Skymines
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 150 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.9 / 5
- Year
- 2022
About the game
Skymines sends players into a sci-fi future where private investors race to revive humanity's collapsed lunar and asteroid mining networks. Using card programming, hand management, and investment mechanics, players fund four rival mining companies, support scientific research, and collect precious helium-3 over seven rounds. A unique programming system creates deep planning puzzles, with player interaction driven by investing across shared companies. It's a dense, engine-building economic game set in a distinctive space-mining future.
Hobbli's Notes
Skymines rewards patient, forward-thinking players with a genuinely intricate card-programming puzzle, and the ability to invest in any of the four companies creates interesting cross-player dynamics. This is a heavyweight economic game that demands careful study before you can play well, so it's best suited to groups already comfortable with dense euros. Its blend of space-mining theme and stock-holding investment mechanics feels fresh compared to more traditional resource-management games.
What we like
- Innovative card programming creates deep planning puzzles.
- Investment mechanic encourages cross-player interaction.
- Strong solo mode for single-player engine building.
- Distinctive sci-fi mining theme sets it apart from typical euros.
Keep in mind
- High complexity and long playtime limit casual appeal.
- Significant downtime in games with more players.
- Steep learning curve for newcomers to heavy euros.
Who it's for
Best for experienced euro-gamers, ages 14+, in groups of 2-4, who enjoy heavy economic engine-building with investment mechanics.
