Forbidden Stars
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 180 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.8 / 5
- Year
- 2015
About the game
Forbidden Stars pits up to four players against each other for control of the newly reopened Herakon Cluster, commanding iconic Warhammer 40,000 factions like the Ultramarines, Eldar, Orks, or Chaos Space Marines. Each round unfolds across a planning phase, where players secretly place order tokens, and an operations phase, where those orders are revealed and resolved for economy, upgrades, construction, or attack. The tension between short-term bluffing and long-term military strategy defines the game, while a modular board assembled from player-placed tiles ensures a different battlefield every time. It's a deep, thematic area-control wargame built for dedicated 40K fans.
Hobbli's Notes
Forbidden Stars nails the Warhammer 40K fantasy of asymmetric factions clashing over a fractured galaxy, and the secret-order planning phase adds real bluffing tension you don't often see in wargames. It's a big commitment in both time and rules, so it's best reserved for a group that already loves the setting and wants a meaty strategic experience. The modular setup keeps repeat plays interesting despite the heavy investment required to learn it.
What we like
- The secret-order planning phase creates real bluffing tension each round.
- Asymmetric factions each play with a distinct strategic identity.
- The modular board setup keeps the battlefield fresh across plays.
- Escalating conflict builds satisfying momentum toward the endgame.
Keep in mind
- Playtime is long, often exceeding three hours.
- The rules are dense and take real investment to learn.
- A player who falls behind early can struggle to recover.
- Requires significant table space for the modular board and miniatures.
Who it's for
Best for Warhammer 40K fans and experienced wargamers ages 14+ willing to commit to a long, strategy-heavy session with 2-4 players.
