# Astra

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2022
- **BGG Rating**: 6.6
- **BGG Rank**: #3786
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 40-90 min
- **Weight**: 2.12 / 5
- **Designers**: Eszter Krisztina Sas, Frigyes Schőberl, Patrik Porkoláb
- **Artists**: Csilla Fekete
- **Publishers**: Mindclash Games, Maldito Games, Quality Beast, Skellig Games, Super Meeple
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy, Card Game
- **Mechanics**: Action Retrieval, Area Majority / Influence, Connections, Contracts, End Game Bonuses, Kill Steal, Multiple Maps, Paper-and-Pencil, Point to Point Movement, Score-and-Reset Game, Set Collection

## Verdict
Astra is a light and quick game blending abstract strategy with a cool astronomy theme. If you enjoy dry-erase games with indirect interaction, you'll have a blast!Simple and fast rulesFun components (dry-erase)Subtle player interactionEngaging astronomy themeFame can be volatileStrategy can feel shallowRECOMMENDED

## Description
In Astra, you and your fellow astronomers delve into the mysterious night sky, each aiming to map constellations. While collaboration is encouraged and discoveries shared, only one of you will achieve eternal fame. This game blends tactical cleverness with strategic planning, all wrapped up in rules that are easy to grasp and quick to play. The game proceeds in continuous turns until a set number of Constellation cards are collected. Then, after a final scoring of Fame points, the most renowned astronomer is crowned the winner.

On your turn, you have two options: Observe or Rest. The Observe action lets you spend Stardust to mark stars on Constellation cards with your dry-erase marker. You can draw straight, continuous lines, but if you need to start a new line, you can use Telescope tokens. When you complete a Constellation, you claim it from the sky, gaining a special ability that can be used repeatedly. But beware: other players benefit too! Those who marked stars on the completed constellation can choose one of the card's instant boons. The Rest action, on the other hand, is for refilling your Stardust and, crucially, reactivating your card abilities that match the currently active Sphere. Using Rest at the right moment can turn the tide in your favor, as these abilities are powerful and open up unique strategic pathways.

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime for Astra?
A game of Astra typically lasts between 40 and 90 minutes, depending on the player count and how quickly constellations are completed.

### Is Astra a cooperative or competitive game?
Astra is competitive. Although players share some benefits when a constellation is completed, the ultimate goal is to have the most Fame points and be the sole winner.

### What does 'Kill Steal' mean in Astra?
In Astra, 'Kill Steal' refers to the mechanic where, upon completing a constellation, other players who contributed markings can take a benefit, effectively 'stealing' the exclusivity of the achievement.

### Do I need to know a lot about astronomy to play Astra?
No! The astronomy theme is primarily for flavor. The rules are independent of any prior knowledge of the subject.

### What components are used to mark the stars?
The game comes with dry-erase markers and cards with erasable surfaces, allowing you to mark and erase stars as needed throughout the game.

### Is Astra a complex game?
No, Astra is considered a moderately complex game (BGG weight of 2.11). The rules are intuitive and easy to learn, making it accessible for more casual players.

## Price Comparison
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