The Search for Planet X
- 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.
- 75 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 13+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.4 / 5
- Year
- 2020
About the game
The Search for Planet X is a deduction game in which players act as astronomers racing to locate a hidden planet at the edge of the solar system. Using a companion app, you perform scans and attend conferences to gather clues, then mark deductions on your personal sheet. As you narrow down the location of asteroids, comets, and other celestial objects, you can publish theories to score points before making a final search for Planet X. It's a clever blend of logical deduction and the thrill of scientific discovery.
Hobbli's Notes
The Search for Planet X captures genuine detective-like satisfaction as you piece together clues to find the hidden planet before your rivals do. The companion app handles the logic elegantly, letting players focus on deduction rather than fiddly rule lookups. It's a rare deduction game that rewards careful note-taking without ever feeling like homework.
What we like
- Companion app streamlines deduction without heavy bookkeeping.
- Strong solo mode makes it playable any time.
- Satisfying sense of genuine detective-style discovery.
- Replayable thanks to randomized planet arrangements each game.
Keep in mind
- Requires a phone or tablet to play via the companion app.
- Deduction can feel slow for players who dislike note-taking.
- Limited direct player interaction.
Who it's for
Great for puzzle and deduction fans aged 13+ who enjoy solo or competitive logical thinking, in groups of 1-4.
