Stationfall: A board game full of intrigue, sabotage, and tension

Stationfall is a board game that pulls you into a world of mystery, sabotage, and high-stakes tension. If you know the board game Nemesis, it works similarly, but with a twist: instead of fighting a common enemy alongside your crewmates, you never know which of your “friends” will stab you in the back. Add hidden roles like in Among Us—where every player has a secret agenda that could involve saving the station or ensuring its inevitable destruction—and you’ll get the idea. In Stationfall, you simply never know who to trust.

Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong

The game takes you aboard a damaged space station hurtling uncontrollably toward Earth. Playing as various characters—from an engineer or the station commander to a secret AI or a psychic rat (some of these characters belong in a horror movie)—you try to complete your secret objectives before the station turns into a meteor. Every player picks a hidden role at the start, but the twist is that until they are revealed, no character “belongs” to a specific player. You can use any character on the station, which brings a unique dynamic and unpredictability to the game.

Who controls whom?

Every player holds cards and can perform actions with any character on the station during their turn. This freedom to control anyone means you can ruin each other's plans, move characters around the station, or even eliminate them if it helps your own goals. Thanks to the hidden roles, you never know your opponent's true intentions, so you’ll quickly learn to view every suspicious move with distrust. And just wait until the secret Project X is revealed. What if “it” escapes its containment unit and starts roaming the station?

The game blends tactical elements with constant bluffing and intrigue. The situation on board changes every single round—suspicion and trust shift depending on how close players are to their goals. One round you might cooperate with someone to fix a vital system, and the next, you smack them over the head and eject them into space just to get them out of your way. And hey, it turns out they were an opponent anyway.

Wits and deception meet tactics

Stationfall takes the best of games like Nemesis, where an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty is key, but offers a whole new dynamic through shared character control. You are placed in a situation where it’s not clear who is “good” or “bad,” and trust quickly turns into paranoia. Each character has different abilities and perks that help achieve goals, leaving plenty of room for clever moves and bluffing. You must carefully choose which character to control so you don't give yourself away while getting as close as possible to your secret objectives.

A party game for hardcore players

Stationfall is the perfect choice for a group of hardcore gamers looking for an intense experience full of intrigue, betrayal, and unpredictable twists. This isn't a light party game—it requires strategic thinking, the ability to improvise, and nerves of steel. Every round brings new situations and betrayals, making it the kind of game that stays in your memory long after you finish playing. If you’re looking for pure tension and drama and don’t mind friendly skirmishes at the edge of space, Stationfall offers an evening you won’t soon forget.

An author who knows how to create chaos

The author of Stationfall is Matt Eklund, known for his unique approach to game design and his ability to create complex, unexpected systems where you must balance cooperation and conflict. Eklund, who is also behind games like Pax Transhumanity and Pax Renaissance, focuses on deep narrative experiences and dynamic game situations. His games often feature political and social conflict and emphasize strategy based on player decisions that can radically change the course of the game. Stationfall is no exception, offering a similarly well-thought-out world where every action can have unpredictable consequences and where planning gives way to improvisation.

Chaotic chance and total randomness

Stationfall is not without its flaws, however. While the game is incredibly tense and full of surprises, its chaotic nature might frustrate some players. Luck plays a significant role—sometimes an action goes sideways in a way that completely turns your original plan upside down. Those used to structured strategies might feel the game slips into unpredictable chaos. Also, random twists can sometimes decide the winner rather than strategic decision-making, which might not be for everyone.

Who is this game for?

Stationfall is for anyone who enjoys conflict and dramatic situations, as well as those who can forgive the occasional betrayal, react quickly to chaos, and keep going. It offers an experience full of intrigue, uncertainty, and tension, making it an ideal choice for those looking for something different from classic board games. The game is for 1-9 players, and one thing is certain: the more players, the greater the chaos. In my opinion, the ideal number is 4-6 players.

If you’re looking for games where tactics change every round and no plan is ever certain, then Stationfall is a game worth trying.

author Honza Kohoutek