Space Weirdos: A Skirmish Heartbreaker (2021) Board Game

Space Weirdos: A Skirmish Heartbreaker is a humorous miniatures board game set in a science fiction universe. Designed by Łukasz Kowalczuk and illustrated by Garske Games, it was released in in 2021. The game is suitable for 2-8 players, with best gameplay experience for 1-2 players. With a runtime of 20-90 minutes and an age rating of 8+, Space Weirdos offers a wacky and fast-paced skirmish experience.

Game Components of Space Weirdos: A Skirmish Heartbreaker

Rulebook: A concise 16-page zine.

Miniatures: Players can use any miniatures they have, including oldhammer, newhammer, and kitbashed models.

Dice: Uses various polyhedral dice (excluding the d20).

Tokens: Minimal tokens for tracking movement rates, wounds, and suppression.

Additional Resources: Includes a separate 4-page solo rules document, a PDF with tokens, hobby advice, and a warband sheet.

How To Setup Space Weirdos: A Skirmish Heartbreaker

Setting up the game is straightforward. Players need to assemble their warbands, typically consisting of 5-10 models per side. Each model is stat-ed up using a simple points system, and the game does not require precise measurements, instead using 5” sticks for movement and ranges. The setup involves distributing Command Points, which are used to activate models, and preparing the necessary tokens for tracking game states.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Alternating Activations: Players take turns activating their models.

Opposed Rolls: Combat is resolved through opposed rolls using polyhedral dice.

Command Points: Used to activate models and perform actions.

Under Fire/Attack Table: A 2d6 table determining the outcomes of combat, including status effects like Staggered and Down.

Psykers and Special Abilities: Compact rules for psychic powers and special abilities.

Objective: The primary goal is to eliminate the opposing warband or achieve specific mission objectives.

Player Experience

Playing **Space Weirdos** is designed to be fast-paced and enjoyable. The game encourages dynamic and tactical gameplay, with layers of simple systems that combine to create a complex and satisfying experience. Players can quickly construct and stat up new warbands, and the game’s flexibility allows for a wide range of miniatures and settings. The use of various dice and the Under Fire/Attack table adds an element of unpredictability, making each combat encounter unique and engaging.

Pros

Fast and Simple Rules: Easy to learn and play, with a concise rulebook.

Miniatures Agnostic: Use any miniatures you have.

Dynamic Gameplay: Alternating activations and opposed rolls keep players engaged.

Flexible Warband Construction: Easy to create and customize warbands.

Minimal Tokens: Just enough tokens to enhance gameplay without adding complexity.

Cons

Limited Depth: Not suitable for those seeking a rich campaign system or detailed game mechanics.

No Built-in Narrative Elements: Players need to create their own narrative scenarios.

Minimal Equipment Rules: Some players might find the equipment rules too basic.

Personal Thoughts on Space Weirdos: A Skirmish Heartbreaker

**Space Weirdos** is ideal for players looking for a light, fun, and tactical sci-fi skirmish game. It’s perfect for those who want to get their miniatures on the table quickly and enjoy fast-paced battles without the burden of complex rules. This game is particularly suited for fans of old-school D&D and those who enjoy kitbashing and using a variety of models. If you’re looking for a game that balances simplicity with depth, **Space Weirdos** is a great choice.

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