A fast space card game where you build a galactic empire of worlds and technologies.
Start with The Gathering Storm.
Adds: A 5th player, new cards, bonus goals, and a solo mode against a robot player.
Fixes: Gives military a better chance against the ship-goods strategy.
The usual first pick. Great solo robot, and it opens up the rest of the first arc.
Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.
Adds: 46 new cards, a 5th player, and an optional Alien Orb mini-game to explore.
Fixes: More cards help balance different strategies.
A one-box add-on that just gives more of the base game. Many skip the Orb game.
Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.
Adds: New cards and an optional Invasion game where players fight off alien waves.
Fixes: Some players find it the most balanced set with room for many strategies.
Well liked for new strategies. Some players skip the invasion module.
Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.
Adds: A 6th player, more cards and goals, optional takeovers of rival worlds, and a 2-player scenario.
Get it if you want 6-player games or more fighting between players.
Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.
Adds: Prestige points, a once-per-game search action, more cards and goals, and bigger takeovers.
For groups who have played the first arc a lot. Some find the deck gets too big.
Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.
Rankings are our editorial picks, built from the reviews linked on each expansion page. Last checked 2026-09-27.