High Frontier (Third Edition)
- Players
- 1-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 240 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 4.7 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
High Frontier (Third Edition) is a hard science-fiction space exploration game by Phil Eklund in which 1-5 players build competing space enterprises across the solar system. Using water as fuel and technology cards to expand capabilities, players spend action points each turn to launch, move, and build factories on planets and asteroids. The game ends once a set number of bases are built, with victory going to the player with the most points. This deluxe edition bundles the base game with the Colonization expansion, new card designs, and expanded rule volumes for even deeper play.
Hobbli's Notes
High Frontier is a legendarily dense, realistic space simulation that rewards players willing to dig into orbital mechanics and real technology trees. It's not for the faint of heart, the rulebook alone spans four volumes, but for hardcore simulation fans it offers unmatched thematic authenticity. Downtime and complexity are both very high, so this is a game for a dedicated group ready to commit a full evening. It's a landmark title in the space-sim niche.
What we like
- Extremely deep, realistic space exploration simulation.
- Multiple expansions and variants bundled into one deluxe edition.
- High replayability from varied planets and technology paths.
- Rewards genuine engineering and scientific thinking.
Keep in mind
- Very steep learning curve with dense, lengthy rules.
- High downtime and long playtime demand a committed group.
- Complexity may overwhelm casual or new players.
Who it's for
Best for experienced hobbyist gamers who enjoy heavy simulation and are willing to invest significant time learning complex rules.
