2038: Tycoons of the Asteroid Belt

Prism Games, TimJim Games · Board game · 1995
100.0 Ludopedia 7.1 BGG 3–6 · best 4 360 min Weight 4.0/5
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100.0 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Fans of complex economic games who don't mind long playtimes will love 2038. The mix of stock trading and space logistics creates a unique experience, with strategic decisions that impact the entire game. The freedom in operational rounds and the random map are highlights, but be ready for a steep learning curve.

Highlights
  • Deep strategy and replayability
  • Intense stock trading
  • Freedom in space routes
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Very long playtime
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About the game

What you do in a play session

2038: Tycoons of the Asteroid Belt is a space-themed twist on the classic 18xx series, where you swap rails for asteroids and trains for spaceships. The game alternates between stock trading rounds, where you invest in mining companies, and operational rounds, where you extract and transport valuable resources across the asteroid belt. Unlike traditional 18xx games, here you don't build tracks but mining routes and refueling stations, with much greater freedom of movement. The randomly generated map ensures each game is unique, boosting replayability. Get ready for an intense strategy and negotiation experience where every decision can lead you to wealth or bankruptcy.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–6 players
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Series: 18xx Space: Asteroids
Publisher Prism Games, TimJim Games
Designer James Hlavaty, Thomas Lehmann
Artist Jeff Sturgeon, John Stoltenberg, Michael McLaughin

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

879owners
254wishlist
110want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can join?
3 to 6 players, but 4 or 5 is ideal to balance resource competition.
How long does a game last?
Prepare for at least 6 hours of gameplay, especially the first time.
Is it hard to learn?
Yes, complexity is high, especially if you're new to the 18xx series. Watching a tutorial first helps.
Is there much luck involved?
The game is more strategic than luck-based, but the random map can favor some players.
Is there Portuguese text?
The game has minimal text and is easy to memorize, so language dependency is low.

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