%2Fpic2471359.jpg)
Forbidden Stars
Fantasy Flight Games · 2015
2–4120–180 min14+ yrs3.8/5 complexity8.0 BGG#158 BGG14,1 KStrategy
⚡ short answer
How do you play Forbidden Stars?
The primary objective is to be the first player to collect a number of objective tokens equal to the number of players in the game. For example, in a three-player game, the first player to collect three objective tokens wins. If no player achieves this by the end of the eighth round, the player with the most objective tokens wins. In case of a tie, the player with the highest total value of resources (material) wins.
To find the best price for Forbidden Stars, howtoplay.ro compares deals from Romanian shops every day.
%2Fpic2471359.jpg)
the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
🧩
01
Setup
Players place action tokens face down on board tiles where they have units or adjacent to them.
The rules, step by step
Setup
Each player receives eight action tokens (four types, two of each). Players take turns placing one action token face down on a board tile. A token can only be placed on a tile where the player has at least one of their own units (spaceship or factory) or on a tile adjacent to one of their units. Tokens can be stacked on top of other players' tokens. This planning phase continues until all players have placed all their tokens.
Objective
The primary objective is to be the first player to collect a number of objective tokens equal to the number of players in the game. For example, in a three-player game, the first player to collect three objective tokens wins. If no player achieves this by the end of the eighth round, the player with the most objective tokens wins. In case of a tie, the player with the highest total value of resources (material) wins.
On your turn
A round is divided into three steps. Step 1 is the planning phase, where players secretly place their action tokens. Step 2 is the action resolution phase, where players take turns flipping over one of their own tokens and choosing to either perform the action or place the token on their event deck. Step 3 is the end-of-round phase, which involves checking for objective tokens, collecting resources (material), resolving event cards, and resetting the board for the next round.
Scoring
Players score objective tokens by controlling planets that have their faction's objective token. During the end-of-round phase, players check if they control such a planet. If they do, they take the objective token and place it on their player board. The number of objective tokens required to win is equal to the number of players in the game. Resources (material) are also collected based on controlled planets, with the amount indicated by the green cogwheel icon on the planet tile.
Game end
The game concludes either immediately when a player collects the required number of objective tokens, or at the end of the eighth round if no player has met that condition. If the game ends after eight rounds without a clear winner, the player with the most objective tokens is declared the winner. If there's still a tie, the player with the highest total value of material (resources) wins.
Tips
Strategic thinking is crucial in Forbidden Stars. When planning actions, remember that tokens are resolved from top to bottom on a stack, meaning the last token placed is the first to be resolved. This reverse order of resolution requires careful foresight. Additionally, try to anticipate your opponents' moves and where they might place their tokens to block their actions or capitalize on their choices. Utilizing event cards and understanding the unique special powers of your faction can also provide significant advantages.
game anatomy
Complexity3.8 / 5
BGG rating8.0 / 10
Vibe
Strategy
Language dependence
Extensive text — heavy translation needed
Play time
120–180 min
Players
2–4
Recommended age
14+ yrs
BGG rank
#158
from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The primary objective is to be the first player to collect a number of objective tokens equal to the number of players in the game. For example, in a three-player game, the first player to collect three objective tokens wins. If no player achieves this by the end of the eighth round, the player with the most objective tokens wins. In case of a tie, the player with the highest total value of resources (material) wins.
Q2How do you set up the game?
Each player receives eight action tokens (four types, two of each). Players take turns placing one action token face down on a board tile. A token can only be placed on a tile where the player has at least one of their own units (spaceship or factory) or on a tile adjacent to one of their units. Tokens can be stacked on top of other players' tokens. This planning phase continues until all players have placed all their tokens.
Q3How does a turn work?
A round is divided into three steps. Step 1 is the planning phase, where players secretly place their action tokens. Step 2 is the action resolution phase, where players take turns flipping over one of their own tokens and choosing to either perform the action or place the token on their event deck. Step 3 is the end-of-round phase, which involves checking for objective tokens, collecting resources (material), resolving event cards, and resetting the board for the next round.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
Players score objective tokens by controlling planets that have their faction's objective token. During the end-of-round phase, players check if they control such a planet. If they do, they take the objective token and place it on their player board. The number of objective tokens required to win is equal to the number of players in the game. Resources (material) are also collected based on controlled planets, with the amount indicated by the green cogwheel icon on the planet tile.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game concludes either immediately when a player collects the required number of objective tokens, or at the end of the eighth round if no player has met that condition. If the game ends after eight rounds without a clear winner, the player with the most objective tokens is declared the winner. If there's still a tie, the player with the highest total value of material (resources) wins.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
Strategic thinking is crucial in Forbidden Stars. When planning actions, remember that tokens are resolved from top to bottom on a stack, meaning the last token placed is the first to be resolved. This reverse order of resolution requires careful foresight. Additionally, try to anticipate your opponents' moves and where they might place their tokens to block their actions or capitalize on their choices. Utilizing event cards and understanding the unique special powers of your faction can also provide significant advantages.
Q7How much does Forbidden Stars cost?
No store is currently tracking Forbidden Stars. Check the Prices tab — you can set a price alert to be notified when it appears.
Q8Where can I buy Forbidden Stars cheapest?
Check the Prices tab — howtoplay.ro aggregates offers from 7+ Romanian board-game stores and tracks price history.
Q9How do you play Forbidden Stars?
Forbidden Stars is a bluffing game, for 2–4 players, taking ~120–180 minutes, featuring area majority / influence. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Forbidden Stars — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does Forbidden Stars support?
Forbidden Stars is played by 2–4 players.
Mechanics & categories