Space Commander is a science-fiction roll & write game in which players take on the role of commanders exploring and developing their own galaxy. By establishing connections between planets and stars, players gradually build an interstellar network while managing limited resources and growing spatial constraints.
The game is played over six rounds. Each round begins with a shared dice roll that all players must use on their individual galaxy sheets. Dice values are assigned to planets to create connections, secure stars, close zones, or unlock one-time bonuses that modify future actions. All placements must follow strict rules, and once a value is placed, it cannot be changed, making planning and timing critical.
As the game progresses, the available dice decrease, increasing tension and limiting options. Players must decide how to best use each value, whether to spend powerful bonuses, and when to accept penalties if no legal placement is possible. Optional modules and a solo mode add additional layers of interaction and challenge.
The game ends after the sixth round. Players score points for secured stars, closed zones, and the size of their largest closed area, while losing points for unfinished or invalid elements. The player with the highest total score is declared the Grand Space Commander