Empires of the Void II

A big space-opera strategy game of exploring, hauling cargo and claiming systems for two to five.

Designer: Ryan Laukat
Published by: Red Raven Games

The Kurross Empire came out of deep space, crushed Earth's fleet within a week and turned the oceans into a wasteland. Markan, the last captain, salvaged an old Worldship and fled to the fringe of the galaxy, followed by Earth's old enemies, the Zun and Decima Empires. In Empires of the Void II from 2018, you lead one of these Worldships, exploring, hauling goods, claiming planets and trading blows in a long space-opera economy for two to five players. A modular board, action points, hand management and variable powers keep it varied. Expect about three hours and plenty of interaction, a sprawling space epic.

Three distinct empires with variable powersModular board, exploration and cargo haulingArea control in star systems

Who it's for

You want a long, meaty space strategy game with exploration, trade and conflict in one box.

Not for you if…

You want something short or light. It is heavy and takes a full evening.

Vibe's take

Epic and sprawling. You expand across a modular galaxy, juggle cargo, planets and fleets with limited action points, and always have to decide whether to trade nicely or press the advantage.