Moonrakers
- Players
- 1-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.5 / 5
- Year
- 2020
About the game
Moonrakers is a sci-fi deck-building game of shipbuilding, contracts, and shrewd negotiation among a band of mercenaries who are nominally allied but secretly competing to become the next leader. Players draft contracts to attempt alone or with negotiated allies, using cards representing thrusters, shields, weapons, and crew to meet contract requirements. Success requires balancing personal gain against the risks and rewards of trusting fellow players. It's a tense blend of deck-building mechanics and player-driven negotiation.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editors enjoy how Moonrakers weaves genuine negotiation into a deck-building framework - deciding who to ally with, and how to split the spoils, creates constant social tension. The deck upgrades and crew hiring give satisfying long-term engine building alongside the short-term deal-making. It supports solo play as well, which is a nice bonus for a heavily negotiation-driven design. Groups who enjoy both deck-builders and negotiation games will find a lot to like here.
What we like
- Combines deck-building engine growth with real player negotiation.
- Contract system offers flexible paths to victory.
- Solo mode extends the game's appeal beyond group play.
- Sci-fi theme and art create an immersive mercenary fantasy.
Keep in mind
- Negotiation-heavy design may not suit players who dislike deal-making.
- Setup and rules overhead can be significant for new players.
- Betrayal mechanics can create friction in some groups.
Who it's for
Ages 14+, great for gamers who enjoy negotiation-driven deck-building in a sci-fi setting, in groups of 1-5.
