Overview
At a glance
Is this game right for my group?
ABG editorial scores on a 1–5 scale.
Harder to teach
High replayability
Highly interactive
Scales well
Deep strategy
How it plays
How does it play?
Far beyond the centers of the galaxy, five factions collide in a contested solar system. Whether as scientist, native, pirate, corporation or imperialist, you are trying to accomplish your secret mission before your opponents do.
Core mechanisms
Key systems that shape the decisions players make.
Area Majority
Compete to have the strongest presence in areas that award control or points.
Area Movement
Move pieces between connected regions rather than along individual spaces.
Tile Placement
Place tiles to build a shared or personal spatial arrangement.
Modular Board
Build the play area from interchangeable sections that vary between games.
Variable Player Powers
Each player has different abilities, restrictions, or strategic advantages.
Read the full game description
Far beyond the centers of the galaxy, five factions collide in a contested solar system. Whether as scientist, native, pirate, corporation or imperialist, you are trying to accomplish your secret mission before your opponents do. You discover planets, conquer stations, and fight other players for territory. Mighty fleets will help you suppress the opponent, while diplomacy paves the way for a flourishing nation. Rapid competition is guaranteed, forcing you to demonstrate bravery and smart decision-making. At the same time you must track the progress of your opponents and be aware of the power that alliances can provide. In Cosmic Empires, the individual layout, changing roles, and variety of missions contribute to a unique gaming experience. Components: 48 Playing Field Cards 18 Cruisers 36 Frigates 72 Ship Upgrades 36 Weapon Systems 36 Shields 97 Playing Cards 66 Event Cards 16 Public Missions 15 Secret Missions 150 Population Stones (30 per colour) 70 Capacity Markers 45 Pedestals (9 per colour) 5 Faction Overviews 5 Combat Dice 3 Wormhole Passage Marker 1 Exploration Marker 1 Drawstring Bag 1 Rulebook