Moonrakers

1-5

Players

120

Minutes

14+

Age

2020

Published

Designer Max Anderson , Zac Dixon , Austin Harrison
Publisher IV Studio
Illustration Lunar Saloon

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What to Expect

In Moonrakers, you build ships, form temporary alliances, and negotiate shrewdly to complete contracts. Players use action cards like Thrusters, Shields, and Crew to gain Prestige and Credits. Alliances are fragile as every player vies to become the new leader of the Moonrakers. Hazards encountered on contracts can reduce your Prestige while upgrading your deck and hiring crew helps tackle tougher challenges.

Who Is This Game For?

Moonrakers targets experienced players aged 14 and up who enjoy complex deck-building and negotiation mechanics. With a playtime of about 120 minutes, it requires patience and strategic thinking. The mix of deck-building, dice rolling, and negotiation demands some familiarity with intricate card games.

How It Works

Players spend action points to play cards representing ship components and crew. Contracts are tackled solo or with allies following negotiation on prestige, credits, and risks. The game combines deck, bag, and pool building with hand management, dice rolling, and open drafting, creating a dynamic interplay of strategy and diplomacy.

Action Points Deck, Bag, and Pool Building Dice Rolling Hand Management Negotiation Open Drafting

What Makes It Special

Designed by Max Anderson, Zac Dixon, and Austin Harrison, Moonrakers won the 2020 Cardboard Republic Daredevil Laurel. Its unique blend of deck-building and negotiation with temporary alliances sets it apart. Part of the Moonrakers family, it offers a distinctive experience through its mix of action points and deal-making.

Awards

2020 Cardboard Republic Daredevil Laurel — Winner

Pro

Combination of deck-building and negotiation
Player interaction through temporary alliances and betrayal
Multiple mechanics: Action Points, Dice Rolling, Drafting
Includes solo mode

Contra

Relatively long playtime around 120 minutes
Complex game for experienced players, not for beginners
Recommended age 14+, not suitable for younger children

Setting & Atmosphäre

Set in a futuristic spacefaring universe, players act as mercenaries building ships and completing contracts to become the leader of the Moonrakers.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus first on understanding core mechanics like deck-building and negotiation to better control your gameplay.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

Yes, Moonrakers supports solo play.

How long does a game really take?

A typical game takes about 120 minutes, making it an extended experience.

What prior experience do I need?

Moonrakers is an expert-level game with complex mechanics, so some experience with deck-building and negotiation helps.

How does this compare to similar games?

Moonrakers uniquely combines deck-building with negotiation and temporary alliances, differing from pure deck-building or worker placement games.

Is this suitable for families?

Due to its complexity and age recommendation of 14+, it is better suited for experienced players than families with young children.

What mechanic makes it special?

The combination of Action Points, deck-building, and negotiation mechanics makes Moonrakers stand out.

Fazit

Moonrakers is recommended for players seeking a complex deck-building and negotiation game with strong player interaction, though it requires patience and strategic insight.