Living Planet

Ludically · Board game · 2019
2–4 · best 4 30–120 min Weight 3.7/5
7.1 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Buy
7.1 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy games with an space exploration theme and a good dose of economics and interaction, Living Planet might be your new favorite! It's a tense and strategic race to see who extracts the most value from the planet before its end.

Highlights
  • Exciting economic race
  • Constant player interaction
  • Dynamic modular board
  • Resource and market management
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Initial learning curve
  • Can be chaotic
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey everyone! Check out Living Planet, a game where you play as space tycoons eyeing a newly discovered planet, MYC.14.250. The twist? You're all eager to industrialize it and rake in as much profit as possible before the planet decides to self-destruct! And don't be fooled, it's partly your fault! Every action you take can trigger cataclysms, and the pace is set by the round's Leader, who chooses the action order.

The planet's map grows as you explore and place new tiles, creating a modular board that changes with each playthrough. You'll manage your hand of cards to plan your moves, navigate your vehicles across the hexagonal grid, build factories, and, of course, keep an eye on the stock market for resource speculation profits.

The game has an 'area majority' feel, as influence on the planet scores points, and worker placement is key to optimizing production. It's a race against time and against other players, who also want their slice of the pie (or the planet!). In the end, whoever has amassed the most money and controls the most buildings and vehicles across the planet wins. Ready for this wild race for intergalactic exploitation? It's a game with plenty of interaction and decisions that impact everyone, so prepare for controlled chaos!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Misc: LongPack Games
Publisher Ludically
Designer Christophe Boelinger
Artist Bertrand Benoit, Ismaël Pommaz, Stéphane Gantiez

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime for Living Planet?
The playtime varies quite a bit, but it generally falls between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and how familiar everyone is with the rules.
Is Living Planet a good game for board game beginners?
It has an intermediate complexity (BGG weight 3.66), with several mechanics to manage. It's best suited for players who already have some experience and are looking for a strategic challenge.
How many players can participate?
The game is for 2 to 4 players, offering a good experience at all player counts, though interaction tends to be higher with more players.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has a significant language dependency, with many cards and components that need to be read. A full translation is essential to play in Portuguese.
How does the planet's 'self-destruction' work?
The self-destruction is simulated by the game's end, which is triggered by player actions or the fulfillment of certain conditions. Players compete to maximize their profits before the game concludes.
Does the tile placement and modular board make the game repetitive?
Quite the opposite! The modular board and the way tiles are added each game ensure that every playthrough is different, increasing replayability.
What's the main strength of Living Planet?
The main draw is the combination of economic mechanics with the constant threat of cataclysms, generated by the players' own actions, creating unique tension and interaction.

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