Stars of Akarios
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 13+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.9 / 5
- Year
- 2022
About the game
Stars of Akarios is a cooperative, narrative-driven campaign game set in a sprawling sci-fi galaxy. Players take on the role of cadets turned pilots, exploring hostile worlds, engaging in space combat, and growing their characters across a 200-page choose-your-own-adventure scenario book. Eight unique pilots and ten distinct ships offer deep customization through skill trees, upgrade cards, and asymmetric abilities. Designed for 1-4 players, it blends push-your-luck resource management with branching storytelling for a fully replayable space opera experience.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team loves how Stars of Akarios wears its narrative ambition on its sleeve, delivering a legacy-style campaign feel without permanently altering components. The variable player powers and asymmetric roles keep repeat playthroughs fresh, and the mix of dice-driven combat with story branching gives it broad appeal. It does ask for a real time commitment to see its arcs pay off, so it rewards a stable group willing to return to the table.
What we like
- Rich, branching campaign story with genuine choose-your-own-adventure structure.
- Strong solo mode alongside full cooperative play.
- Deep character and ship customization through skill trees and upgrade cards.
- Asymmetric pilots keep replays feeling distinct.
Keep in mind
- Long campaign investment may not suit casual or one-off game nights.
- Moderate complexity and setup could overwhelm newer gamers.
- Component and card management can slow down turns.
Who it's for
Best for groups of 2-4 (fully playable solo) aged 13+ who enjoy cooperative sci-fi campaigns with light RPG progression and don't mind a meaty rulebook.
