Excavation Earth

Mighty Boards, 2Tomatoes Games, Board Game Rookie · Board game · 2021
1–4 · best 3 Solo 30–120 min Weight 3.8/5
7.5 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Buy
7.5 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy games with a unique theme and sharp economic mechanics, Excavation Earth might be your next archaeological find! It's a race against time and other aliens to profit from humanity's remains.

Highlights
  • Original and engaging theme
  • Dynamic and interactive market
  • Strategic multi-use cards
  • Well-implemented solo mode
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Can feel a bit chaotic
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Journey to a distant future where Earth is nothing but a pile of debris, and your mission as an alien explorer is to unearth treasures of human civilization! In Excavation Earth, you command an alien race obsessed with leftover artifacts, in a race to assemble the most valuable art collection and make a big profit.

The game unfolds over three intense rounds. Each round begins with a draft of multi-use cards, which will be your tools to explore the planet. Then, in quick turns, you'll move your explorers around the globe, excavate for relics, and deploy traders to bazaars and influencers to manipulate prices in the black market. The treasures you unearth can be sold directly to alien ships stationed on Earth or kept to form thematic collections, which will yield even more cash when displayed in intergalactic museums.

With a dynamic market system and the need to manage your hand of cards well, Excavation Earth demands strategy and an eye for profit. Competition for artifacts and market influence make every decision crucial. And for those who enjoy playing alone, the game features a robust solo mode, created by heavyweights of game design. Prepare for an economic and science fiction adventure where one's trash is another's treasure!
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Families

Components: Map (Global Scale) Components: Multi-Use Cards Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Misc: LongPack Games Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Mighty Boards, 2Tomatoes Games, Board Game Rookie, Galakta, Matagot
Designer Dávid Turczi, Gordon Calleja, Wai Yee
Artist Philipp Kruse
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a game of Excavation Earth take?
A game typically lasts between 30 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can participate?
The game is for 1 to 4 players, featuring a well-developed solo mode and the option for group play.
Is Excavation Earth a difficult game to learn?
It has moderate complexity (BGG weight 3.80/5). The basic rules are accessible, but mastering market strategies and card management takes time.
Do I need to know English to play Excavation Earth?
Yes, the game has a significant language dependency, with text on cards and the board. It's recommended to have a translation or fluent English speakers.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a world map, action and artifact cards, explorer meeples, influence markers, and resources for market management.
Who would you recommend Excavation Earth to?
It's ideal for those who enjoy economic games with a sci-fi twist, appreciating indirect interaction through the market and an unusual theme.