If you enjoy fast-paced, strategic card games with plenty of player interaction, Star Realms is one you should have on your radar. Designed by former Magic: The Gathering pros Robert Dougherty and Darwin Kastle, this sci-fi deck-building game delivers a thrilling mix of tactical decisions, clever combos, and brutal attacks—all wrapped up in a compact, easy-to-learn format.
Quick Overview
- Players: 2 (expandable to 4+ with additional sets)
- Playtime: 20–30 minutes
- Designer: Robert Dougherty & Darwin Kastle
- Publisher: Wise Wizard Games
- Type: Deck-building, sci-fi combat
How Star Realms Works
At its core, Star Realms is a competitive deck-building game where you and your opponent(s) command fleets of starships and bases to attack each other and whittle down your opponent’s Authority (health). Think of it like a mix of Dominion and Magic: The Gathering, but set in space and with direct combat.
Each player starts with a basic deck of 10 cards—8 Trade (currency) and 2 Vipers (weak attack ships). As the game progresses, you’ll use Trade to acquire more powerful ships and bases from the central trade row, steadily refining your deck into an engine of destruction. The goal? Reduce your opponent’s Authority to zero before they do the same to you.
Game Components
Inside the Star Realms base game, you’ll find:
- 128 cards (Ships, Bases, Outposts, and Starter decks)
- Authority tracking cards (used to keep track of health)
- Rulebook (short and sweet, making setup easy)
The artwork is vibrant and detailed, with each faction having its own distinct look and theme.
The Four Factions and How They Play
One of Star Realms’ biggest draws is its four unique factions, each with a different playstyle:
- Trade Federation (Blue) – Focuses on healing (gaining Authority) and generating Trade.
- Blob (Green) – Aggressive faction with powerful ship synergy and high damage output.
- Star Empire (Yellow) – Specialises in deck thinning and card draw for faster, streamlined turns.
- Machine Cult (Red) – Excels at scrapping (removing weaker cards from your deck) for better efficiency.
Smart players will build decks that balance faction synergies, making each game feel different from the last.
Playing at Different Player Counts
Though designed primarily for two players, Star Realms scales well:
- 2-player mode – The standard duel; fast and intense.
- 3-4 player free-for-all – Works well but can be unpredictable (alliances often form and break).
- Team mode (2v2) – Adds a fun cooperative element.
Larger games require additional Star Realms sets, but if you enjoy multiplayer chaos, it’s worth trying.
Expansions and Variants
If you love Star Realms, expansions add even more variety:
- Colony Wars – A standalone set that can be combined with the original for new strategies.
- Frontiers – Introduces solo and cooperative play.
- Command Decks – Pre-built decks with unique playstyles.
- Gambit & Crisis Expansions – Adds missions, scenarios, and new mechanics.
Digital Versions and Online Play
If you prefer playing online, Star Realms has a polished digital version available on PC, mobile, and Board Game Arena. It’s great for quick games and comes with ranked matchmaking, AI opponents, and async play.
Final Thoughts
Star Realms is a fantastic deck-builder that punches well above its weight. It’s quick to learn but offers endless strategic depth, making it a staple in my collection. Whether you’re looking for a casual game night hit or a competitive challenge, it’s got you covered.