SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Lead a scientific institution searching for traces of life beyond Earth by launching probes, directing telescopes, and collecting data from planets, moons, and distant star systems. Launch probes from Earth and time missions with changing planetary positions; choose between orbital surveys or surface landings to gather samples and observations. Point telescopes at exoplanetary systems to detect signals and record promising data to analyze back home. Use resources to upgrade equipment, boost telescope capacity, and improve analysis; play and manage over 200 unique cards representing real technologies and projects to gain bonuses and shape research. The game runs over five rounds as players alternate actions and build toward final scoring.

Players: 1–4 best 3
Playing time: 40–160 min
Age: 14+
Complexity: 3.8 / 5

8.3 on Ludoya from $49.99Space ExplorationArea Majority / InfluenceSolo / Solitaire GameVariable Set-up

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Full stats in Ludoya

1,117
Plays logged: 1,245
Players: 2h 46m
Average play: 400
In collections: 91
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8.3/10

from 173 Ludoya reviews

By player count

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Toni Cutillas8.1
- Base -
First impressions · 1 play
Flink9.0
First impressions after my first play (2p) is that it has a lot of options and potential. Loved every mechanic but at 2p none of us went for the data as it felt that there was a lot of it on the board and completing a sector was a bit tedious. Really looking forward to play it a higher player count.
First impressions · 1 play
Dídac9.5
Si no arriba al 10 és perquè es pot fer una mica massa llarg, però és un joc TREMENDO. Diversió 5/5 · Interacció 4/5 · Atractiu 4/5 · Originalitat 4/5 · Rejugabilitat 5/5 · Accessibilitat 5/5
First impressions · 1 play

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Rules questions

Answered from the rulebook by Ludoya's rules assistant.

Can I take more than one main action on my turn?

No. You take exactly one main action per turn, but you can also perform free actions before, after, or even during it. (Rulebook, p. 7)

Can I skip placing a signal, or place one when a sector is full?

You may not skip a signal placement. If the sector’s data slots are full, place it as an excess signal; it gives you no data, but it can still help you win the sector. (Rulebook, p. 13)

Do I always mark at least two signals when I scan?

Yes. A Scan action always lets you mark at least two signals; technology can let you mark up to four. (Rulebook, p. 12)

Do I get the cheaper landing cost if another player has an orbiter there?

Yes. Landing costs 2 energy instead of 3 if there is already an orbiter at that planet, regardless of who owns it. (Rulebook, p. 11)

When can I analyze data, and do I lose the data in my pool?

You can Analyze when all six spaces in your computer’s top row are filled; data in extra computer-tech spaces does not have to be filled. You discard the data in your computer, but keep data in your data pool. (Rulebook, p. 14)

Official score sheet