SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

2024

Take command of a scientific institution in SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, a strategic board game where you explore space, upgrade equipment, and decode data to discover alien life forms.

160
minutes

1 - 4
player(s)

14+

Medium Heavy

About the game

SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence is an exciting and strategic board game that takes players on an otherworldly journey. The game is set in the vast expanse of the universe, where players, acting as researchers trying to make the ultimate discovery, compete to be the first to find intelligent life forms beyond Earth.

The game’s theme is deeply rooted in science and astronomy, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment. Unlike many other board games, SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence provides a unique experience that stimulates strategic thinking, planning, and decision-making, all while teaching players interesting facts about space and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

The board game ‘SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence’ includes several important components. Each of these elements plays a vital role in the gameplay and influences the overall gaming experience. Here is a detailed description of each component:

1. Game Board

The game board is a depiction of the Milky Way galaxy. It’s divided into sectors, each containing several star systems. Players navigate through these sectors during their search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

2. Player Tokens

There are four player tokens in different colors. These tokens represent the players’ spaceships, and they move across the game board as the players explore different sectors and star systems.

3. Star Cards

The game includes a deck of Star Cards. Each card represents a different star system on the game board. Players draw these cards to discover new star systems and to increase their chances of finding extraterrestrial life.

4. Technology Cards

Technology Cards are another key component. They depict various technological advancements that players can utilize during their search. These advancements could include faster spaceships, more effective scanning equipment, or better communications systems.

5. SETI Tokens

SETI Tokens are used to mark the star systems that players have already searched. When a player searches a star system, they place a SETI token on it to indicate that it’s already been explored.

6. Dice

The game includes a six-sided die. The die is used to determine the distance that players’ spaceships can travel in a single turn, adding an element of randomness and unpredictability to the game.

7. Rulebook

The rulebook provides detailed instructions on how to set up and play the game. It also explains the function of each game component and the rules for interaction between them.

Each of these components interacts with the game in different ways. For instance, players use their tokens to move across the game board, exploring star systems that they draw from the Star Cards deck. They can use Technology Cards to enhance their search capabilities, and they place SETI Tokens on star systems they’ve already explored. The die determines how far they can move in a single turn, adding an element of chance to the game. The rulebook, of course, guides all these interactions.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

The ‘SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence’ board game is a strategic and interactive journey that requires careful planning and a bit of luck. Here’s a structured guide on how to set up the game:

Step 1: Unpacking game components

Begin by unpacking the game components. The game should include a game board, player tokens, resource cards, research tokens, alien technology cards, and dice.

Step 2: Player roles

Each player will assume the role of a scientist, engaged in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The aim of the game is to be the first to make contact with an alien civilization.

Step 3: Board placement

Place the game board in the middle of the table. This board represents the different locations in the galaxy where your research will take place. The board is divided into different sectors, each with its specific resources and potential for discoveries.

Step 4: Initial resources

Each player starts with a set number of resource cards. These cards represent different assets like manpower, technology, and funding. Players can use these resources to conduct research, roll dice for specific actions, and trade with other players.

Step 5: Player tokens

Each player chooses a token to represent their team on the game board. The tokens are placed on the ‘Earth’ sector of the game board to start.

Step 6: Alien technology cards

Shuffle the alien technology cards and place them face down next to the game board. These cards represent potential technological advancements players can acquire during the game.

Step 7: Research tokens

The research tokens are placed in a pile next to the game board. Players will collect these tokens as they conduct research throughout the game. The player with the most research tokens at the end of the game has a better chance of making contact with extraterrestrial life.

Step 8: Random elements

The game involves some random elements. For example, the roll of the dice determines the success of a player’s actions. The alien technology cards drawn are also random, adding an element of unpredictability to the game.

Once the game is set up, players can begin their quest to find extraterrestrial intelligence. Remember, the aim is not only to be the first to make contact but also to gather as much knowledge and resources as possible to aid in future research and engagements with alien civilizations.

Game flow Round and round we go

SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence is a fascinating board game that involves exploring the universe in a quest to find extraterrestrial life. The game is divided into several rounds, each consisting of different phases that allow players to perform various actions. The rules of the game are structured as follows:

Setup:

The game board is laid out, depicting a section of the universe with various celestial bodies.
Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding set of markers.
The deck of cards is shuffled and each player is dealt a hand of cards.

Round Structure:

Draw Phase: At the start of each round, players replenish their hands back up to their hand limit by drawing from the deck.
Action Phase: Players take turns performing one action each, such as exploring a new celestial body, deploying a research station, or playing a card from their hand. Actions can affect the player’s own progress or disrupt other players’ plans.
Discovery Phase: During this phase, players reveal any new celestial bodies they have discovered during their turn. They place a marker of their color on the discovered celestial body and may gain benefits depending on the type of celestial body.
End Phase: At the end of the round, players check for any completed SETI signals. A completed signal consists of a specific arrangement of cards in a player’s hand. If a player has a completed signal, they reveal it, score points, and then discard the signal cards.

End of the Game:

The game ends when the deck of cards is exhausted. At this point, the player with the highest score from completed SETI signals and discovered celestial bodies is declared the winner.

SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence combines strategic planning, hand management, and a bit of luck for a thrilling game of cosmic exploration and discovery.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

Each player’s turn in ‘SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence’ involves a variety of actions. The actions that can be taken during a player’s turn are thoroughly described below.

1. Draw a Card:

At the start of their turn, the player must draw a card from the deck. This card could either be a technology card, an event card, or a signal card.

2. Play a Card:

After drawing a card, the player has the option to play a card from their hand. The type of card played will determine the subsequent action.

Technology Card: These cards allow players to upgrade their telescopes, enhancing their ability to detect signals. The player places the card in their play area and pays the necessary research cost.
Event Card: These cards introduce various events that can either benefit the player or disrupt their opponents. When an event card is played, its action is resolved immediately.
Signal Card: These cards represent potential alien signals. Players place these in their play area to attempt to decode them in later turns.

3. Decode a Signal:

Once a player has a signal card in their play area, they may attempt to decode it in subsequent turns. The player must have the necessary technology to decode the signal. Successfully decoding a signal provides the player with points.

4. Use Telescope:

A player can use their telescope to examine a specific sector of space. This allows them to potentially discover new signals. The player must have the necessary technology to use their telescope.

5. End Turn:

After the player has performed all the actions they wish to for their turn, they must declare the end of their turn. The next player clockwise then begins their turn.

Throughout the game, players must balance their resources and technology, strategically deciding when to upgrade their technology, when to play event cards, and which signals to attempt to decode. The player who best manages their resources and makes the most strategic decisions will be successful in their search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

The game of ‘SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence’ ends when a player accumulates 10 or more knowledge points. Knowledge points are earned by exploring the galaxy, conducting research, and discovering alien civilizations.

Victory Conditions:

There are several ways to achieve victory in ‘SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence’. The game ends immediately when any of the following conditions are met:

Discovery of an Alien Civilization: If a player successfully discovers an alien civilization, they earn the required 10 knowledge points and win the game instantly.
Accumulation of Knowledge Points: Players earn knowledge points by exploring the galaxy and conducting research. The first player to reach 10 knowledge points wins the game.
Exhaustion of the Exploration Deck: If the exploration deck runs out of cards before anyone has reached 10 knowledge points, the game ends. The player with the most knowledge points at this time is the winner. In case of a tie, the player with the most research cards wins.

Before the final scoring, players must complete all remaining actions. This includes:

Resolving any outstanding research projects.
Finalizing the exploration of any remaining unexplored galaxy sectors.
Conducting any remaining actions, such as trading or purchasing items.

Finally, the players calculate their total knowledge points, including any bonuses from research cards or discovered alien civilizations. The player with the most knowledge points is declared the winner of ‘SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence’.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

In SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, the scoring system is an integral part of the gameplay. The objective of the game is to score the most points by the end of the game.

The scoring system works as follows:

Exploration: Players score points by exploring different galaxies. Each galaxy has a certain point value, and players earn those points when they successfully explore that galaxy. The points range from 1 to 5 depending on the galaxy’s size and the challenges encountered.
Research: Players can also score points by conducting research. Research cards have a specific point value, which is awarded to the player once the research has been successfully completed. The points from research cards range from 2 to 10.
SETI Signals: In the game, players are also trying to detect SETI signals. Each detected signal earns the player 15 points, representing the significant achievement of finding potential extraterrestrial life.
End-Game Bonus: At the end of the game, additional points are awarded based on players’ remaining resources. Every 3 unspent resource tokens a player has at the end of the game are worth 1 point.

Tie-breaking rules:

In the event of a tie, the game has specific rules to determine the winner:

The player with the most SETI signals detected is the winner.
If there is still a tie, the player with the most completed research is the winner.
If a tie still exists, the player who last held the First Player token is the winner.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Advanced Strategies for SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

1. Optimal Use of Research Cards: Don’t underestimate the power of research cards. They can provide valuable boosts to your search efforts. Use them smartly and strategically to gain an edge in the game.

2. Broad Search Approach: While it may seem tempting to focus all your efforts on a single area, it’s often more beneficial to cast a wide net and search multiple areas. This increases your chances of finding extraterrestrial signals.

3. Prioritize Investment in Technology: Investing in advanced technology will give you faster and more efficient search capabilities. It may seem costly in the short term, but the long-term benefits are considerable.

Beginner Tips for SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

1. Understand the Game Mechanics: Before jumping into the game, take time to understand its mechanics. Get familiar with the different actions you can take, how turns work, and the significance of different cards and tokens.

2. Start Small: Don’t rush to cover a large search area. Instead, start small and gradually expand your search as you gain more resources and experience.

3. Use All Your Actions: At each turn, make sure to use all your actions. Even if you think an action may not be beneficial, it’s better to use it than to waste it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

1. Ignoring Research Cards: Many new players tend to ignore research cards, focusing solely on the search. This is a mistake as these cards can provide significant advantages.

2. Focusing Only on One Area: It’s a common mistake to focus all your efforts on one area. Diversifying your search areas increases your chances of success.

3. Neglecting Technology Upgrades: Failing to invest in technology upgrades can slow down your progress significantly. Always prioritize technology in your investment plans.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay in SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

1. Balanced Approach: Maintain a balance between expanding your search areas, upgrading your technology, and using research cards. A balanced approach is key to success.

2. Strategic Use of Actions: Plan your actions strategically. Ensure you use every action to its full potential and avoid wasting any.

3. Learn from Mistakes: Don’t get disheartened by early failures. Instead, learn from your mistakes and adjust your strategies accordingly.