# High Frontier

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2010
- **BGG Rating**: 7.3
- **BGG Rank**: #2160
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 180 min
- **Weight**: 4.35 / 5
- **Designers**: Phil Eklund
- **Artists**: Phil Eklund
- **Publishers**: Sierra Madre Games
- **Categories**: Economic, Industry / Manufacturing, Science Fiction, Space Exploration
- **Mechanics**: Auction / Bidding, Dice Rolling, Hand Management, Pick-up and Deliver, Point to Point Movement, Simulation, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
Space strategy lovers and econ gamers will fall for High Frontier.Exciting auctionsDetailed logisticsSmart action cardsLong playtimeHigh complexityHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
In High Frontier, the space race takes on a complex yet approachable strategy game vibe. You play as a terrestrial government building a robust space program to extract resources from celestial bodies and colonize new worlds. Water in low Earth orbit (LEO) serves as the universal currency: the more water you secure, the stronger bids you can make in auctions for propulsion patents, refineries, and robots. Each technology you acquire demands more resources, so you must balance heavy pieces that offer long‑term benefits with lighter components that improve maneuverability. The interplanetary map covers the entire Solar System, and you must plan point‑to‑point routes to transport water and minerals between planets, moons, and asteroids. The Pick‑up & Deliver mechanic makes logistics more realistic, while Hand Management keeps your hand full of action cards that can turn the tide when used wisely. Dice rolling adds an element of unpredictability, forcing quick and strategic decisions. Variable Player Powers give each nation distinct abilities, such as higher extraction efficiency or bidding bonuses, boosting replayability. The game takes 180–180 minutes, requiring patience and attention to detail, but the space exploration theme and the feeling of building something larger than Earth make the experience unforgettable. If you enjoy planning, economics, and a touch of sci‑fi, High Frontier is the next step in your collection.

## FAQ
### How long does a game of High Frontier last?
Typically it takes 180–180 minutes, depending on player count and experience.

### How many players can play?
The game supports 2 to 5 players, each representing a terrestrial government.

### Is it hard to learn?
The learning curve is steep, but well‑organized components and rule examples help grasp it quickly.

### What are the main components?
Interplanetary map, action cards, technology pieces, water tokens, dice, and resource tokens.

### Who is this game for?
For those who enjoy planning, economics, space exploration, and auction mechanics.

### How do patent auctions work?
Players use LEO water as currency to bid on propulsion, refinery, and robot patents; the highest bidder wins the tech.

### Does playing with more players change the game?
Yes, competition intensifies and strategic alliances can shift mission outcomes.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 38.45 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=150628&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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