Who doesn't dream about heading out to explore the galaxy, whether it's our own or one far far away? Since most of us can't afford our own spaceships just yet, try one of these space board game recommendations instead! We asked our Underdog Games fans for their suggestions, and rounded up the very best. You'll find options here for families, couples, serious gamers, and classroom shelves. Let the countdown to space fun begin!
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The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
If you're familiar with trick-taking card games, you'll pick up the rules here in no time flat. But there's a twist: players aren't allowed to talk to each other! This cooperative game presents unique challenges as the Crew works together to complete 50 different missions. Gameplay is quick and intuitive, so it's terrific for game night. (3-5 players, ages 10+)
Xtronaut 2.0: The Game of Solar System Exploration
Designed by a NASA leader, Xtronaut 2.0 is based on real planetary missions and and rocket science. Each player has their own gameboard, representing an actual launch complex like Cape Canaveral. Then, you work to complete missions using action and spacecraft cards. You're always learning something new in this space game, and the box even includes a science handbook! (2-6 players, ages 7+)
Spaceteam
The goal of the game is simple—you need to use space tools to fix your spaceship. With just five minutes on the clock, your entire team works together to uncover all the pieces of the spaceship in order to win. This one can get a little crazy as you race to save the ship in time, and players love the fast-paced fun! (3-6 players, ages 12+)
Starlink
Ever looked at the constellations and wondered how people came up with those shapes and names? In this game, it's your turn to try! The sky becomes a drawing board in this unique space game. Players draw their own constellations, trying to get the other players to guess a secret word. Once a star has been used in one constellation, it can't be used again, making the game even more challenging. This is one of our favorite space board games for creative types. (3-6 players, ages 8+)
Terraforming Mars
This award-winning board game is definitely one of the most popular space board games on the market, with nearly 2,500 five-star reviews on Amazon. Each player runs a corporation working with other companies to terraform Mars. You must cooperate to succeed, but each CEO is also trying to build up their own victory points and win the overall game. Love this one? Check out Terraforming Mars Prelude too! (1-5 players, ages 12+)
Twilight Imperium
Ready to settle in for an epic all-day gaming session? This is the space board game for you! Compete for interstellar supremacy as you wage war, make trades, forge alliances, and vie for political dominance. With 17 different factions and a random board game set up, this one's a new adventure each time you play. (3-6 players, ages 14+)
Star Wars: X-Wing - The Force Awakens
You knew at least one Star Wars game had to make this list! Fans love this one for the tiny model ships each player gets to control. Outfit your ships with pilots, special weapons, and upgrades, then try to beat your opponents in head-to-head combat. Games take about 45 minutes, perfect for when you need a break during your movie marathon. (2 players, ages 14+)
Star Trek Ascendancy
Boldly go where other many gamers have gone before, with this game featuring your favorite characters from the Star Trek universe. Play as the Federation, Klingons, or Romulans as you expand and explore the galaxy. Your set your own goals to research, develop technology, discovery new civilizations, and more. Beware the Red Alert, though! You'll need a strong defense if the enemy attacks. This is another potentially long game, so plan accordingly. (3 players, ages 14+)
Catan: Starfarers
Lovers of the Catan universe will be excited to learn there's a space version! Just like traditional Catan, you'll explore new places to find the resources you need to build civilizations. Fans of this game know that Catan is easy to learn, but each new game is completely different experience. Expect a game to take a couple of hours or so. (3-4 players, ages 14+)
Space Base
Dice game fans will want to check out Space Base. Play as the commodore of a Space Base, drafting new ships into your fleet to patrol the sectors under your watch. You'll earn rewards with every roll of the dice, both for your active cards and those in reserve. Buy and deploy cards to rack up enough victory points to win the game! (2-5 players, ages 14+)
Looking for even more space board game recommendations? Here are some our Facebook fans love: Beyond the Sun, Brave New Worlds, LUPO: The Space Adventure, Migration: Mars, Race Through Space, Space Explorers, Space Escape: Mole Rats in Space, SolarQuest, Star Fleet Battles, and Xia: Legends of a Drift System.
