Cover of the game Cysmic

Cysmic

Star Reach Games · Board game · 2026
Ludopedia
— Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
8.7 BoardGameGeek
Players
1–6 · best 4
Players
Solo
Play Time
60–180 min
Weight
Weight 3.3/5
Year
Year 2026
Minimum age
Minimum age 14+
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
8.7 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Cysmic is a tense, thematic race where survival is the only goal. The mix of a modular board with the requirement to evacuate units creates a constant sense of urgency that few games deliver. It is perfect for those who enjoy a strategic wargame with direct interaction and a touch of sci-fi desperation.

Highlights
  • Intense race against time
  • Modular board ensures replayability
  • Well-integrated combat mechanics
  • Highly immersive sci-fi theme
Keep in mind
  • Aggressive interaction may frustrate some
  • Moderate learning curve
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Cysmic is the kind of game that throws everyone into a desperate race for survival. Imagine a planet that was supposed to be humanity's new Eden, but due to terraforming failures, it is literally falling apart. You take command of one of the local factions, each with its own agenda, and the goal here isn't to rack up victory points, but to be the first to build and launch your colony ship to escape the chaos.

The gameplay experience is an intense mix of strategy and combat. You will manage resources, recruit units, and explore a modular board that changes every session, ensuring no two games are the same. The game is played over rounds divided into five turns, where you must decide how to use your cards—whether for tactical actions or to move your units on the hexagonal map. The crucial detail? You need to evacuate your people before launching the ship. If you leave and abandon your units behind, the weight on your conscience (and the rules) is real.

The vibe is epic sci-fi with a constant touch of 'take that.' Since the information on how to build the ship is fragmented among the factions, conflict is inevitable. You will capture enemy units to steal construction blueprints and protect your base while trying to keep your economy running. It is a fast-paced game where diplomacy might exist, but the need to escape makes the tension rise with every round. If you enjoy wargames with miniatures, hand management, and a race against time where the board itself might be your end, Cysmic delivers exactly that adrenaline. Prepare to make tough decisions, because the planet won't wait for you to make up your mind.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–6 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST
6 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Upcoming Releases Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS)
Publisher Star Reach Games
Designer Jason Blake
Artist Jason Blake, Szymek Dmitruk

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

468owners
331wishlist
58want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is Cysmic a very long game?
Games typically last between 60 and 180 minutes, depending on the player count and the pace of the table.
Can I play Cysmic solo?
Yes! The game includes a dedicated solo mode for those who want to face the planet on their own.
Is the game very complex?
With a weight of 3.30, it is aimed at players who are already comfortable with mid-to-heavy strategy games.
How many players can join?
Cysmic supports 1 to 6 players, making it a great option for various group sizes.
Is there player elimination?
The focus is on the race to build the ship; while combat exists, the main goal is evacuation, not necessarily total player elimination.
Is the sci-fi theme strong?
Absolutely! The story of failed terraforming and the desperate search for resources gives the game a very immersive feel.

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