Highly awarded · 2 organizations

Eclipse: New Dawn for the Galaxy

Touko Tahkokallio · Lautapelit.fi · 2011

A 4X space civilization game where you explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate across a modular galaxy. The economic management system — where every action costs upkeep — creates agonizing expansion decisions. Ship customization with modular upgrade tiles adds tactical depth.

Players

2–6

Time

180 min

Ages

14+

Difficulty

Heavy

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Why you'll like it

One of the best 4X board games ever made
Ship customization with modular tiles is brilliant
The economic upkeep system creates tension
Massive replay value from modular galaxy
Combat resolution is satisfying and visual

How it plays

Eclipse is a big space-empire game in which each player leads an alien species or human faction. Over several rounds you explore new sectors, expand your territory, research technologies, upgrade your ship designs and fight for control of the galaxy.

Each action you take costs more upkeep, so growing too fast can bankrupt your empire. Combat uses dice and your custom ship blueprints. Points come from territory, technology, battles and reputation. It's a long, heavy game for experienced players.