Stats:
No. of players: 2-4
Amount of time to play: 30-45 min
Age requirements: 8+
Set-up time: 5 min

Galaxy Trucker came out in 2007. In 2021 an updated version was published that streamlines some rules, is easier to learn, and has all-new art.

Galaxy Trucker 2021 Description:

Previously, I reviewed Galaxy Trucker and went over the basics of how to play. You can read my review of the original game here. This post will focus on the new elements in the updated 2021 version of Galaxy Trucker.
If you have played the original board game, the first thing you’ll notice is the new art and design. For the most part this doesn’t affect gameplay. But it does when it comes to ship design. The shape of the level two ship is slightly different from the one included in the original board game. The level three-b option has also been removed from the updated version.
The most noticeable change is to the standard game mode. In this version you pick a ship level, build that ship, and fly through one run with it. In the older game you started with a level one ship and progressed through all three types of ships. Doing a run each time and keeping a running tally of your score. This impacts the game time a lot, reducing it to roughly a half hour or so.
Although the standard mode has changed, there is a Transgalactic Trek mode that mirrors the original game in gameplay and length. It also adds title tiles. These give players a goal to go after and then defend in order to score more credits each race. You gain a title after round one and then check to see if you still hold it between rounds.
The rule book has also been updated to help ease the learning curve in this updated version. And the components have been upgraded a bit too.

Quick Review of Galaxy Trucker 2021:

Galaxy Trucker has always been a fun board game and the 2021 update doesn’t change that. In fact it doesn’t change too much at all, but the slight tweaks improve upon an already really good board game.

The components in the updated edition are excellent. The new art looks great and the new components do too. The updated rulebook helps make the learning curve less steep and gets new players playing sooner.

This new edition of Galaxy Trucker is an excellent way for new players to be introduced to the game. I mentioned the updated rulebook, but it is also sold at a lower price point than the original too.

The Title Tiles add a new wrinkle for longtime players and having goals to work toward can help old and new players alike. The box is also smaller than the original. Which as a person with plenty of boxes with lots of air in them is a nice touch.

If you have not played or do not own Galaxy Trucker, the updated 2021 version is a great place to jump in. If you own the original version this is not a must buy, but if it is one of your favorites or you play it a lot, pick it up.

Score and synopsis: (Click here for an explanation of these review categories.)
Strategy 3 out of 6
Luck 4 out of 6
Player Interaction 3 of 6
Replay Value 5 out of 6
Complexity 4 out of 6
Fun 5 out of 6
Overall 5 out of 6