Planet Unknown

Adam's Apple Games, LLC, Boardgame Mall, CrowD Games · Board game · 2022
1–6 · best 4 Solo 60–80 min Weight 2.3/5
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 19.97
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love a good spatial puzzle with polyomino tiles and simultaneous play, Planet Unknown is your next stop! Perfect for those seeking a strategic challenge with a touch of space race.

Highlights
  • Engaging spatial puzzle
  • Clever simultaneous play
  • Reimagined polyomino mechanic
  • High replayability
  • High-quality components
Keep in mind
  • Might have some language dependence
  • Indirect interaction
  • Initial rules can be daunting
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game
In a not-so-distant future, Earth's resources are depleted, and humanity must find a new home. The good news is that our space rovers have found some promising planets for colonization! In Planet Unknown, 1 to 6 players compete to develop the most habitable planet, transforming a barren space rock into an intergalactic paradise. Each round, you'll grab a polyomino-shaped tile, representing a development module with two infrastructure types, and strategically place it on your planet. Every tile is crucial for efficiently covering your territory and boosting your planet's 'engine.' After placing the tile, you activate two actions related to the infrastructure types it provides. But beware! Some placements might attract 'meteors,' making development harder for everyone and potentially preventing scoring in certain rows and columns. What makes Planet Unknown super innovative is how it handles the polyomino mechanic: a central rotating board, like a cosmic 'Lazy Susan,' allows everyone to play simultaneously, yet with a strategic layer of turns. It's a spatial puzzle that blends planning, optimization, and a touch of indirect interaction, perfect for those who enjoy a building and management challenge.
Expansions
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Planet Unknown English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 REC
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Game details

Families

Components: Game Trayz Inside Components: Polyominoes Components: Turntable Gameboards Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Sovranti
Publisher Adam's Apple Games, LLC, Boardgame Mall, CrowD Games, Engames, Fox in the Box, Geekach LLC
Designer Adam Rehberg, Ryan Lambert
Artist Yoma
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Planet Unknown?
Planet Unknown is a super versatile game that can be played by 1 to 6 people. This means it works great for a relaxing solo session or a full table of friends!
What is the average game duration?
A game of Planet Unknown typically lasts between 60 and 80 minutes. It's a great length for a game that offers significant strategic depth without overstaying its welcome.
What is the game's complexity level?
It's considered a medium-weight game (2.25/5 on BGG). The rules are accessible, but the strategic depth and tile placement decisions offer a satisfying challenge for players who already have some board game experience.
What are polyominoes and how do they work?
Polyominoes are the varied-shaped tiles (like Tetris pieces) that you place on your planet board. Each one has two infrastructure types, and the challenge is to fit them in the best way to cover your planet and activate their actions, optimizing your resources and points.
Is there player interaction?
Interaction is primarily indirect. While each player builds their own planet, the choice of tiles on the central rotating board (the 'Lazy Susan') affects what's available to others. Additionally, 'meteors' can impact all players simultaneously, creating moments of shared tension.
Are the components high quality?
Yes! Planet Unknown is known for its high-quality components, including sturdy tiles, well-illustrated boards, and, in some editions, even Game Trayz organizers for easy setup and storage.
Who is Planet Unknown for?
It's perfect for fans of puzzle, optimization, and engine-building games, especially those who appreciate the polyomino mechanic. If you enjoy science fiction and a good strategic challenge that can be played in a group or solo, you'll love it!