Star Trek: Ascendancy

Gale Force Nine, LLC, Heidelberger Spieleverlag · Board game · 2016
3 · best 3+ 180 min Weight 3.2/5
8.8 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 64.99
8.8 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

A must-play for hardcore Star Trek fans and 4X enthusiasts looking for depth and stunning miniatures.

Highlights
  • Abundance of plastic miniatures
  • Modular map with high replayability
  • Incredible thematic fidelity
  • Constant diplomatic tension
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Very long playtime
  • Strictly for 3 players
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Get ready to lead your fleet where no one has gone before! In Star Trek: Ascendancy, you take command of one of the three great powers of the galaxy: the United Federation of Planets, the Klingon Empire, or the Romulan Star Empire. The goal is simple, but the execution is epic: expand your influence from your home world and dominate the cosmos. The real question is: will you be the diplomat seeking peace and exploration, or the conqueror who doesn't hesitate to crush anyone in their path?

The game is an immersive 4X experience where you manage starships, establish interstellar lanes, and build starbases to consolidate control over new systems. Thanks to the modular board, the galaxy changes every single game, ensuring that no two adventures are ever the same. You might explore the mysterious Mutara Nebula, brave the hazards of Rura Penthe to secure vital resources, or race against your rivals to colonize Sherman's Planet.

The level of detail is stunning, featuring over 200 plastic miniatures that bring the conflict to life. Each turn introduces new events drawn from 50 years of Star Trek history, bringing fascinating discoveries or brutal obstacles. This is a deep strategy game where political negotiation is just as crucial as the firepower of your phaser cannons. If you love the feeling of building an empire from scratch while managing the diplomatic tension between three superpowers, this game puts the fate of the galaxy entirely in your hands. Just remember that in such a vast universe, adaptability is your best weapon.
Expansions
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Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 BEST
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Game details

Families

Components: Map (Interplanetary or Interstellar scale) Components: Miniatures Game: Star Trek: Ascendancy Mechanism: 4X Players: Three Players Only Games TV Shows: Star Trek (various)
Publisher Gale Force Nine, LLC, Heidelberger Spieleverlag
Designer Aaron Dill, John Kovaleski, Sean Sweigart
Artist Charles Woods, Katie Dillon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play with any number of people?
No, the game is specifically balanced for exactly 3 players.
Is it hard to learn?
It's an 'Expert' level game. It has deep rules and complex simulations, so be ready to spend some time with the rulebook.
How long does a game take?
Expect to spend around 3 hours (or more), as empire expansion and negotiations take time.
Do I need to be a Star Trek expert to play?
It helps with immersion, but the mechanics are clear. However, the theme is the soul of the game.
Does it come with a lot of miniatures?
Yes, there are over 200 miniatures, making the table look visually stunning.
Is the language a barrier?
Yes, there is high language dependency, so if you aren't fluent in the original language, you'll need a translation.