If you’re just starting out with SETI the board game, the strategies can seem overwhelming, but focusing on the essentials will help you perform better and enjoy the game. Below are 5 key strategies to keep in mind:
1. Build your economy first (Rounds 1–2)
- In the early game, focus on income generation (credits and energy) and acquiring a key early technology.
- Actions like launching probes to satellites and scanning nearby areas help establish a solid income stream for later rounds.
- Aim to have at least 2–3 income boosts (like extra credits and energy) and one helpful tech by the end of Round 2.
💡 Pro Tip: Energy is often more valuable than credits because probe movements and landings consume a lot of energy.
2. Use cards wisely
- Cards aren’t just for playing—discarding them for free actions or resources is often more efficient.
- Remember the value of each card:
- 2 cards = 1 credit or energy.
- Playing a card costs its listed credits plus the value of discarding it.
- Only play cards when their benefits outweigh their cost, such as when they:
- Provide free probe moves.
- Fulfill mission objectives.
- Help with endgame goals.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t hoard cards—use or discard them when they can give you immediate advantages.
3. Focus on action efficiency
- SETI is a game of making the most of your actions. Prioritize moves that:
- Create additional actions (e.g., probe moves, free scans).
- Advance multiple objectives at once (e.g., generating data and closing a sector).
- Think ahead to chain actions—for example, scanning a sector that fills your data slots can also trigger income or tech bonuses.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid spending actions on small, short-term gains when you can set up for bigger payoffs later.
4. Choose technologies strategically
- Technologies make your actions stronger or more efficient, so choose them based on your needs:
- Moon landing tech: Unlocks the most valuable board slots.
- Asteroid tech: Adds flexibility and generates extra publicity.
- Scan tech: Allows free probe moves or generates extra data.
- Invest in early techs that boost income or make high-impact actions easier.
💡 Pro Tip: If you can land on a moon, prioritize Moon landing tech early—it gives you powerful benefits and reduces competition.
5. Plan for the late game
- Rounds 4 and 5 are where most points are scored. Use the early and midgame to set yourself up for a strong finish by:
- Securing endgame goals early if possible.
- Maximizing your alien life traces (board slots and cards tied to life discovery).
- Building up publicity and tech for bigger actions.
💡 Pro Tip: Always keep an eye on the board state. Adapt your strategy to take advantage of favorable planet positions or alien board opportunities.
Final thoughts
SETI rewards players who can adapt to the game’s changing dynamics and make the most of their resources. By focusing on building a strong economy, using your cards smartly, and planning for efficiency, you’ll set yourself up for success. Don’t worry if you don’t master everything right away—practice will help you identify new strategies and combos.
Have fun, and good luck finding alien life!
