Starbase Jeff

Cheapass Games · Board game · 1998
— Ludopedia 6.2 BGG 2–4 · best 3 30–60 min Weight 1.5/5
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

For those who enjoy building things and seeing profits rise, Starbase Jeff is a cool pick! It's a light tile-placement game with a space theme that won't stress you out.

Highlights
  • Building a space station
  • Growing profit each turn
  • Customizable game length
  • Light and straightforward
Keep in mind
  • Requires play money
  • Simple components (cards)
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey folks! Ready to build the biggest and most profitable space station? In Starbase Jeff, the mission is clear: use your station section cards to assemble the most lucrative base and come out on top. It's a tile-placement game with a sci-fi twist, where every move counts towards maximizing your profits. Think carefully about where you'll fit each piece of your station, because the competition will be fierce!

The game is straightforward: whoever accumulates the most cash over a set number of rounds wins the glory. And the best part: you can adjust the game's duration! Want a quick session? Play fewer rounds. Want to extend the fun? Just increase the number of turns. The game comes with a rule set and four decks of station section cards, all identical but in different colors for each player. To play, you'll need some form of play money, like chips or toy bills. It's a light game, ideal for those who enjoy a bit of thinking without overcomplicating things, and perfect for anyone who likes watching something grow on the board, piece by piece, towards space-faring profit. If you enjoy games with one foot in abstract strategy and another in science fiction, Starbase Jeff might be your new favorite pastime for a relaxed game night.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Publisher Cheapass Games
Designer James Ernest, Jim Geldmacher
Artist Jim Geldmacher

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

843owners
30wishlist
14want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the main objective of Starbase Jeff?
The objective is to accumulate as much money as possible by the end of a predetermined number of rounds, by strategically building your space station.
How many players can participate?
The game is for 2 to 4 players.
How long does a game take?
Each round takes about 20 minutes, and you can adjust the total number of rounds to make the game shorter or longer, typically between 30 and 60 minutes.
Do I need any extra materials to play?
Yes, you will need some play money (like chips or toy bills) to track profits and expenses during the game.
Is the game very complicated?
No, Starbase Jeff is considered a light game, with a medium weight of 1.54. It's easy to learn and play, ideal for those looking for more relaxed fun.
Who is this game best suited for?
It's great for fans of tile-placement games, abstract strategy with a sci-fi touch, and those who prefer quicker, more accessible games.

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