40K Forbidden Stars: The Best 40k Board Game You’ll Likely Never Play

There are board games that are good, some that are great… and then there are those rare gems that become legendary. Forbidden Stars is one such title — a Warhammer 40,000 game that brought strategy, conflict, and intergalactic conquest to the table. But despite its cult status and deep mechanics, there’s a catch: you probably won’t get to play it.

Let’s dive into what made Forbidden Stars a standout — and why it’s become a bittersweet icon for fans of both board games and the grimdark 40K universe.

What is Forbidden Stars?

Released in 2015 by Fantasy Flight Games, Forbidden Stars was a bold and beautiful 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) board game set in the Warhammer 40K universe. It allowed players to control powerful factions and engage in sprawling, strategic warfare.

Key Gameplay Elements:

• 2–4 Players battling for control of the Herakon Cluster

• Asymmetrical Factions: Space Marines, Orks, Eldar, and Chaos Marines

• Tactical Combat System with custom dice and strategic planning

• Modular Galaxy Map for infinite replayability

• Deep Customization through upgrades and event cards

So Why Can’t You Play It?

Despite the overwhelming praise from fans and reviewers alike, Forbidden Stars is out of print — and it’s likely to stay that way.

Why It’s Still a Legend?

Even though it’s hard to find, Forbidden Stars has earned its spot in board gaming history for several reasons:

What Made It So Special?

• Strategic Depth: Every move counted; bluffing, planning, and resource management were essential.

• Combat with Consequences: Battles weren’t just dice-rolling—they were layered with tactics.

• Immersive Theme: The Warhammer universe was baked into every mechanic and card.

• Faction Identity: Each army felt distinct and stayed true to the lore.

 Is There Any Hope?

While the original game is unlikely to return due to licensing battles, there’s still some light in the warp:

• Fan-made Expansions: Passionate communities have kept the game alive with unofficial content.

• Used Market: If you’re lucky (and wealthy), you might score a secondhand copy online.

• Spiritual Successors: Games like Star Wars: Rebellion or Eclipse offer similar 4X depth.

FAQs

1. Why was Forbidden Stars discontinued?

It was pulled from shelves after Fantasy Flight Games’ license with Games Workshop expired in 2016. That meant no more 40K board games could be legally produced by FFG.

2. Is there a digital version of the game?

Unfortunately, no official digital version exists. Some fans have tried creating modules on Tabletop Simulator, but these operate in legal gray areas.

3. Can new players still learn and enjoy the game?

Absolutely—if you can find a copy. The mechanics are complex but rewarding, and many guides and tutorial videos still exist online.

4. Are there any alternatives with similar gameplay?

Yes! Games like Twilight Imperium, Dune: Imperium, and Eclipse offer strategic space conquest vibes, though none are direct replacements for Forbidden Stars.

Final Thoughts

Forbidden Stars is the unicorn of Warhammer 40K board games — rare, majestic, and frustratingly out of reach. But for those lucky enough to play it, it remains one of the most intelligently crafted strategy games ever set in the grim darkness of the far future.

If you ever spot it in the wild, do yourself a favor: grab it, gather your crew, and conquer the Herakon Cluster. Because legends like this don’t come around twice.

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