Merchant of Venus (Second Edition)

About this board game

Merchant of Venus (Second Edition) is a space-trading board game for 1–4 players, with games lasting around 240 minutes. Players become space traders, moving through interconnected systems to discover alien worlds and build their fortunes.

Trade is driven by a distinctive supply-and-demand system. As you earn money by delivering commodities, you can reinvest your profits in improved ships and useful equipment, including shields, lasers, and engines.

Your growing business can also extend beyond your ship. Construct spaceports to speed up trading and build factories that create better commodities. These investments add valuable deeds to your holdings while supporting your plans for further commerce.

• Explore interconnected systems and discover alien worlds.
• Deliver commodities through a unique supply-and-demand economy.
• Purchase better ships and equipment such as shields, lasers, and engines.
• Construct spaceports and factories to expand your trading enterprise.
• Use optional rules that allow combat between players.

The rulebook includes variations for interplayer combat, offering a different way for players to engage with one another. The winner is the first player to reach the required total value in cash and port or factory deeds: $1000, $2000, $3000, or $4000.

Released by Fantasy Flight Games in 2012, Merchant of Venus updates the map and game components while preserving its “magnificently campy” character. This edition also expands gameplay and features four races: Human, Whynom, Qossuth, and Eeepeeep.