Beyond the Sun

Rio Grande Games, CrowD Games, Ghenos Games · Board game · 2020
2–4 · best 3 60–120 min Weight 3.2/5
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.9 rating BGG
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy space civilization games with a dynamic tech tree and plenty of strategic freedom, Beyond the Sun is a fantastic choice!

Highlights
  • Innovative technology tree
  • High strategic freedom
  • Satisfying space exploration
  • High replayability
  • Engaging sci-fi theme
Keep in mind
  • Can feel a bit dry
  • Indirect player interaction
  • Initial learning curve
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
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About the game
In Beyond the Sun, you are a faction leader at the dawn of the Spacefaring Era, competing to be the dominant force in galactic exploration and development. The game challenges you to shape the future of humanity by researching technologies, expanding your economy, and colonizing distant star systems. The game unfolds over a variable number of rounds, ending when certain end-game achievements are collectively claimed by the players. The ultimate winner is the one with the most victory points, which you earn by advancing your technology tree, boosting your economy, controlling and colonizing systems, and completing a series of objectives and events throughout the game. On your turn, you move your action pawn to an empty space on the technology board and perform the corresponding action. Then, you enter the production phase, where you can generate ore, grow your population, or trade resources. Finally, if possible, you can claim one achievement. One of the coolest things is how you build your own technology tree. There are four levels of technology and four types (scientific, economic, military, commercial). Higher-level technologies need to match one of the types that lead into them, allowing you to create unique paths to increase your military strength, explore new habitable exoplanets, colonize them, supercharge your resource production, or even develop android tech to grow without relying on population. It's a game that gives you a lot of freedom to chart your own strategy and watch your civilization flourish among the stars!
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Beyond the Sun English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
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Game details

Families

Components: Control Boards Components: Dice with Icons Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Mechanism: Tableau Building Players: Games with expansions that add solo play
Publisher Rio Grande Games, CrowD Games, Ghenos Games, Hobby Japan, Maldito Games, Mandoo Games
Designer Dennis K. Chan
Artist Franz Vohwinkel
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beyond the Sun a complex game?
It's considered a medium-to-heavy weight game (3.15/5 on BGG). While the basic rules are straightforward, the strategic depth of the technology tree and multiple scoring paths require a few plays to master. But nothing an experienced gamer can't handle!
How many players can play and what's the average duration?
Beyond the Sun is designed for 2 to 4 players. Playtime ranges from 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the number of participants and familiarity with the game. With 2 players, it tends to be faster.
What is the main distinguishing feature of Beyond the Sun?
Without a doubt, the dynamic technology tree. Instead of a fixed tree, players build the technology board as they research, meaning each game has a unique technological development flow. This creates incredible replayability!
Is there much player interaction?
Interaction is mostly indirect. You compete for area majority, achievements, and action spaces on the technology tree. There's no direct combat, but the race to be the first to achieve certain goals creates constant strategic tension.
Does Beyond the Sun have expansions?
Yes, there's already the expansion 'Beyond the Sun: Leaders of the New Dawn', which adds asymmetric leaders, new technologies, and more variety to the game. It's worth checking out if you enjoy the base game!
Who is this game recommended for?
It's perfect for those who love strategic eurogames, with a focus on engine building, technological development, and action optimization. If you enjoy science fiction and don't mind more indirect interaction, you'll love the experience of building your stellar empire!