Roll for the Galaxy

Rio Grande Games, CrowD Games, Devir · Board game · 2014
2–5 · best 3 45 min Weight 2.8/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're a fan of engine-building and dice allocation, Roll for the Galaxy offers a satisfying experience as you expand your galactic empire. It's a fantastic reimagining of a classic with a delightful dice-centric twist.

Highlights
  • Engaging dice allocation and management
  • Satisfying engine-building progression
  • Excellent replayability with varied strategies
  • Streamlined gameplay for quick turns
Keep in mind
  • Initial learning curve for new players
  • Luck of the dice can be a factor
RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game
Get ready to roll the dice and build your galactic empire in Roll for the Galaxy, a space-themed experience for 2 to 5 players that puts you in command of an expanding civilization! Your dice aren't just components; they represent your industrious populace, ready to be directed to various tasks. You'll allocate these dice to develop new technologies that boost your progress, settle distant worlds to expand your territory, or ship valuable goods to ensure your economic prosperity. The key to victory is the astute management of your workers, transforming them into the pillars of a prosperous and enviable empire.

Roll for the Galaxy takes the essence of the acclaimed Race for the Galaxy and reimagines it with a delightful focus on dice. While the core mechanics shift, the feeling of engine building and the race to be the most influential empire remain intact. Each round is a strategic dance of rolling and action selection, where the luck of the dice meets your tactical decisions. You secretly choose one of the five game phases (Explore, Develop, Settle, Produce, Ship), and then all players reveal their choices. The phases chosen by any player are activated for everyone, but only those who chose the phase gain a bonus. Managing your dice, deciding which actions to prioritize, and reacting to your opponents' choices are the ingredients for success. It's an exciting race to see who builds the most efficient engine and accumulates the most victory points before the game ends.
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Roll for the Galaxy English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC
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Game details

Families

Components: Coloured Dice Components: Dice Cup / Dice Tower / Dice Tray Components: Dice with Icons Components: Player Screens Crowdfunding: Wspieram Digital Implementations: Apple App Store
Publisher Rio Grande Games, CrowD Games, Devir, Games Factory Publishing, Gigamic, Hobby Japan
Designer Thomas Lehmann, Wei-Hwa Huang
Artist Claus Stephan, Martin Hoffmann, Mirko Suzuki
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for Roll for the Galaxy?
A game of Roll for the Galaxy typically lasts between 45 to 45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet decision-packed gaming session.
How many players can play Roll for the Galaxy?
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, offering a dynamic and strategic experience across that range.
What is the complexity level of Roll for the Galaxy?
With a BGG weight of 2.7843/5, Roll for the Galaxy is considered a medium-complexity game. It has accessible rules but offers strategic depth for those seeking optimization.
Do I need to know Race for the Galaxy to play Roll for the Galaxy?
No! While Roll for the Galaxy shares the universe and 'feel' of its predecessor, it is a standalone game with its own distinct dice mechanics. You can jump right in without prior knowledge.
Are the dice very important in the game?
Yes, the dice are the heart of the game! They represent your workers and the actions you can perform. Managing your rolls and planning around them is crucial for the success of your empire.
Is Roll for the Galaxy a game for those who enjoy player interaction?
Interaction is indirect but present. You observe other players' phase choices to benefit or adapt, and there's a race for objectives and worlds. There's no direct combat, but the competition is palpable.
What are the main components of the game?
The game comes packed with custom colored dice, dice cups, player screens to keep your actions secret, and many planet and technology tiles to build your empire.