Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
A classic wargame for those wanting to feel the weight of every step on the front lines.
Highlights
- Intense war simulation
- Excellent progressive scenarios
- Faithful to the source
- Deep tactical combat
Keep in mind
- High complexity for beginners
- Focused on two players
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About the game
What you do in a play session
If you're a fan of high-stakes sci-fi, get ready for chaos! Starship Troopers is a direct adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein's classic, throwing you into the heart of a brutal intergalactic war. Here, combat isn't just about massive starships; it's about the infantryman facing danger head-on. On one side, you have the Terrans, humans equipped with cutting-edge powered armor that turns them into human tanks. On the other, pure terror: the Arachnids, a hive of giant, intelligent insects that accept nothing less than surrender or total annihilation. This game is a true war simulation where strategy and positioning are everything. A standout feature is the progressive scenario system: the game starts by teaching you basic rules through simple missions, gradually scaling up to the epic Battle of Klendathu. If you enjoy dense wargames featuring grid movement, hidden elements, and an atmosphere of extreme survival, you've found your match. Suit up, aim true, and try not to get eaten by the bugs!
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
OK
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
The Avalon Hill Game Co
Designer
Randall C. Reed
Artist
Emily March, George Goebel, Looking Glass Photographics, Randall C. Reed, Richard Hamblen
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
4,085owners
270wishlist
49want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game hard to learn?
It has a learning curve, but the scenario system helps you learn step-by-step.
Can I play solo?
Yes, there are solo rules (added in later editions).
How many players can play?
It's designed for 1 or 2 players.
Is the game very long?
Yes, expect about 2 hours per session.
What is the complexity level?
It's an expert-level game, requiring constant attention and strategy.
Is the theme faithful to the book?
Absolutely, the atmosphere of mobile infantry combat is very present.
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