Cover of the game Star Fleet Battles

Star Fleet Battles

Amarillo Design Bureau, Inc., Task Force Games · Board game · 1979
Ludopedia
7.0 Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
6.9 BoardGameGeek
Players
2 · best 2
Play Time
180 min
Weight
Weight 4.2/5
Year
Year 1979
Minimum age
Minimum age 12+
Buy
7.0 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

For space wargame fans who crave tactical depth and realistic simulation. A classic that demands time and patience but rewards with epic battles.

Highlights
  • Hyper-detailed space combat
  • Tactical decisions matter
  • Trek vibe without the license
  • Variety of weapons and factions
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Long sessions (3h+)
  • Complex rules
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Star Fleet Battles is a classic space wargame that drops you into the Star Trek universe (without naming it due to licensing). You command ships from the Federation, Klingons, Romulans, or other factions, armed with phasers, plasma torpedoes, and even drones (homing missiles). The game is pure tactical strategy: you manage energy, plot movement on a hex grid, and resolve combat in simultaneous turns. Every decision matters—from shield positioning to the perfect firing moment. Scenarios recreate iconic battles from the series, and ship system damage adds a layer of realism. Expect long sessions (around 3 hours) and a steep but rewarding learning curve. If you love complex simulations and don’t shy away from detailed rules, this is your game.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Creatures: Aliens / Extraterrestrials Game: Star Fleet Battles Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Series: Pocket Games (Task Force Games) Setting: Star Fleet Universe TV Shows: Star Trek (various) War Battlespace: Space Warfare War Level of Command: Tactical
Publisher Amarillo Design Bureau, Inc., Task Force Games
Designer Stephen V. Cole
Artist Allen D. Eldridge, Alvin Belflower, R. Vance Buck, Stephen G. Wilcox, Stephen V. Cole

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,929owners
153wishlist
33want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a game take?
Around 3 hours, but it varies depending on the scenario and players’ experience.
Is it language-dependent?
Yes, it has moderate English dependency. Translated player aids or cards help a lot.
Is it beginner-friendly?
Not really. Best for players already comfortable with complex games.
How many ships per player?
Depends on the scenario, but usually 1-2 ships per player.
Does it support solo play?
Yes, some scenarios include rules for solo play.
How does it compare to newer editions?
Later editions (like the Captain's Edition) expand rules and add more factions and scenarios.

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