Invaders

White Goblin Games · Board game · 2013
— Ludopedia 6.9 BGG 2 · best 2 60 min Weight 2.8/5
Buy · from US$ 29.20
— rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Invaders is a tense, asymmetrical duel that will appeal to fans of sci-fi wargames with a splash of horror. Its greatest strength is the distinct playstyle of each faction, forcing players to approach the conflict from completely different angles. It is an elegant strategic experience where every card in your hand presents a meaningful tactical dilemma.

Highlights
  • Well-balanced asymmetrical gameplay
  • Elegant and accessible ruleset
  • High replayability between factions
  • Immersive space horror theme
Keep in mind
  • Strictly a two-player experience
  • Requires deep tactical reading
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Prepare yourself for a desperate battle for the fate of Earth! In Invaders, you and your opponent engage in an asymmetrical sci-fi horror duel, where one side commands a ruthless alien armada and the other leads humanity's desperate resistance. The game shines by putting two completely different playstyles on the table: while the invaders seek to subjugate the planet with incomprehensible technology and eldritch creatures, the Terran alliance must improvise defenses, set traps, and manage scarce resources to survive the onslaught.

The core mechanic is entirely card-driven, requiring you to make tough decisions every round. It is not just about attacking, but knowing when to sacrifice a resource for a greater play. The alien player must be cunning in managing their hand, as deploying units often requires discarding other valuable assets. Humans, meanwhile, must anticipate the enemy's movements, protecting critical locations and forcing the invader to waste their firepower. It is a game of cat-and-mouse where tension builds with every turn.

What makes Invaders special is how it balances thematic depth with elegant rules. Despite the tactical weight, the flow is intuitive, allowing you to focus on strategy and the narrative that emerges from each session. Since the factions play in distinct ways, the replayability is high; you will never feel like you have played the same game twice. It is a perfect fit for those who enjoy direct confrontations, where reading your opponent and smart hand management define who emerges victorious from the galactic chaos. If you like wargames with a touch of horror and space themes, prepare to see which side of the trench you are really on.

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Creatures: Aliens / Extraterrestrials Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher White Goblin Games
Designer Mark Chaplin
Artist Chechu Nieto

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

709owners
148wishlist
27want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Does it work with more than two players?
No, Invaders is strictly designed as a 1v1 duel.
How long does a game take?
Expect about 60 minutes per session, depending on player experience.
Is it language-dependent?
Yes, since it is a card-driven game, English proficiency is necessary to understand unit abilities and events.
Is the game very complex?
It has a moderate weight. The rules are elegant, but the strategic depth requires focus.
What is in the box?
The game is centered around decks of cards representing units, plans, and resources for both factions.

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