The Expanse Board Game

Pendragon Game Studio, WizKids (I) · Board game · 2017
7.9 Ludopedia 7.2 BGG 2–4 · best 4 60 min Weight 2.8/5
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7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy science fiction with lots of politics and intrigue, The Expanse is your perfect match! It's a tense game that immerses you in the series' universe.

Highlights
  • Faithful and immersive theme
  • Political intrigue and strategy
  • Unique asymmetric factions
  • Engaging card play
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Can have direct attacks
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive headfirst into the universe of The Expanse with this board game that places you at the center of political intrigue and war for dominance of the Solar System! Inspired by the acclaimed TV series, the game captures the essence of the struggle between the major powers: Earth with its UN, the militarized Mars, and the OPA rebels, not forgetting the mysterious Protogen Inc. Each faction has its unique tricks and abilities, ensuring no two games are alike. You'll use action points and event cards to move your fleets, spread your influence, and ensure your faction comes out on top. It's a fierce contest for control, where strategy and good timing are crucial. The dynamic is somewhat reminiscent of Twilight Struggle, but with a more agile pace, ideal for those who want a deep experience without spending all day playing. The cards feature iconic images from the show, enhancing immersion. If you're a fan of science fiction, political intrigue, and games with a 'take that' element, The Expanse: The Board Game is a sure bet. It requires a good command of English, as the language dependency is high, but the reward is an epic space adventure. Prepare for political maneuvering, space battles, and plenty of tension!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

7 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Map (Interplanetary or Interstellar scale) Components: Multi-Use Cards Space: Colonization / Extraterrestrial Colonisation Space: Earth's Solar System Space: Mars TV Shows: The Expanse
Publisher Pendragon Game Studio, WizKids (I)
Designer Geoff Engelstein

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

3,266owners
1,381wishlist
304want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime?
A game of The Expanse typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on players' familiarity with the rules and strategy.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, offering different experiences with each player count.
Is the game very complex?
It has a medium weight (around 2.8/5 on BGG), meaning it requires some attention to learn the rules, but it's not overly complicated for experienced players.
Do I need to know the series or books to play?
It's not mandatory, but it helps a lot! Knowing the universe of The Expanse increases immersion and understanding of the factions' motivations and events.
Is the game cooperative or competitive?
It's a competitive game. Each player controls a faction and seeks to increase their influence and power in the Solar System.
Is there a lot of player interaction?
Yes, interaction is high, with area control struggles, the use of cards to hinder opponents ('take that'), and constant political maneuvering.
Is the game language-dependent?
Yes, the language dependency is considered high, as many cards and components have text crucial to the game's progression. Using translations or fluent English speakers is recommended.

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