BoardGameArchiveSETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Explore SETI probes, telescope scans, rotating Solar System, data, technologies and alien discovery, with Czech Games Edition sources.
Explore SETI probes, telescope scans, rotating Solar System, data, technologies and alien discovery, with Czech Games Edition sources.
Launch probes, orbit planets, scan distant stars and analyze data while developing technologies and scientific capabilities.
The Solar System rotates during play, changing travel geometry, while discoveries about alien life introduce new scoring and strategic incentives.
Why We Love It
SETI links engine building to a moving Solar System, so probe routes and observation opportunities change as planets rotate. The result is a science game where timing matters as much as efficiency.
About SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Launch probes, orbit planets, scan distant stars and analyze data while developing technologies and scientific capabilities.
The Solar System rotates during play, changing travel geometry, while discoveries about alien life introduce new scoring and strategic incentives.
Game at a Glance
Launch Probes
Send spacecraft into the Solar System and position them for later actions.
Track Rotation
Planet positions change as the system moves, altering future routes.
Scan the Stars
Use telescopes and data to investigate distant systems.
Advance Science
Convert research and discoveries into technologies and points.
What is SETI?
SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence is Tomáš Holek’s 2024 eurogame for 1–4 players. Players lead scientific institutions looking for evidence of life beyond Earth.
The game combines probe missions, telescope scanning, technology upgrades and more than 200 cards inspired by real technologies, projects and discoveries.
How the game works
The Solar System board rotates, changing distances and opportunities for probes. Players can move probes into orbit or land them on planets and moons for samples and rewards.
A second major path uses telescopes to scan distant star systems and collect data. Technology upgrades improve efficiency, while alien species are discovered during play and introduce additional systems.
The decisions that define it
SETI rewards choosing when to specialize and when to remain flexible. Probe infrastructure, telescope scanning and card development all consume overlapping resources.
The rotating Solar System also makes timing spatial: a destination that is expensive now can become easier to reach later.
Who is it for?
Choose SETI if you want a heavy science-themed euro with card variety, spatial timing and a long-term engine.
For another large science engine with shared global parameters, compare Terraforming Mars.
Base SETI or Space Agencies?
The base game is a complete five-round science engine for 1–4 players. You can focus on probe missions, telescope sectors, cards or technology, but alien species enter during the game and change the opportunities. Learn the eight main actions and gold-tile scoring before adding more setup choices.
Space Agencies adds 11 asymmetric organizations, Quick Start cards, 42 projects, three alien species and signal tokens. It suits groups that already know the base rhythm and want more distinct openings and ways to contest scanning. It requires the base game.
Choose a guide
- Rules and turn sequence for a first play.
- Strategy and opening priorities after you know the actions.
- Final scoring checklist before the fifth round ends.
- Space Agencies expansion if deciding whether to add it.
Learn SETI in depth
Publisher sources & scope
- Czech Games Edition: SETI
- CGE SETI factsheet
- CGE: Space Agencies expansion
- Official SETI rulebook
- Official player aid
Checked September 16, 2026. This hub covers the base game, not Space Agencies.