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Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy box image

Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy

Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy is a 4X strategy game where players explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate in a space-themed setting. It features modular hexagonal tiles, customizable ships, and a unique combat system.

8.46 / 10
BGG Rating
14+
age
2020
published year
2 - 6
player count
2 - 6
Recommended player count
60 - 200 mins
play time

How Complex is Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy?

3.66 / 5

Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy has a moderate complexity level due to its many rules, technologies, and strategies, but is manageable with experience and guidance.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy?

2.5 / 5

Luck plays a moderate role in Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy. While dice rolls and card draws can impact combat and exploration, strategic decisions and resource management have a greater influence on the outcome of the game.

How much Player Interaction does Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy offer?

3.5 / 5

Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy offers moderate player interaction through combat, diplomacy, and trade. However, players can also focus on their own strategies without much interference from others.

How much Replayability does Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy offer?

4 / 5

Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy offers high replayability due to its modular board, customizable ships, and various alien races, technologies, and strategies that can be explored in each game.

Why you should play Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy

Strategic Depth

Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy is a game that offers a lot of strategic depth. Players must manage their resources, build their fleets, and explore the galaxy in order to gain an advantage over their opponents.

Replayability

With a variety of different races to choose from, each with their own unique abilities and technologies, Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy offers a lot of replayability. No two games will ever be the same.

Beautiful Components

The game features high-quality components, including beautifully designed ship miniatures and a large game board that captures the vastness of space.

Engaging Gameplay

Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy is a game that is easy to learn but difficult to master. The gameplay is engaging and will keep players coming back for more.

Cooperative and Competitive Play

The game can be played either cooperatively or competitively, depending on the preferences of the players. This makes it a great game for both casual and serious gamers.

Expansion Options

The game has several expansion options available, which can add even more depth and complexity to the gameplay.

Award-Winning

Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy has won several awards, including the Golden Geek Award for Best Strategy Game and the Dice Tower Award for Best Game of the Year.

Why you should avoid Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy

Lengthy Playtime

Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy is a game that can take several hours to play, which may not be suitable for players who prefer shorter games.

Complexity

While the game is easy to learn, it can be quite complex, which may not be suitable for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler games.

Cost

The game is relatively expensive compared to other board games, which may not be suitable for players on a tight budget.

Table Space

The game requires a lot of table space, which may not be suitable for players who have limited space to play.

Competitive Play

While the game can be played cooperatively, it is primarily a competitive game, which may not be suitable for players who prefer cooperative games.

Where to find the Rules of Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy

Check the rules of Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy in a PDF file.

You can also find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.

Beginner Strategies for Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy.

Focus on Expansion

In Eclipse, expanding your empire is key to success. You want to colonize new planets, build new ships, and explore the galaxy. Make sure you have a good balance of exploration and colonization to ensure you have enough resources to build your fleet.

Balance Your Economy

Eclipse is a resource management game, so it's important to balance your economy. You want to make sure you have enough resources to build ships and upgrade your technology, but you also need to keep enough resources to maintain your economy.

Upgrade Your Technology

Upgrading your technology is essential in Eclipse. It allows you to build better ships, improve your economy, and gain an advantage over your opponents. Make sure you prioritize upgrading your technology to stay competitive.

Plan Your Battles

Battles in Eclipse can be complex, so it's important to plan your strategy carefully. Consider the strength of your fleet, the strength of your opponent's fleet, and the terrain of the battlefield. You want to make sure you have the upper hand before engaging in battle.

Keep an Eye on Your Opponents

Eclipse is a competitive game, so it's important to keep an eye on your opponents. Pay attention to their moves, their technology upgrades, and their fleet strength. This will help you anticipate their actions and plan your strategy accordingly.

Don't Neglect Diplomacy

Diplomacy can be a powerful tool in Eclipse. You can form alliances with other players, trade resources, and even share technology. Don't neglect diplomacy as it can help you gain an advantage over your opponents.

Be Flexible

Finally, be flexible in your strategy. Eclipse is a dynamic game, and things can change quickly. Be prepared to adapt your strategy as the game progresses to stay competitive.

Advanced Strategies for Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy

Specialize Your Empire

As you become more familiar with the game, you may want to specialize your empire to focus on a particular strategy. For example, you could focus on building a strong economy, or you could focus on building a powerful military. Specializing your empire can give you a significant advantage over your opponents.

Plan Your Technology Upgrades

As you become more familiar with the game, you will start to understand the importance of technology upgrades. Plan your upgrades carefully to ensure you are getting the most benefit from each upgrade. Consider which upgrades will give you the biggest advantage and prioritize those.

Use Your Actions Wisely

In Eclipse, you only have a limited number of actions each turn. Use your actions wisely to maximize your efficiency. Consider which actions will give you the biggest advantage and prioritize those.

Build a Balanced Fleet

As you become more familiar with the game, you will start to understand the importance of building a balanced fleet. Make sure you have a good mix of ships to handle different situations. For example, you may want to have some fast ships for scouting, some heavy ships for combat, and some support ships for defense.

Pay Attention to the Board

As the game progresses, the board will change. Plan your strategy accordingly and pay attention to the board to anticipate your opponents' moves. For example, if a particular sector of the board is becoming more valuable, you may want to focus your efforts there.

Don't Neglect Influence

Influence can be a powerful tool in Eclipse. Use your influence to gain control of key sectors of the board, or to gain an advantage in diplomacy. Don't neglect influence as it can help you gain an advantage over your opponents.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Finally, be prepared for emergencies. In Eclipse, unexpected events can happen, such as a surprise attack from an opponent or a sudden shortage of resources. Be prepared to adapt your strategy quickly to handle these emergencies and stay competitive.

Mechanics

Modular Board
Variable Player Powers
Area-Impulse
Hexagon Grid
Dice Rolling
Area Majority / Influence
Grid Movement
Passed Action Token
Tech Trees / Tech Tracks
Income
Alliances

Categories

Civilization
Science Fiction
Wargame
Exploration
Space Exploration