
- BGG rating
- 8.2
Space Hulk (Fourth Edition): Disable the Shields
- 2 players
- 60 min
- 2014

2014
Rules assistance for Space Hulk (Fourth Edition)
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
For 2 players

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Space Hulk (Fourth Edition) is a board game released in 2014 for 2 players, 60 minutes per game, and ages 12 and up. Its main mechanics are Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, and Modular Board.
From the depths of space an ancient vessel drifts slowly towards the Imperium of Mankind - a space hulk. Within its confines, untold thousands of Genestealers slowly emerge from hibernation. The Space Marines must enter the cramped corridors and tomb-like chambers of the ancient ship to defeat this alien menace. Space Hulk is a board game for two players, recreating the battles fought between the Space Marines and Genestealers. One player commands the Space Marines as they carry out deadly missions in the ancient Space Hulk, and the other commands the horde of Genestealers opposing them. Space Hulk's fast-paced rules simulate the tense atmosphere of a mission deep inside the cramped confines of a derelict space hulk, where split-second decisions are needed for victory. This new version has 4 extra missions, Boarding Torpedoes, Damage Control Room, Breach Counters (for where the Boarding Torpedoes hit or something else), and a Turbo-lift Tile allowing for multiple levels to clear of Genestealers. Also new for this edition are three mini-campaign packs released for the iPad: -Space Hulk Mission Files: Dark Angels – Bringers of Sorrow -Space Hulk Mission Files: Ultramarines – Duty and Honour -Space Hulk Mission Files: Space Wolves – Return to Kalidus Each Mini campaign comprises 3 missions specific to the chapter, and rules for creating new missions, plus a brief Chapter history.
Space Hulk (Fourth Edition) supports 2 players according to the catalogue. This is the publisher’s listed player count, so the game is designed for exactly that number of participants. Variants for other group sizes, if any, are described in the rulebook of your edition, so check it before setting up a different configuration.
The listed playing time for Space Hulk (Fourth Edition) is 60 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Space Hulk (Fourth Edition) for ages 12 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Space Hulk (Fourth Edition) has a complexity rating of 2.7 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Space Hulk (Fourth Edition) belongs to these categories: Fighting, Miniatures, and Science Fiction. Its main mechanics are Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, and Modular Board. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The catalogue lists Space Hulk (Fourth Edition) as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.