bishop, each with their own unique abilities. The objective is to work in concert to successfully navigate three perilous objectives specific to the chosen movie scenario. Whether you're trying to survive the Nostromo or escape the Fiorina 'Fury' 161, the game masterfully captures the escalating tension and desperate struggle that defines the cinematic experience, demanding teamwork and strategic planning to overcome the relentless Xenomorph threat.
The gameplay is driven by a tense, multi-phase turn structure that constantly builds suspense. During the Hive Phase, a new card is drawn from the Hive Deck and placed face-down into a conveyor-like row called the Complex, pushing unseen horrors ever closer to the Combat Zone where they will be revealed. In the Action Phase, players use cards from their hand to generate Recruit points and Attack points. Recruit points are spent to acquire more powerful characters and equipment from a central card market, strengthening your deck for the trials ahead. Attack points are used to either 'scan' face-down cards in the Complex to reveal them or to fight the terrifying Xenomorphs that have been revealed. Any enemies left in the Combat Zone will then strike the active player, inflicting damage and thinning the team's chances of survival.
What sets Legendary Encounters apart is its deep and often brutal thematic integration. The game is famous for its visceral mechanics that mirror the films' most terrifying moments. For instance, a player can be attacked by a Facehugger, which forces a deadly card into their deck. If not dealt with, this can lead to the infamous Chestburster erupting from the player's character, killing them instantly. In a brilliant and shocking twist, that player can then re-enter the game as a Xenomorph, turning against their former allies. This potential for a player to become the enemy adds a layer of paranoia and narrative depth that makes each session a uniquely thrilling and memorable story of survival horror.
1-5 60m⚖️ 2.7

RANK #260
Star Realms: Colony Wars is a thrilling standalone expansion to the acclaimed deck-building game, Star Realms. Set in a newly discovered sector of the galaxy teeming with resources, players are thrust into a fast-paced conflict for interstellar dominance. The game can be enjoyed as a complete two-player experience right out of the box or seamlessly integrated with the original core set to support larger multiplayer battles. Each player assumes command of a fledgling star-fleet, represented by a personal deck of cards, and starts with 50 Authority points. The ultimate objective is straightforward yet challenging: amass a powerful armada, unleash devastating attacks, and reduce your opponent's Authority to zero to claim victory over the contested colonies.
The gameplay is quick to learn but offers deep strategic possibilities. Every turn, players draw a five-card hand from their deck, using these cards to generate Trade for acquiring new ships and bases, or Combat for attacking the enemy. The game's central marketplace, a five-card 'Trade Row', constantly presents new opportunities to enhance your fleet. Purchased cards are added to your discard pile, eventually cycling into your deck to strengthen future hands. This core deck-building mechanic is what drives the game's dynamic arc, as players evolve from their weak starting hands to commanding potent fleets. Cards are divided into four distinct factions—the militaristic Star Empire, the deck-culling Machine Cult, the prosperous Trade Federation, and the aggressive Blobs. Many cards feature powerful 'ally' abilities that trigger only when another card of the same faction is in play, rewarding players who build synergistic, faction-focused decks.
What makes Star Realms: Colony Wars so compelling is its perfect blend of accessibility and tactical depth. The simple ruleset allows new players to jump into the action within minutes, while the vast number of card combinations and strategic pathways ensures high replayability. The direct, head-to-head conflict creates constant tension and exciting, game-swinging turns. As an expansion, Colony Wars introduces a host of new ships and bases that add fresh strategies and powerful combos, including some cards that can be placed directly into a player's hand from the Trade Row, accelerating the game's tempo. Whether played as a self-contained duel or as part of a larger cosmic war, Colony Wars delivers a complete and satisfying sci-fi combat experience in a compact package.
2-4 20m⚖️ 1.9
BoxNo Cover Art
Star Wars: Imperial Assault – Legends of the Alliance is a cooperative board game set in the Star Wars universe, where players take on the roles of heroes fighting against the evil Empire. The game's goal is to complete missions and defeat the Imperial forces, while also exploring the mysteries of the Force. Players work together, using their unique abilities and skills to overcome challenges and obstacles, all while navigating the complex web of alliances and rivalries within the Rebel Alliance.
Gameplay involves a combination of strategy and luck, as players must balance their individual goals with the needs of the team. Each player has a character sheet that outlines their abilities and strengths, which can be upgraded and improved throughout the game. Players also have access to a variety of equipment and resources, such as blasters, medkits, and hacking tools, which can be used to overcome obstacles or defeat enemies.
One of the unique features of Imperial Assault is its modular board system, which allows players to create different scenarios and missions for each playthrough. The game includes a range of pre-built scenarios, from simple reconnaissance missions to complex battles against Imperial forces. Players can also create their own custom scenarios using the game's companion app, which provides access to a vast library of user-generated content.
Imperial Assault has gained a loyal following among fans of cooperative board games and Star Wars enthusiasts alike. Its unique blend of strategy and role-playing elements, combined with its richly detailed setting and engaging gameplay, make it an exciting and challenging experience for players. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, Imperial Assault is sure to provide hours of entertainment and adventure.
m⚖️ 3.5

Solarion: Foundation of Empires is a competitive science-fiction board game for one to four players that blends deep strategy with epic galactic conquest. Players assume control of one of four distinct, asymmetric factions—the Terran, Oceanus, XES, or Ursalian—each vying for supremacy over a newly discovered star system. The ultimate goal is to accumulate the most Victory Points by the end of the game's third 'Galactic Age'. Points are primarily earned by achieving dominance over a modular, hex-based galaxy, controlling valuable resource-producing planets, and seizing the highly coveted, energy-rich 'Solarion' worlds. Establishing control over entire sectors of space provides significant boosts, making territorial expansion a critical path to victory.
The core of the gameplay revolves around a clever integration of deck-building and area control. Each player manages a personal technology deck, which they use to generate resources, deploy their five unique unit types, and execute powerful actions on the board. A central, dynamic card market, which evolves over the three ages of the game, presents a constantly shifting array of technologies to acquire and add to your deck. A standout feature is the game's deterministic, diceless combat system. Instead of relying on chance, battles are resolved purely through strategic positioning, fleet composition, and tactical card play, rewarding foresight and careful planning. The game concludes without player elimination when the card market is exhausted or a player places their final colony, ensuring all participants remain engaged until the final scoring.
What makes Solarion: Foundation of Empires so compelling is its synthesis of proven mechanics into a fresh and challenging experience. It draws inspiration from the deck-building area-control of games like *Tyrants of the Underdark* and the grand-scale space exploration of *Eclipse*, creating a unique strategic puzzle. The complete absence of luck in combat is a major draw for players who crave a pure test of skill. Combined with the high replayability offered by the modular board, asymmetric faction abilities, and a vast technology deck, the game promises a different strategic landscape with every session. Its dedicated solo mode and streamlined setup options further broaden its appeal, making it an anticipated title for any fan of medium-to-heavy strategy games seeking a rich, thematic, and rewarding 4X experience.
1-4 140m⚖️ 3.9
