Merchant of Venus
- Players
- 1-6
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 180 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.8 / 5
- Year
- 1988
About the game
Merchant of Venus is a classic space-trading game where players pilot ships across a network of alien star systems, discovering new worlds and trading commodities for profit. As you explore, you uncover which alien species populate each system, since prices and available goods vary by species and shift dynamically through supply and demand. Profits fund ship upgrades, factories, and spaceports, and the first player to reach a target combination of cash and property wins. A roll-and-move core is enhanced by ship engine upgrades, with variants for combat and solo play included in the rulebook.
Hobbli's Notes
As one of the granddaddies of the pick-up-and-deliver space trading genre, Merchant of Venus still holds up thanks to its dynamic, exploration-driven economy; no two games unfold the same way since alien locations shift each play. The three-hour runtime and roll-and-move mechanics feel old-school by modern standards, so it's best suited to fans who enjoy classic-style trading games. Solo and combat variants add welcome flexibility for different group sizes and moods.
What we like
- Dynamic, exploration-driven economy keeps every game unpredictable.
- Supports a wide range of player counts (1-6) with solo and combat variants.
- Ship and infrastructure upgrades add long-term strategic goals.
- A beloved classic with lasting nostalgic appeal for trading-game fans.
Keep in mind
- Roll-and-move core feels dated compared to modern trading games.
- Long three-hour playtime is a big ask for casual groups.
- Downtime can build up with the full six players.
Who it's for
Fans of classic space-trading and exploration games aged 12+, comfortable with longer 2-3 hour sessions for up to 6 players.
