Efemeris

Efemeris is a turn-based board game of exploration and conquest. Two fleets compete across a star map that players create tile by tile as they explore. A game lasts ten turns, and the winner is the first to conquer five planets.

Game modes

You can play solo against an AI opponent or compete against another player. The AI drafts its captains, plays crew cards and races you to the fifth planet. In two-player matches, one player can use Steam while the other plays on a phone.

Choose a fleet

You can command the British Royal Navy, the French Royal Navy or the Spanish Armada. Each nation has its own captains and crew, including the Governor, who negotiates a planet's price down; the Lady of the Night, who fills your holds; and the Gunner, required to fire a shot. Before placing the first tile, you choose two captains and five crew members, shaping your approach to the game.

Four choices each turn

Each turn, you choose from four actions:

• Explore: place a tile to open a new stretch of the Celestial Vault. Both where you open it and what it contains matter.
• Harvest: collect Piper Stellis and Vanilla Caelum from trading posts occupied by your ships.
• Manoeuvre: move your galleon and frigates, spend crew cards and ride the Stellar Winds.
• Build: buy frigates, raise fortresses and spend spices to claim planets.

Risks and resources

Your spice holds can contain no more than five. Firing on an enemy ship costs a Gunner. A captain's ability triggers only when a Chief mate is present to relay the order, and if your galleon falls, your captain goes down with it. Losing every planet you hold ends the game.

The star atlas

The game unfolds on hand-drawn celestial charts styled as an old star atlas. Its maps feature engraved constellations, gilded compass roses and inked portraits, and gradually fill with light.