Exodus Fleet (2017) Board Game

Exodus Fleet is a board game that was released in in 2017. Designed by Donald Crank and Jason Greeno, it falls into the categories of Economic, Science Fiction, and Space Exploration. Published by Tasty Minstrel Games, it is designed for 2 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 13 and up. The game revolves around players managing resources and building spaceships to escape a dying Earth.

Game Components of Exodus Fleet

76 Ship Cards

52 Explorer Cards

25 Planet Cards

250+ Wood Tokens

Player Faction Boards

Central Game Board

Money Cards

How To Setup Exodus Fleet

To set up Exodus Fleet, players first place the Central Game Board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a Player Faction Board and receives a set amount of money and resources. The Ship Cards, Explorer Cards, and Planet Cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The wood tokens are distributed according to the initial player resources. The game is now ready for the first round of bidding and action selection.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Resource Management: Players manage resources to build ships, mine planets, and rescue survivors.

Tableau Building: Players build their fleet by acquiring and placing Ship Cards.

Role Selection and Bidding: Players bid for the services of various service crews, such as miners, spaceship builders, and explorers.

Game Objective

The objective is to build a fleet, fill it with refugees, and ensure the ships work together effectively to escape a dying Earth.

Points are scored by building ships, rescuing survivors, and optimizing ship synergy.

Player Experience

In Exodus Fleet, players are faced with a myriad of strategic and tactical decisions. They must weigh the benefits of building ships within one faction to score bonus points against the advantages of building ships with synergy to power their actions. Decisions include whether to spend resources on more ships, rescue more survivors, gamble on explorers, or gather additional resources. The highly interactive bidding system adds a layer of unpredictability, as players must consider their opponents’ financial situation and potential bids.

Pros

High Replayability: Multiple strategic paths and random card draws ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Interactive Bidding: The bidding mechanism encourages player interaction and strategic thinking.

Balanced Mechanics: The game balances resource management, tableau building, and role selection, offering a comprehensive gaming experience.

Cons

Complexity: The game involves several mechanics, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Length: The game can take up to 120 minutes to complete, which may deter those with shorter attention spans.

Luck Factor: The random draw of cards can introduce an element of luck, affecting player strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Exodus Fleet

Exodus Fleet is ideal for fans of complex strategy games who enjoy resource management, tableau building, and interactive bidding. It is particularly suited for experienced gamers looking for a game that offers deep strategic depth and replayability. However, it may not be the best fit for new gamers or those seeking a quick, casual gaming experience. The game’s thematic setting of escaping a dying Earth adds a compelling narrative layer, making the gameplay more immersive and engaging.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.