Race for the Galaxy expansions

Alien Artifacts vs Rebel vs Imperium

Short answer: buy Alien Artifacts first. A one-box add-on that just gives more of the base game. Many skip the Orb game.

Pick Rebel vs Imperium first instead if this sounds more like your table: Get it if you want 6-player games or more fighting between players.

QuestionAlien ArtifactsRebel vs Imperium
Our labelWorth itDepends on your group
Buy order#2 for Race for the Galaxy#4 for Race for the Galaxy
What it adds46 new cards, a 5th player, and an optional Alien Orb mini-game to explore.A 6th player, more cards and goals, optional takeovers of rival worlds, and a 2-player scenario.
What it fixesMore cards help balance different strategies.—
TypeExpansionExpansion
Players2–5 playersup to 6 players
Rules load——
Best for——
You need firstJust the base gameThe Gathering Storm
Price guide——
MoreAlien Artifacts detailsRebel vs Imperium details

See the full Race for the Galaxy buy order