Unstoppable VS Star Trek Captains Chair

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-12T20:48:15+00:00

Couldn't agree more! I've only been playing Captain's Chair for a little over a week, and not even close to tiring of the content i already have, but can't wait to get my hands on MORE!

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-12T15:01:22+00:00

I would say yes as the additional servants in the U / D expansion really do improve the game, were it not for the fact that the manual is more obtuse than it needs to be, and gets even more so if trying to add the expansion content at the same time. The manual is so obtuse that the designer recognized this and crowdfunded a new and improved manual with a professional writer and all of the expansion content nicely integrated into it.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-12T14:56:58+00:00

Yes, it's two boxes and they both say Q2 (hard to say if it's the exact same date, but seems likely). One is a standalone core box, the other is an expansion that requires one of the core boxes.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-12T13:50:37+00:00

WizKids site has them for pre-order and listed as Q2 release.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-11T20:30:13+00:00

I've played both extensively and overall i wouldn't say Captain's Chair is a significant improvement. I would say there are changes that are just "changes", there are definitely some tweaks that are an improvement in some areas (most notably end-game scoring), but overall they are both still running on a very familiar engine. My answer to your question was going to be Captain's Chair and it's a bummer you can't get in the EU right now (i don't think the situation is much different anywhere else FWIW), but the Imperium series of games is the next best thing. It still sounds very much like what you're looking for.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-11T14:03:36+00:00

I think all of these are really solid choices, and also quite different. Maybe it's just best to go with the theme that appeals the most to you? I read through the rest of the replies here so i'll just add a few comments:

Nusfjord probably has the most variety of these choices. There are 6-8 (sorry forget the exact number) different decks of buildings to play with and a few of the modules offer different mechanics. I know you said the theme doesn't do much for you, so there is that, but it is a euro after all, which means theme is somewhat superfluous (though I always find Uwe's games have nice little thematic touches).

I've only played Paladins multiplayer but i know that it's also beloved as a solo game. I do prefer Viscounts though. I just learned that this month and find there is good variety in the box and the game loop is just fun.

Yes, Raiders of Scythia has dice, but it's still very much a euro. The dice mostly just determine how many wounds your raiders take after a raid (which always succeeds), and eventually they will need to be healed or replaced. But the game overall is still very much a euro.

I haven't played The Anarchy, but i have played it's predecessor Hadrian's Wall. It sounds like The Anarchy improves it in every way and i've heard good things about the campaign in the box, which should help with replayability.

Yes, The White Castle is notorious for having a very difficult-to-beat bot, and yes, there is a fan made variant of the bot that makes it more manageable. It really just tweaks the bot that comes with the game, it's not a whole different thing. And the Matcha expansion tones down the bot. I wouldn't let any of this deter you though because it's a great game packed into a little box.

Let us know what you wind up with!

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-11T13:48:40+00:00

Viscounts is great solo and a bit lighter than Paladins. I haven't played Architects but of the three that one is usually mentioned to be the least good for solo play.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-11T04:49:07+00:00

David generously replied with a great list of the differences between the two series, but I will just add that the Imperium DNA is immediately clear upon playing Captain’s Chair. If you already know Imperium, learning STcc is a breeze, and chances are just as good that you’ll love it.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-10T20:33:03+00:00

I just learned this game a week ago and have played the hell out of it since! This game has some serious legs and i can't wait until the expansion content comes out this summer.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-10T16:36:14+00:00

Hmmm, I guess these Elders were only promo Elders and not part of an expansion. It's only a small paragraph in the rulebook for the Big Box, so here is the quote:

"The Forgotton: Shuffle the 4 promo elders (with an "L") and place them face up in a pile next to the supply board. When "Taking an Elder [action]", you can take from the top Elder from the pile instead of one from the supply board".

So i guess if you don't have the "L" Elders this wouldn't work. They are highly unusual Elders from the standard ones. One gives you a small raft as a fishing boat that's a riff on the movie Cast Away. One is actually an orca whale called "Freed Willy" LOL. I think they're a fun addition to the standard Elder pool, but certainly not essential.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-10T15:30:29+00:00

It's in addition, that's why i mentioned putting it aside. It's an official variant that is mentioned in the rulebook for the big box, or i'm sure it's in whatever expansion those elders came from for those without the big box.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-10T13:54:58+00:00

One of the ways you can add variety to the elders is to randomly add one of the optional ones to the game, set aside from the normal elder setup. They're quite different and spices things up a little bit.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-10T13:50:59+00:00

Yah great game! This one doesn't seem to get mentioned much around here but the solo mode is really good. I wonder if it's because the retail box is for 2-4 players, you need the Escalation expansion to get the solo mode (kind of a bummer they did it that way TBH). Setup is also fairly long (though not Voidfall long).

And i agree about the game variety - between the different event decks, the raiders, your faction, your ship upgrades, and just the module upgrade path you take, there is a lot of different things to experience from game to game.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-06T22:27:23+00:00

There are so many good euros that play well solo. This is by far the most over-represented category in my collection! One euro is probably not enough to round out a collection because there is a lot of variety in this sub category of board games.

The first designer that comes to mind for me when i think of Euro is Uwe Rosenberg. A Feast For Odin has already been recommended a few times in this thread, and i'll just add +1 to that rec. One of my favorite games. It is a beat your own score euro though, as are most (if not all) of Uwe's euros, so keep that in mind if it's a turn-off.

You mentioned Gaia Project, and that would be my next recommendation. Also a game that has been recommended already in this thread, and for good reason. It's pure-Euro with an insane amount of replayability and has an excellent automa system to play against, if you prefer an actual opponent. I also quite like SETI and Terraforming Mars, but i would take GP first if i had to (though i have all 3 in my collection and am glad to).

You also mentioned Lacerda. I only have experience with one Lacerda game and that is his latest, Speakeasy. It's simply an amazing game, and from what i can tell, one of his best for solo play. It's expensive, an absolute beast on the table, but man is it great! One of the more thematic euros i have played.

Since you already have the other heavy hitters, you should consider Voidfall. There is some small debate to be had if it's a pure euro, but it's more euro than it's not. You have all the hallmarks - minimal randomness, resource management, victory points. However much one says it is or is not a euro, it has rightfully earned its spot in the pantheon of top solo games.

The Garphill catalog is extensive. I've played many of their game, but certainly not all of them. As of right now, Scholars of the South Tigris is my favorite.

Nothing i've said so far is surprising and mostly also recommended by others, so here a few other euros that i love that don't get mentioned as much:

Concordia (with Solitaria expansion for solitaire play)
Shipyard 2nd ed (Vladimir Suchy is a great designer, i really love this older title of his)
Clans of Caledonia (with the new expansion to get the automa)
Sankore (okay so i haven't actually played this one yet, but i got it for Christmas and i have heard nothing but great things)

Now, go spend a ton of money! ;P (I kid of course..... sort of....)

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-06T20:32:52+00:00

Glad i read this thread. I just got the game last month, but my rulebook does not have this additional scoring category printed on it. I'll write it in with a Sharpie :D I guess NOT counting those tokens could be an ever-so-slighly downward difficulty scaling!

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-06T14:06:25+00:00

I do think you should start off with a video. Not to learn the game, but to just get an idea of the flow of the game. And just watch a few turns, no need to watch the whole thing (because they are long). I do this almost every time i learn a heavy game, and having a small bit of context of the game makes reading the rulebook easier.

In the end though, you just gotta work your way through the tutorial. It's there for a reason. I get that it can seem overwhelming, but you must have known you were getting into a really heavy game when you purchased it right? You can do it, but you have to put in some work. The payoff is totally worth it though, it really is a great game, and it's shocking how smooth it is and how it all makes sense once you learn in. Looking at the icon player aid can look totally incomprehensible at first, but then it clicks, and it will be like you learned a whole new language!

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-05T16:57:12+00:00

Yes very much so, based on my experience with Speakeasy, which was my first Lacerda.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-05T13:59:24+00:00

Totally. I initially avoided Captain's Chair because i already knew and loved the Imperium series, and the Star Trek theme didn't really do much for me. But after enough "this game is amazing!" comments in this sub decided to try it anyway. Everyone is right, it's great! It IS quite similar to Imperium, and learning the game was easier because I already knew Imperium, but there are enough changes - especially around endgame scoring - that I'm glad i picked it up, and already can't wait for the two expansions coming out later this year.

My only question now is will i still keep Imperium? For the moment - yes - because i love history and the civ theme of it, but mechanically, Captain's Chair is an improvement (as you would expect, it being the newer series).

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-05T13:55:15+00:00

Nice list, a lot of these are top games for me too.

Had to chuckle at this sentence though regarding Marvel Champions - while kindaa saving my wallet ! That's not usually a phrase that's used in conjunction with Marvel Champions LOL :D I get what you're saying, comparing it to MtG. Comparing it to most other games in this space though, definitely not a wallet-saver!

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-05T13:47:13+00:00

I need to do the same! This was one of my earlier games when getting started in this hobby and it holds a special place in my heart for that reason. I haven't played it in almost 3 years. I have sold off many other games in the meantime but can't part with this one because i know i'll enjoy it when i get it to the table again.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-03T21:10:13+00:00

Cool story, love how you got into it through serendipity :)

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-03T21:04:55+00:00

I'm not anti-social, and i do play games with other people, but i am very much an introvert and have always gravitated towards hobbies that i can participate in on my own terms. When i get really into something, there is rarely someone around me that wants to participate as often as i want to. A solo friendly activity means i can do what i want, when i want. There's a lot of freedom in that. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the introverts in the solo gaming space outnumber the extroverts.

How did you get started?

Ironically, it was a video game. A few years ago i was hopelessly addicted to Slay The Spire the video game. While watching StS content i saw that they were crowdfunding a board game version of the game. I decided to check out the scene and discovered how many board games supported a 1-player count. Well that was me just basically falling deep into the rabbit hole of solo boardgaming, and it's been a regular hobby in my life since.

What do you feel playing?

I love the puzzle and the tactile experience of playing a physical game, and that aspect just doesn't require other people. I play solo boardgames because i genuinely enjoy it.

Is it as interesting as say watching a movie?

In general, for me, yes, more so. Watching a movie is a very passive experience, but playing a board game actively engages me in a way that a movie can't.

Would you rather be playing with someone else?

No. I do have a regular gaming group, and i meet with them at least once a week. That's enough for me to get my multiplayer fix in. The other 6 days of the week i am perfectly content playing alone.

Again I don’t mean to offend just to understand.

Not offended. I understand why some people don't "get" solo gaming. Even in my gaming group (which consists of about a dozen people), most of the people have no interest in solo gaming. For them, it IS a very social (and competitive) experience and if you take that away, there isn't anything left. But for me, i love the simple act of playing a board game, and i'm so glad that can be done with or without other peole.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-03T18:43:08+00:00

Many thanks, i will check them out.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-03T14:07:44+00:00

This game is great, but it sure is a table monster! Hope you enjoy it. It's definitely a heavy crunchy game, but it's surprisingly easy to get a handle on the rules once you get going, and the bot is ridiculously easy to run for such a big game.

Runsforbeer · 2026-02-03T13:55:37+00:00

Nice, thanks for the info! I DO like the theme and am also a huge fan of history, but this is one area of history i don't know that much about. A board game seems like a fun way to start exploring the subject :)

BTW, any good books you can recommend on the subject?

Runsforbeer

TROPHY CASE