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.
| Question | Alien Artifacts | Rebel vs Imperium |
|---|---|---|
| Our label | Worth it | Depends on your group |
| Buy order | #2 for Race for the Galaxy | #4 for Race for the Galaxy |
| What it adds | 46 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 fixes | More cards help balance different strategies. | — |
| Type | Expansion | Expansion |
| Players | 2–5 players | up to 6 players |
| Rules load | — | — |
| Best for | — | — |
| You need first | Just the base game | The Gathering Storm |
| Price guide | — | — |
| More | Alien Artifacts details | Rebel vs Imperium details |