10.0
rating
Ludopedia
8.6
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you love mixing space exploration with strategic decisions, this expansion will get you pumped.
Highlights
- Engaging gameplay
- Variety of corporations
- High replayability
Keep in mind
- Playtime may vary
- Setup changes
Shackleton Base: Below. Within. Above. is the expansion that takes the lunar saga to a new level. Imagine this: besides the original base, you can now choose from three different corporations – Lunar City, Undermoon, and Zenith Works – each with its own mission and playstyle. Lunar City wants to attract civilian settlers to the Moon, Undermoon brings an advanced excavation system that lets you dig tunnels beneath existing structures, and Zenith Works offers the chance to collaborate with a construction giant to build shared infrastructure. The game keeps the Worker Placement mechanic, but the most fun part is the variable setup: the board changes every game, so you never play exactly the same thing. Playtime ranges from 60 to 120 minutes, perfect for a board‑gaming night without fatigue. Complexity is medium – easy to learn but with strategic decisions that keep it replayable. Components? Corporation cards, worker tokens, base pieces, and detailed maps. If you love space exploration, sci‑fi, and want something that fits nicely with the base game, this expansion will get you pumped. Just remember: the layout changes, so it’s good to have a little extra time to get used to it, but that only boosts replayability.
GALLERY
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Sorry We Are French, 4GAMES, Pandasaurus Games
Designer
Fabio Lopiano, Nestore Mangone
Artist
David Sitbon
What is the average playtime?
Between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and initial setup.
How many players is it suitable for?
1 to 4 players, but it works best with 2 to 4 to fully enjoy Worker Placement dynamics.
What is the complexity level?
Medium – easy to learn, but with strategic decisions that keep the game engaging.
What are the main components?
Corporation cards, worker tokens, base pieces, detailed maps, and infrastructure pieces.
Who is the target audience?
Sci‑fi fans, space explorers, and players who already own the base game and want more depth.
Does the expansion work alone or needs the base game?
It’s an expansion, so you need the Shackleton Base core game to play.
Is there a time limit for play?
No fixed limit, but playtime can increase with more complex setups.