8.5
rating
Ludopedia
7.9
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
Who will enjoy: space sandbox fans and emergent storytelling lovers. Key strength: total freedom to play your way.
Highlights
- Unmatched action freedom.
- Deep ship customization.
- Modular board unique each game.
- Multiple paths to fame.
- Thrilling space combat.
Keep in mind
- Long playtime, up to 3 hours.
- Complex rules for newcomers.
- Moderate language dependency.
- Can be chaotic with many players.
RECOMMENDED
Xia: Legends of a Drift System is a sandbox-style competitive space adventure board game for 3-5 players. Each player starts as a lowly but hopeful captain of a small starship, aiming to become a legend. The game is open-ended: players can explore sectors, complete missions, battle other ships, mine, salvage, or trade cargo. Fame is the ultimate goal, earned through titles, riches, and combat prowess. Ship customization is key: choose and upgrade your Tier 1 starship, focusing on engines for speed, missiles for combat, or cargo holds for trading. Adaptation is essential as the dynamic environment and player actions create a unique story each game. The modular board is randomly laid out, offering high replayability. The community has also created numerous mods and expansions, enhancing the experience. Get ready for epic stories, laughs, and maybe a few backstabbing space betrayals!
GALLERY
11 photos · from the community
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
In English
-
How To Play Xia - an overview in less than 12 minutes
-
How to Play Xia: Legends of a Drift System in 12 Minutes - The Rules Girl
-
Xia Instructional
-
How to Play Xia: Legends of a Drift System - Bored Online? Board Offline! 320
-
Unboxing Xia: Legends of a Drift System
-
Xia: Legends of a Drift System - Storage
-
Armchair General #2: Xia: Legends of a Drift System, Gamblers Gambit
-
Xia: Legends of a Drift System (Far Off Games) Review & How to Play
-
Level Up Does 23: Theme and paint tips behind Battleship 'Myint Condition'
3
BEST
4
REC
5
OK
Loading playlist...
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Far Off Games, Lavka Games, Maldito Games
Designer
Cody Miller
Artist
Cody Miller, Peter Wocken, Steve "Coolhand" Tyler
How many players can play?
Xia is designed for 3 to 5 players, with the best experience at 4 or 5.
What is the average playtime?
It varies, but generally between 60 and 180 minutes, depending on player count and pace.
Is it a complex game?
It has medium-high complexity with a BGG weight of 3.2. Requires patience to learn, but it's rewarding.
What's in the box?
Includes spaceship miniatures, polyhedral dice, modular board, cards, tokens, and more.
Who is it recommended for?
Sci-fi fans, exploration game lovers, and those who enjoy freedom to forge their own path.
Is there language dependency?
Moderate. Some cards and charts need translation, but community resources exist.
Can I play with 2 players?
Not officially, but there are homebrew variants. The game shines with 3 or more.