Arcs

The setup of Arcs involves arranging the modular galaxy map with system tiles, placing starting fleets, cities, and starports, distributing player components, and shuffling the action deck. Players receive starting resources and prepare the ambition markers that will drive scoring throughout the game.

Players strive to emerge victorious by scoring the highest number of points over three chapters. Objectives shift dynamically as players declare and compete for different regional ambitions, requiring constant adaptation rather than pursuing a single fixed path to victory.

Turns are driven by multi-use action cards. A player leads an action by playing a card, and opponents either follow by matching suit, overtaking with a higher card, or pivoting. Actions include building, moving, fighting, and gathering resources, all managed through careful hand management.

Scoring happens at specific milestone phases during each chapter by fulfilling declared ambitions. Points are awarded based on control of key planets, wealth accumulation, and military dominance, making the scoring landscape fluid and unpredictable.

The game concludes automatically at the end of the third chapter. Final scores from all chapters are tallied, and the player with the highest cumulative victory points is declared the winner of the galactic conflict.