12 Steps to Jupiter 2026

A mysterious signal from Jupiter—will your precise calculations and card strategy lead you to victory?

A mysterious pulse emanating from Jupiter has thrown Earth’s communications into total chaos. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, nations around the world formed a joint space expedition and launched rockets bound for the gas giant—

12 Steps to Jupiter is a strategic card game for 2 to 4 players (Play time: 20–30 mins / Ages 8+). Players manipulate their hands to build rockets, navigate space, and construct observatories, all while competing for the highest score.

Key Features & Highlights

1. Tense "Number Bidding" & Tactical Action Selection Rules are simple: play just one card from your hand each turn! However, the value (rank) of the card you play determines which action you can take. “Do I play a high number now to move my rocket immediately, or hold back with a lower number to trigger a different effect?” Reading your opponents' hands and predicting board state creates an exhilarating battle of wits.

2. Fixed Card Orientation: The Spatial Puzzle of "Rotation-Free Movement" The game’s most unique mechanic is that cards must be slid around without ever changing their physical orientation. As cards orbit around the observatories, the edge facing inward changes depending on their position, drastically altering scores and card effects. Crossing specific boundaries flips cards over for massive scoring opportunities. The geometric puzzle feel of the board is the true signature experience of this game.

3. Observatory Upgrades: "Gold Awakenings" Building rockets and meeting specific criteria allows you to power up your observatory to its "Gold" side. This shifts available actions and area effects, dynamically accelerating game tempo and broadening strategic depth. Whether you aim for a dramatic comeback or steady scoring, every match creates its own narrative!

? Recommended For: - Players who love deep, highly strategic gameplay with minimal components (Pure card-based deep strategy!) - Fans of spatial puzzles, hand management, and engine-building - Gamers looking for direct player interaction and satisfying combo-building

Your hand consists of just 12 cards. Will these 12 cards be enough to guide you all the way to Jupiter?

—description from the designer