A new space-themed strategy game has landed in Russia, giving players the chance to build their own international space stations and compete to create the most successful scientific outpost. Published by Evrikus, Space Lab is designed for one to four players and combines card drafting, strategic planning and engine-building. Players must recruit specialists from major space agencies, install laboratories in station modules and complete prestigious projects to earn victory points. The game is now available from Russian retailers, marking its launch in the country's tabletop gaming market.
Build your own space station
The main challenge in Space Lab is constructing an efficient space station by combining laboratory cards and station modules. Players must carefully consider which cards to collect, when to install them and where to position them to maximise their benefits. Laboratories play a central role in the game's strategy. Some cards provide victory points at the end of the game, while others help players complete space projects or unlock useful bonuses. Finding the right combinations is key to building a station that can outperform the competition. Players will also recruit employees from four major space agencies, adding another layer of decision-making as they develop their stations. Balancing the available cards with long-term objectives will be essential for anyone hoping to secure victory.
Strategy without the lengthy sessions
Despite its strategic focus, Space Lab is designed to offer a relatively quick experience, with games lasting around 20 minutes. This makes it an option for players who enjoy planning and optimisation but don't necessarily want to commit to a lengthy tabletop session. The game also includes a solo mode, allowing players to put their station-building skills to the test without needing a group. Its one-to-four-player format makes it suitable for both solo gaming and smaller gatherings. Much of the gameplay revolves around making the most of limited opportunities. Players must decide which laboratory cards are worth taking, how to arrange their station modules and which objectives to prioritise. Every choice can influence the station's overall efficiency and the points earned by the end of the game. This combination of compact construction and tactical card play could appeal to fans of engine-building games, particularly those who enjoy finding clever synergies between different cards.
A new option for space-themed board game fans
Space exploration has provided plenty of inspiration for tabletop games, from large-scale science-fiction adventures to more focused strategic experiences. Space Lab takes a more concentrated approach, placing the emphasis on developing an efficient station rather than exploring an expansive fictional universe. Its laboratory placement, recruitment and project objectives give players several routes towards building a successful station, while the short playing time offers an accessible alternative to more demanding strategy games. For solo players, the included solo mode provides another reason to take a closer look. Meanwhile, groups of up to four players can compete to assemble the most effective combinations and make the most of their available station space. With its Russian release now underway, Space Lab offers another choice for tabletop fans looking for a strategic game built around space exploration, clever card combinations and scientific ambition.
