Star Scrappers: Cave-in

In Star Scrappers: Cave-in, you step into the boots of a space mining tycoon in a frantic race for Hexis crystals. Forget peaceful mining; the environment is harsh, and your rivals are even worse. The game revolves around a clever 'discard-building' mechanic, where the order in which you discard your mercenaries dictates the special actions available to you in the following turn. It is a strategic game, but with a generous pinch of cutthroat fun.

Each round, you have two actions to choose from: recruiting new mercenaries, sending your crew to extract crystals, hunting for precious artifacts, or triggering the unique abilities of your workers. The catch — and the danger — is that your discard pile is visible and strategic. If you leave a powerful card on top of your discard, an opponent might spend their entire turn just to poach your trusted men or sabotage your progress. It is that constant tension of always looking over your shoulder.

The ultimate goal is to rack up the most victory points before the mine collapses. You can focus on pure crystal extraction, assemble artifact sets that boost your collection, or invest in faction symbols to protect your trophies and steal those of your rivals. It is not enough to be the best miner in the galaxy; you need to be the most cunning schemer at the table. The game requires you to manage your hand well and know when to be aggressive. With a playtime ranging from 45 to 75 minutes, it is an intense experience, perfect for those who enjoy card games with direct interaction and a touch of 'take that'. If you enjoy a sci-fi setting with rules that allow for unexpected twists, Cave-in will keep you hooked from start to finish. Get your crew ready, keep an eye on the competition, and don't let them steal your bounty right from under your nose!