Gaia Project

Players begin by selecting from fourteen unique, asymmetrical alien factions, each with distinct abilities and limitations regarding planet types. The modular universe board is assembled, and starting player boards are loaded with mines, trading stations, research institutes, and planetary institutes. Resource tracks for credits, ore, knowledge, power, and quantum intelligence cubes are initialized according to faction setup rules. Two starting mines are placed on compatible planets in the universe to mark your initial footprint.

Your ultimate goal as an alien civilization is to successfully colonize and terraform the galaxy over the course of six rounds. Players expand their reach by building and upgrading structures, advancing on six distinct technology tracks, forming powerful federations through satellite connections, and transforming transdim planets into habitable worlds using Gaia formers.

Each round follows an income phase followed by player turns. During the action phase, players take one primary action per turn, such as placing a mine, upgrading a building, advancing on a tech track, or utilizing special faction abilities. Players can also execute free actions using power or trade conversion options. Turns continue clockwise until all players pass.

Scoring happens dynamically throughout the game. Each of the six rounds features a unique in-round scoring condition rewarded for specific building types or actions. Additional points are earned by forming federations, reaching the top of technology tracks, and fulfilling end-game objectives displayed on randomized scoring tiles.

The game officially ends upon the completion of the sixth round. Final scoring is tallied, which includes bonuses for end-game conditions such as having the most satellites, controlling the highest number of structures across the board, and final standing on technology tracks.