Solarquest

About this board game

Solarquest is a 1985 board game for 2–6 players, with a playing time of about 60 minutes, in which players command spaceships around the solar system.

Players attempt to land on and purchase moons and planets, creating a property-focused contest similar to Monopoly. When an opponent lands on a property you own, rent is charged, giving each purchase an important role in the race through space.

Movement is shaped by fuel management. Some maneuvers cost fuel, while others are free, so players must remain aware of their available supply as they guide their spaceship through the solar system. Choosing when to use fuel becomes part of navigating the game’s hazards.

• Command a spaceship in a solar-system setting.
• Land on and purchase moons and planets.
• Charge rent when opponents land on your properties.
• Manage maneuvers that may consume fuel.
• Face possible elimination through bankruptcy, stranding, or laser battle.

Solarquest adds more ways to leave the game than simply losing money. A player can be eliminated by bankruptcy, by being stranded, or by being blown to bits in a laser battle.

With property purchases, rent, fuel costs, and direct danger all sharing the same solar-system journey, Solarquest combines familiar property-game ideas with spaceship movement and the possibility of sudden elimination.