Gaia Project

With the variable game board, is the map built before or after players choose factions?

Before. The English rulebook says the last player assembles the board after factions are chosen; that is an error, corrected by the publisher's errata and confirmed by the designer. The official order is: tech tiles, advanced tiles and the level-5 federation token; round and final scoring tiles; round boosters; then the map; and only then faction selection. Building the map first stops the map-builder from tailoring it to their own faction. Players may also assemble it together.

Who assembles the map in the variable game board setup, and how much freedom do they have?

The last player in turn order builds it (or everyone together, if you agree). They place the sector tiles to make the standard board shape and may rotate each tile however they like, following the method you chose (fixed, semi-random or fully random tile positions). The only placement restriction is that two planets of the same home type may never be directly adjacent.

Can the sector tiles be slid together the other way, giving a mirror image of the rulebook layout?

Yes. The designer confirmed that both directions of offsetting the sectors are correct ways to build the board.

When building a variable map, may Transdim or Gaia planets be adjacent to each other?

Yes. The no-adjacency rule protects the seven home planet colors only; the German rulebook says so explicitly. Transdim and Gaia planets are not home types, and sector 10 even has two Transdim planets printed next to each other.

In the advanced setup, is the map built before or after the tech tiles, boosters and scoring tiles are revealed?

After. The official order puts the research board tiles, scoring tiles and round boosters out first, then the map, then faction choice, so the map-builder can see everything else before building.

How is the map different with 1 or 2 players?

Use only sector tiles 01–07, with 05, 06 and 07 turned outlined-side up (3–4 players use all ten tiles with 05–07 solid side up). The overall board shape stays the same. A neutral player is also added to final scoring.

Why do 1–2 player games use only sectors 01–07, and can we use all ten anyway?

Sectors 01–07 contain an equal number of each home planet color, so no faction is favored by a random layout; adding the others could unbalance factions. You may use all ten if you want, but with so much room there is far less interaction between players.

Do we need the Automa in a 2-player game with two humans?

No. The Automa only stands in for an opponent in solo play. Two humans play normally and add the neutral player markers to the final scoring tracks.

How does the neutral player work in a 1- or 2-player game?

It has no pieces on the map and only affects final scoring. Place one satellite of an unused color on each final scoring ranking track at the number printed on that final scoring tile. It takes a rank like a player, so it can push a human down to second or third place, but it never scores itself.

What number does the neutral player use on each final scoring track?

Each final scoring tile prints its own neutral value; the number in the rulebook's illustration is just an example. For instance, the Gaia planets tile has a low value, while the satellites tile uses 8.

In a solo game, do the neutral markers go on the final scoring tracks too?

Yes. Even against the Automa, place neutral markers on the final scoring tracks at each tile's printed value, alongside your marker and the Automa's.

Are any federation tokens removed at lower player counts?

No for human games: all federation tokens are used at every player count, with one placed at level 5 of Terraforming. Only a solo game against the Automa limits each type to two.

What happens to the other federation tokens of the type placed on Terraforming level 5?

They stay in the general supply and can be taken normally. Only the single randomly chosen token sits on the research track.

If nobody plays the Gleens, can anyone take the Gleens' federation token?

No. It is set aside at setup and returned to the box if the Gleens aren't in the game.

Are standard tech tiles refilled, or do the tech tile positions change during the game?

Neither. Each standard tech space holds a stack of four identical tiles from setup, so its tile never changes; you just take a copy. Advanced tech tiles are single and not refilled. Since nobody can own two of the same tile, a stack can never run out in a 4-player game.

Why do some standard tech tiles have differently marked backs?

It's a setup aid: one copy of each of the nine tiles has the green-marked back. Shuffle those nine, place one face up on each tech space, then stack the other copies on their match.

Can two players play the two factions printed on the same faction board?

No. Each board is double-sided, so only one of its factions can be in play. Both factions on a board share a home planet color, which keeps two players from fighting over the same planet type.

If my faction starts at level 1 of a research track, do I get that level's bonus?

Yes, if it's a one-time bonus (starred, white outline): for example 2 ore for Terraforming or a Q.I.C. for Navigation or AI, gained during setup. Economy and Science level-1 rewards are income, so you collect them in the first income phase instead.

Do I start with the Q.I.C. shown under my faction name?

Yes. Take as many Q.I.C. as the board shows. Some factions get a second one from their starting research level; the Xenos, for example, start with two. The Bal T'aks and Gleens show none.

Do I receive the income printed under the planetary institute space before I build it?

No. The planetary institute covers those icons; they become income only once the PI leaves the board. The same goes for the PI's ability.

How many starting mines does each faction place, and in what order?

Two each: in turn order everyone places one mine on a home-color planet, then in reverse order a second on a different home planet. The Xenos then place a third mine, and last of all the Ivits place their planetary institute instead of mines. Starting structures are free, and only after that do players pick round boosters (in reverse order).

Do players charge power when opponents place starting mines?

No. The rules say so explicitly: power is not charged for structures placed during setup.

Can the Lantids place a starting mine on another player's planet?

No. Their ability works with the Build a Mine action, and starting mines aren't placed with that action, so they must go on empty home planets.

Do starting mines count on the final scoring tracks?

Yes. After setup a typical faction has 1 planet type and two sectors (the Ivits, with just their PI, have one sector). Your progress on the final scoring tracks starts from there.

Is the space on the mine track with no ore income a misprint?

No. The designer explained that the gap was added on purpose during playtesting to slow early development.

What do the small power icons under each structure on the faction board mean?

They show the structure's power value: mine 1, trading station and research lab 2, planetary institute and academies 3. It counts toward federations and sets how much a neighbor can charge.

What do the numbers on the Gaiaformer spaces mean?

They remind you of the Gaia Project research level that grants each Gaiaformer. Per the rulebook you gain them at levels 1, 3 and 4 (level 2 gives three power tokens instead).

Are power tokens and Q.I.C. limited by the components?

No. The designer said to substitute anything if the supply runs out. Satellites are different: you have only 25, so if you run short you must reclaim those used as markers (scoring tracks, turn order card, Lost Planet).

Are all round scoring tiles visible from the start?

Yes. All six are placed face up on the scoring board at setup; the game has no hidden information.

Can the terraforming round scoring tile land in rounds 5 or 6?

Yes. Unlike Terra Mystica, Gaia Project has no placement restriction for any round scoring tile, and similar tiles (such as the 3 VP and 4 VP trading station tiles) can both appear in one game.

Is turn order decided by pass order?

Not in the standard rules. Play is clockwise, and whoever passes first takes the first player marker and starts the next round. Turn order by pass order is the optional Variable Turn Order rule with the turn order card.

In a solo game, must the map be laid out in the rotated arrangement pictured in the Automa rules?

No. Build the normal 1–2 player map (sectors 01–07, 05–07 outlined side). The Automa rules picture it turned only so the direction arrows on Automa cards line up; "rotate" means turning a tile to any of its six orientations, "flip" means using the right side.

Is Gaia Project language independent?

Mostly. Apart from faction names, the only text is on a handful of Automa cards used in solo play.

Is the Taklons' brainstone one of the power tokens shown on their board?

No. The Taklons take their normal printed power tokens and then add the brainstone to area I.

Is there an official 5-player mode?

No. The designer has said there is no official 5-player mode, mainly because the game would run too long; playing with five is a house rule.

When I charge power, which tokens move?

Each point of charge moves one token one step: from area I to area II while area I has any tokens, and only once area I is empty from area II to area III. So with 2 tokens in area I, charging 2 puts both in area II and none in area III. You can't move a token from II to III while area I still has tokens.

What is the difference between gaining power and charging power?

Gaining power (token icon with a plus) takes new tokens from the supply and puts them in area I; nothing else moves. Charging (curved arrow) moves tokens you already have along the cycle. A freshly gained token sits in area I until something later charges it.

Can I spend power from area III while I still have tokens in areas I and II?

Yes. Spending only requires tokens in area III; the other areas don't matter. Spent tokens go back to area I. The "area I before area II" order applies only to charging.

Which power areas can tokens come from when starting a Gaia project or building satellites?

Any of areas I, II and III. Spending power (free actions, power actions) must come from area III, but a Gaia project moves tokens from any of areas I–III into the Gaia area, and satellites discard tokens from any of areas I–III. Neither can use tokens already in the Gaia area.

Can I discard power tokens sitting in my Gaia area, for example to pay for satellites?

No. Unless an effect says otherwise, discarded power may come from any combination of areas I, II and III, but never from the Gaia area. Tokens there are out of reach until the next Gaia phase. (Spending area III power on free actions first is usually smarter than discarding it.)

Where do discarded power tokens go?

Back to the general supply. Satellites are paid with your own tokens from areas I–III, not with tokens from the supply.

Can I charge power when all my tokens are in the Gaia area or area III?

No. Charging needs a token in area I or II to move. If there is none, the charge is simply lost; tokens in the Gaia area can't be charged.

Can I burn power like in Terra Mystica?

Yes. As a free action, discard one token from area II to move another token from area II to area III. It's the arrow from area II to the X on your faction board, and it can only be done from area II.

Can I burn power while I still have tokens in area I, or with nothing in area III?

Yes to both. Burning is a free action, not a charge, so tokens in area I don't block it, and there's no minimum in area III. You just need at least two tokens in area II.

Can I decline income that gains power tokens or charges power?

No. Income, research rewards and other non-passive effects must be taken, and charges are taken as far as your areas allow. You only choose the order. The one optional charge is the passive charge from an opponent's build.

How can I add more power tokens to my power cycle?

Ways to gain tokens include: the free action 1 ore → 1 power token; the power action that gives two tokens; level 2 of the Gaia Project track (three tokens); round boosters with token income; and most planetary institutes' income.

How can a structure have power value 4 or more?

The standard tech tile that raises the power value of your planetary institute and academies to 4 does it. The Bescods' PI adds +1 to their structures on gray planets, so combined a Bescods academy or PI can reach 5.

Do I take income in round 1, on top of my starting resources?

Yes. Every round starts with an income phase, including round 1, so collect income from your faction board, round booster and research levels before the first action. Skipping it is one of the most common rules mistakes; most factions should start round 1 with around 7 ore.

In what order do I resolve my income, and can I split one source?

You choose the order of your income sources and of the power gains and charges within them, but each source (each income icon) must be taken in full before the next. You can't charge part of a 4-power income, gain tokens, then finish the charge.

Can my power income charge tokens that are still in the Gaia area?

No. Income (Phase I) comes before the Gaia phase (Phase II), so tokens in the Gaia area are still out of the cycle when income charges. If no tokens are available, the excess charge is lost. Gaining a new token first (from a PI, for example) can give the charge something to move.

When do the power tokens used for a Gaia project come back?

In the Gaia phase of the next round, whether or not you've built the mine yet. They all go to area I (area II for the Terrans) before anyone acts.

Can I return only some tokens from the Gaia area in the Gaia phase?

No. All tokens in the Gaia area move back together. The Itars must decide on their PI ability (discarding 4 tokens for a tech tile) before the rest move.

How many turns are in a round, and can I repeat the same action?

There's no fixed number. Players take one action per turn in turn order until everyone has passed. Actions such as building mines can be repeated on later turns; only the power, Q.I.C. and special action spaces are limited to once per round.

If everyone else has passed, can the last player keep taking actions?

Yes. They keep taking one action per turn until they choose to pass; the phase ends only when all players have passed.

Can I take two power or Q.I.C. actions, or a power action plus a booster action, in one turn?

No. Each octagonal space (power action, Q.I.C. action, or special action on a booster, tech tile or faction board) is a full action, and you get one action per turn. You can't combine the 2-step terraforming power action with the booster's +3 range or terraforming special action. Take them on separate turns.

Can I spend Q.I.C. for range while using the +3 range or terraforming booster action?

Yes. Spending Q.I.C. for range isn't a Q.I.C. action (those are the green spaces on the research board); it is part of the build, so it stacks with the booster's +3 range or free step.

Can I take a special action, such as gaining a Q.I.C., and also build a mine in the same turn?

No. A special action is your whole action for the turn. Only special actions that themselves include a build (the terraforming-step and +3 range actions) place a mine as part of them.

Can I take a booster or planetary institute special action without actually carrying it out, just to block it or trigger something?

No. The designer ruled that booster actions must actually build a mine (or start a Gaia project, for the range booster), and a special action that can't be carried out can't be taken.

Is using the +3 range booster and building the mine one turn or two?

One. The booster's special action is a Build a Mine (or Start a Gaia Project) action with +3 range; the bonus can't be saved and lasts only for that action.

Can free terraforming steps replace the Q.I.C. for a Gaia planet, or be used on my home type to score terraforming VP?

No. Gaia planets aren't terraformed, so free steps don't pay their Q.I.C. And you can't pay terraforming you don't need: a planet of your home type takes zero steps, so the terraforming actions can't be used there to score the terraforming round tile.

Can each power or Q.I.C. action be used only once per round?

Yes, by one player in total. Mark it with an action token; it reopens in the Clean-Up phase.

Can I take free actions in the middle of my action?

No. Free actions happen before and/or after your action on your turn, never partway through. You may take each free action as often as you can afford, and combine several free actions.

Can I convert credits or other resources into VP during the game?

No. No free action converts anything into VP. Leftover credits, ore and knowledge score only at game end (1 VP per 3), and anything above a track's maximum is lost.

What can Q.I.C. be spent on?

Q.I.C. actions on the research board, +2 range each when building or starting a Gaia project, 1 Q.I.C. to make a printed Gaia planet habitable, and the free action 1 Q.I.C. → 1 ore. The Ivits also pay them for satellites.

Where can I get Q.I.C.?

From the Artificial Intelligence track and Navigation levels 1 and 3, the Q.I.C. academy action, the free action 4 power → 1 Q.I.C., a round booster, a federation token (8 VP + 1 Q.I.C.), a standard tech tile (1 Q.I.C. + 1 ore), an advanced tech tile special action, and some faction abilities such as the Bal T'aks and Xenos PI.

Do unused Q.I.C. get discarded in the Clean-Up phase?

No. Q.I.C. are a resource you keep. Clean-Up only removes action tokens from action spaces, flips boosters and removes the round scoring tile.

Does navigation range 1 let me build on a planet with one empty space in between?

No. Range counts every space from your planet up to and including the target, so range 1 reaches only directly adjacent spaces; a planet with one empty space between needs range 2. This is a radius, not Terra Mystica-style shipping, and the path may cross any planets.

Can I build a mine on my home planet type anywhere on the map?

No. Your home type only means no terraforming. Every new mine must still go on an empty planet within your range of one of your planets. The only exception is a Gaia planet holding your own Gaiaformer, which is always accessible to you.

Can I spend several Q.I.C. on one build to extend my range?

Yes. Each Q.I.C. adds 2 to your range, and you may spend as many as you like on one build: 3 Q.I.C. give +6.

Does the extra range from a Q.I.C. last for the rest of my turn or round?

No. It applies only to the one Build a Mine or Start a Gaia Project action you spend it on. With navigation 1 plus one Q.I.C. you reach a planet 3 spaces away for that build.

Is spending Q.I.C. for range a free action, and can I convert power into a Q.I.C. mid-build?

Spending Q.I.C. for range is part of the build action, not a free action. Free actions can only come before or after your action, so convert power into a Q.I.C. (4 power each) before you start building, then spend it for range.

Can Q.I.C. extend the distance for the cheaper trading station or for power charging?

No. Q.I.C. extend only your range for building. The "neighboring area" used for the trading station discount and for passive charging is always 2 spaces.

Can I terraform a planet without building a mine, or do it over several turns?

No. Terraforming only happens as part of Build a Mine. You pay every step needed in that same action and place the mine immediately; there is no partial terraforming, nothing is left on the planet, and each new planet must be terraformed again. If you can't pay all of it, you can't build there.

Do I pay the terraforming ore on top of the mine cost?

Yes. You pay ore for every terraforming step (3/2/1 ore per step by your Terraforming level) plus the mine's own cost of 2 credits and 1 ore.

Does terraforming turn a planet into a Gaia planet?

No. Only Transdim planets become Gaia planets, through a Gaia project. Terraforming is just a cost paid while building a mine; the planet keeps its color.

What does it cost to build a mine on a Gaia planet?

On a printed Gaia planet: 1 Q.I.C. plus the normal mine cost, and it must be in range. No terraforming applies, whatever your home type, and you don't need a Gaiaformer. On a Gaia planet holding your own Gaiaformer you skip the Q.I.C. and the range requirement. Any faction can build on Gaia planets.

Is a Gaia planet one terraforming step plus a Q.I.C., or just a Q.I.C.?

Just the Q.I.C. No terraforming steps apply to Gaia planets. The Automa terraforming reference card showing a step for Gaia planets is only for Automa play.

Is the Gaia planet Q.I.C. spent in the same action as building the mine?

Yes. Like terraforming ore, it is part of the Build a Mine cost; pay it with the mine's cost and place the mine immediately.

If no mines are left on my faction board, can I move one from the map to build elsewhere?

No. You need a mine on your faction board to build one. The only way to get one back is to upgrade a mine on the map into a trading station.

Can I use a terraforming power action without building, or on a planet that needs no steps?

No. The 1- and 2-step terraforming actions are a Build a Mine action with free steps: you must build a mine with them in that same action. The designer ruled they can't be used to build on your home type or on a Gaia planet, where no step would be used. If you need only one step from the 2-step action, the other is lost.

Can I save the free terraforming steps from a power action or booster for a later turn?

No. They must be used in that action's mine build; unused steps are lost. You can still pay ore for extra steps and spend Q.I.C. for range in the same build.

If a terraforming action gives fewer steps than I need, what do the extra steps cost?

Your normal ore cost per step for your current Terraforming level. You also still pay the mine's 2 credits and 1 ore.

If the 2-step action is used on a planet needing 1 step, do I score round VP for 2 steps?

No. Only the step actually performed counts toward the terraforming round scoring tile; the wasted step scores nothing.

How many different planet types can one player colonize?

Nine: the seven colored types, Gaia planets and the Lost Planet. Transdim isn't a type you can own, because it becomes a Gaia planet before anyone builds there; former Transdims count as Gaia planets. Your home type counts from the start.

Does starting a Gaia project spend power from area III?

No. You move the required number of tokens (6 at Gaia Project levels 1–2, 4 at level 3, 3 at levels 4–5) from any of areas I, II and III into your Gaia area. The first English printing described this as ordinary spending; the designer and publisher confirmed that was a translation error, and the current rulebook text is corrected.

Do I need a Gaiaformer to build on a green Gaia planet, or can I put one there to avoid the Q.I.C.?

Neither. Gaiaformers only go on Transdim planets. A printed Gaia planet is colonized with 1 Q.I.C. plus the mine cost. The bracketed Gaiaformer icon on your faction board means a Gaia planet holding your Gaiaformer needs no Q.I.C.

Do I need range or a Q.I.C. to build on a planet I gaiaformed?

No. A Gaia planet with your Gaiaformer counts as accessible to you wherever it is, and you pay only the normal mine cost (no Q.I.C., no terraforming). Only you can build there while your Gaiaformer is on it. Range (and any Q.I.C. for range) matters only when placing the Gaiaformer.

Can I take my Gaiaformer back from a Gaia planet without building a mine there?

No. The designer confirmed it stays until you build a mine on that planet. Recalling it was a playtest rule that was dropped.

After building on a gaiaformed planet, can I reuse that Gaiaformer right away?

Yes. The mine build returns it to your faction board, and you can start a new Gaia project with it on your next turn.

Can I start a Gaia project and build on the planet in the same turn or round?

No. They are separate actions, and the Transdim planet only becomes a Gaia planet in the next round's Gaia phase. A project started in round 6 never completes.

Does a planet with only my Gaiaformer count as colonized, for range, scoring or the trading station discount?

No. A Gaiaformer is not a structure. That planet can't be a starting point for range, doesn't count for scoring or as a structure, and isn't a neighbor for the trading station discount or power charging, until you build the mine.

Can two players place Gaiaformers on the same Transdim planet?

No. A Gaia project needs a Transdim planet without a Gaiaformer, so the first player to place one claims it.

When I reach level 3 of the Gaia Project track, do I move tokens to my Gaia area?

No. You gain another Gaiaformer and future projects get cheaper (4 tokens). You also charge 3 power for reaching level 3, as on every track. No project starts until you take that action.

Does Gaia Project level 5 score every time I start a project?

No. It is a one-time bonus when you reach it: 4 VP plus 1 VP per Gaia planet you then have a structure on. Gaiaformers don't count, and later Gaia planets add nothing.

Can the +3 range round booster be used to start a Gaia project?

Yes. Its special action works for either Build a Mine or Start a Gaia Project.

Do former Transdim planets count as Gaia planets, or as a separate planet type?

They count as Gaia planets in every respect, the same type as printed ones, for planet types, Gaia-planet scoring, tech tiles and boosters. Transdim is never a type you can own.

Do colonizing a Gaia planet or gaiaforming count as terraforming steps for round scoring?

No. Neither involves terraforming steps, so neither scores the 2 VP-per-step round tile.

Can I build both academies, and in which order?

Yes, you can build both. Each research lab → academy upgrade takes one academy of your choice (knowledge income or the Q.I.C. action), and the designer confirmed either can come first.

Do I get my planetary institute ability or income before building it?

No. Your faction's base ability works from the start, but the PI ability and the income printed under the PI space unlock only once you upgrade to it. The Ivits start with their PI on the map, so they have it from the beginning.

Do I collect income icons that are uncovered on my faction board even without building those structures?

Yes. Every income icon visible on your faction board pays out each income phase, including base income that no structure ever covered.

If a research lab returns to my board and I build it again, do I get another tech tile?

Yes. Every upgrade to a research lab or academy gains a tech tile, including a lab that was built, upgraded away and built again.

Can I upgrade to a research lab or academy if there is no tech tile I can take?

Yes, the designer confirmed you can still upgrade. You just get no tile, and since the research step comes from the tile, no step either. (The 4-Q.I.C. "gain a tech tile" action is different: you can't take it if no tile is available.)

Does spending 4 knowledge to advance a research track give me a tech tile?

No. Knowledge buys a step, never a tile. Tech tiles come only from upgrading to a research lab or academy, the 4-Q.I.C. action, or a faction ability such as the Itars' PI. It works the other way round: taking a tile grants a step.

Do I pay 4 knowledge for the research step I get with a tech tile?

No. That step is free. Paying 4 knowledge is the separate Research Progress action.

Which research track do I advance when I take a standard tech tile?

One of the six tiles under a research area advances only that area; if you can't advance there (already at level 5, or level 5 is taken or you have no green federation token for it), the step is lost. The three bottom-row tiles let you choose any area.

Can I take just the research step without the tech tile, for example if I already own that track's tile?

No. The step comes from taking a tile. To climb a track whose tile you already own, take a bottom-row or advanced tile and put the step there, pay 4 knowledge, or use a faction ability.

After gaining a tech tile, can I decline the research step?

Probably not. The English rulebook says you may advance, which some players read as optional. But the designer, in a private reply a player posted on BGG, said advancing is a condition of taking any tech tile. The one exception is a step into level 5, which you may skip because it needs a federation token flip. That reply is second-hand rather than a public ruling, so treat it as the best available reading.

Can I take a standard tech tile I already own, if my copy is covered by an advanced tile?

No. No faction may own two of the same standard tile, even when one is covered.

What do I need to take an advanced tech tile?

You must already be gaining a tech tile (research lab, academy, 4-Q.I.C. action or a faction ability), then take the advanced tile instead of a standard one. You must be on level 4 or 5 of the track it sits on, flip a green federation token to gray, and cover one of your uncovered standard tiles. No knowledge is spent. The gray-only 12 VP token can't be flipped. Reaching level 4 alone gives you nothing.

Do I have to take an advanced tile when I qualify, even if I own all nine standard tiles?

No. It is always optional; the designer confirmed you don't have to take one even when it's the only tile left.

Can the 4-Q.I.C. "gain a tech tile" action take an advanced tile, and do the normal requirements apply?

Yes, with all the usual requirements: level 4 or 5 on that track, a green federation token to flip, a standard tile to cover, no duplicates. You also get the research step as normal.

Can the step from the tech tile itself bring me up to level 4 so I qualify for that advanced tile?

No. You choose and take the tile first, then advance, so you must already be on level 4 or 5 when choosing the advanced tile.

After taking an advanced tile, which track do I advance on?

Any track you choose, not only the one the tile came from. Normal rules apply: moving to level 5 needs a second green federation token flip and a free level 5.

Can I reach level 5 without taking that track's advanced tile, or the other way round?

Yes. They are independent and can happen in either order, each costing its own federation token flip.

If I cover a standard tile with an advanced tile, do I keep its effect?

No. A covered tile does nothing: its income, action or ongoing bonus (such as power value 4 for PI and academies) is gone. One-time bonuses already collected, like the 7 VP tile, are kept, which makes those tiles the best ones to cover.

Can I cover a standard tile whose special action I already used this round, and use the new tile's action right away?

Yes. "Uncovered" only means no advanced tile is on it yet. The advanced tile is a fresh tile, so if it has an action you may use it the same round.

Can I use a tech tile's special action in the round I gain it?

Yes. Nothing in the rules makes you wait; once you own the tile you can use its action on a later turn in that same round.

Does the advanced tile giving 2 VP per research step score the step that comes with it?

Yes. The designer confirmed you own the tile before you take its step, so that step scores 2 VP.

What do the different arrow colors and the star on tech tiles mean?

A white or gray arrow with a star is a one-time gain when you take the tile, counting only what you have then (for example knowledge per planet type). A green arrow pays each time the shown thing happens. A red arrow pays each time you pass, every round you own it.

Do tech tiles with a pass bonus score every round?

Yes. Unlike a booster's pass bonus, a tech tile's pass effect triggers every time you pass while you own it.

What does the tech tile showing a PI and academy with 4 power do, and does it affect existing buildings?

Your planetary institute and academies count as power value 4 instead of 3, for federations and for opponents charging off them. It applies to all of them, including ones already built.

How does the advanced tile giving 3 VP per research lab on passing work?

Each time you pass, score 3 VP for every research lab you have on the map.

How do I form a legal federation, step by step?

1. Choose the planets you want, with a total power value of at least 7 (6 for the Xenos with their PI). They don't have to be your closest planets.
2. Link them with the fewest satellites possible. No planet or satellite of the new federation may touch any of your existing federations, so route around those.
3. Check: if you could drop a planet and a satellite together and still have a legal federation, this one is illegal. Start again with a different selection; you can't just shift satellites.

The rulebook's writer confirmed on BGG that you pick the planets first and then use the shortest route between them; you don't need the cheapest combination on the whole board.

Must I use the fewest-satellite route even if it runs through one of my planets I didn't want to include?

Yes. Your chosen planets must be linked with the fewest satellites, even if that route hops through another of your unfederated planets, which then joins. If that makes the federation bigger than needed, it fails the check and you must choose differently. You may only detour around planets that already belong to one of your federations. A trick: federate the unwanted planets first, so a later route has to go around them.

If several routes tie for the fewest satellites, can I pick any of them?

Yes, including one that passes an extra planet, since that planet costs no extra satellite. The final check still applies.

If every shortest route touches one of my existing federations, can I use more satellites to go around?

Yes, and you must. The designer ruled that the required route is the fewest satellites among routes that don't touch your existing federations, even a long detour. If no such route exists, you can't form that federation. Other players' federations don't restrict you.

Can a federation total more than 7 power, or include a planet whose power isn't needed?

Yes, as long as it passes the check: you may not be able to drop a planet and a satellite together and still reach 7. An 8-power federation is fine if every satellite is needed, and an extra planet that adds no satellite is legal.

Can I place extra satellites, or connect all my planets into one huge federation?

No. You use only the satellites needed to link the chosen planets, with no stray or spare ones. A sprawling federation that would still be valid without one of its planets and one of its satellites is illegal.

Can I leave out a planet directly adjacent to one I've chosen, or split adjacent planets between federations?

No. Directly adjacent colonized planets are already connected, so a cluster goes into a federation as a whole. Adjacent structures can never be in different federations.

Can a group of adjacent planets worth 7 or more form a federation without satellites?

Yes. Mark it with a record token, since there are no satellites to show it. That's the only time a record token is needed.

Does a federation need a minimum number of structures, as in Terra Mystica?

No. Only the total power value counts; two or three structures can be enough.

Do I need navigation range to form a federation with distant planets?

No. Range plays no part; you just need enough power tokens to discard for the satellites.

Can I form a federation in the same turn I build the structure that completes it?

No. Forming a federation is its own action, so it comes on a later turn.

What does each satellite cost, and where does the power come from?

One power token per satellite, discarded to the supply from any mix of areas I, II and III, never from the Gaia area. All of a federation's satellites are placed in the same action. (The Ivits pay Q.I.C. instead.)

Can different players' satellites share a space?

Yes. A space can hold one satellite of each color, and satellites can share a space with an Ivits space station. Satellites can't go on planets, and the Lost Planet can't be placed where any satellite is.

Do satellites extend my range or block anyone's range?

Neither. Range is counted from your planets (and Ivits space stations) only, and nothing on the map blocks range.

Are satellites limited to 25?

Yes. The designer confirmed 25 is a hard limit. If you run short, reclaim satellites used as markers on the scoring tracks, turn order card or Lost Planet and replace them with other markers, but never exceed 25 on the map. Ivits space stations don't count against it.

Are satellites structures?

No. Structures are the buildings from your faction board (mines, trading stations, research labs, academies, PI). Satellites have no power value and don't count as structures.

Can I add satellites to an existing federation to reach more planets?

No (the Ivits are the exception). Satellites are only placed when forming a new federation.

What happens when I colonize a planet next to one of my federations, or next to two of them?

It joins that federation automatically (whether it's next to a planet or a satellite) and can never be used for a new one. If it touches two of your federations, they merge into one; you keep both tokens and gain nothing extra. Such planets do count for "most structures in federations": the English rulebook says they join "without any advantage for you", but the designer said that wording is wrong on this point.

Can I upgrade structures already in a federation, or move one into a new federation?

You can upgrade them freely, but they stay in their federation for good; a structure can't be in two federations. A federation also stays valid if its power later drops below 7 (after an Ambas swap or Firaks downgrade, or a covered tech tile).

Can a planet with only a Gaiaformer be part of a federation or act as a satellite?

No. Only colonized planets count; a Gaiaformer has no power value and can't stand in for a satellite. Once you build the mine, the planet joins any adjacent federation.

Can I take a federation token of a type I already have?

Yes. Unlike tech tiles, you may take any token left in the supply, including duplicates. The Gleens' token is only for the Gleens.

Can the 12 VP federation token pay for level 5 or an advanced tech tile?

No. It is gray on both sides, so it can never be flipped. It can still be rescored with the Q.I.C. action.

Does flipping a federation token to gray give its reward again, or move me up by itself?

No. You get a token's reward once, when you take it. Flipping is just an extra cost paid alongside a step into level 5 or an advanced tile; it gives nothing, and gray tokens never flip back.

If my tech tile step would take me to level 5, must I flip a federation token?

No. The designer confirmed flipping is your choice. If you don't flip, you still take the tile and stay on level 4.

Do I need two federation tokens to take an advanced tile and use its step to reach level 5?

Yes, two green tokens: one for the advanced tile and one for level 5, even in the same action. The designer confirmed it.

Can the federation token from Terraforming level 5 pay for the advanced tile or level-5 step in that same action?

No. The designer ruled that conditions are paid before benefits arrive: to take the advanced tile and reach Terraforming 5 in one action you need two green tokens beforehand. The new token can be used in later actions.

Can the Q.I.C. action rescore a gray or 12 VP federation token, and does it flip anything?

It can rescore any one of your tokens, green or gray, including the 12 VP token, as often as you take the action. Nothing flips either way.

Can I spend 8 knowledge in one action to advance two steps?

No. The Research Progress action is 4 knowledge for one step.

Is research track income cumulative with the levels below?

No. Only the level your token is on counts, so Science pays 1, 2, 3, then 4 knowledge as you climb. Income printed on your faction board, by contrast, does add up as you uncover it.

Do I keep the level 4 income after reaching level 5 of Economy or Science?

No. Level 5 gives a one-time bonus (Economy: 3 ore, 6 credits, charge 6; Science: 9 knowledge) and you lose the level 4 income from then on. The rulebook calls this out explicitly.

Can more than one player reach level 5 of the same track, or one player reach several level 5s?

Only one player per track can reach level 5. A single player can hold level 5 on several tracks, as long as they flip a green federation token for each.

What do I need to advance to level 5 of a research track?

The normal step (4 knowledge, or a step from a tech tile or other effect) plus flipping one of your green federation tokens to gray, and level 5 must still be free. The flip is part of that advance, not a separate action.

Does reaching level 3 of a track give new power tokens?

No. Moving from level 2 to 3 in any area charges 3 power, however you advanced. The only research reward that adds new tokens is level 2 of Gaia Project (+3 tokens).

Can I advance on a track even if I can't use its power reward?

Yes. Below level 5 you can always advance; any charge you can't absorb is simply lost.

Is there a maximum amount of ore, knowledge and credits?

Yes. The tracks stop at 15 ore, 15 knowledge and 30 credits; anything beyond is lost. A power action that gains knowledge, ore or credits may be taken if you can gain at least part of its reward, but not if you can gain none of it, as the designer ruled.

Does the federation token on Terraforming level 5 count as forming a federation?

Yes. Gaining it counts as forming a federation (for round scoring, for example), and you still need to flip a previously gained green federation token to get there.

What is the Lost Planet token and how do I get it?

It is the reward for the first (and only) player to reach level 5 of Navigation. You immediately place it on an accessible space with no planet, satellite or space station. It counts as a colonized planet of its own unique type with your mine on it; mark it with one of your satellites.

Can I spend Q.I.C. or use the +3 range booster when placing the Lost Planet?

Q.I.C. yes, booster no. Placement follows Build a Mine accessibility, so you may spend Q.I.C. for extra range, but the designer ruled the +3 range booster can't be used, since its special action is a separate action.

Can the Lost Planet go on a space with a satellite, or can satellites be placed on it later?

No both ways. It must go on a space with no planet, satellite or space station, and once placed it is a planet, so no satellites (and no Ivits space station) can be placed there.

Do I pay the mine cost for the Lost Planet?

No. You take no mine from your board and pay nothing. The token itself counts as your mine.

Does placing the Lost Planet count as building a mine for round scoring and charging?

Yes. It counts as a Build a Mine action: you score the mine round tile if active, and opponents within range 2 may charge power. Afterwards it is a mine for charging when others build near it.

Does the Lost Planet give ore income, and can it be upgraded?

No to both. Since no mine leaves your faction board, no income space is uncovered, and the rules forbid upgrading it.

Does the Lost Planet count for federations, planet types and final scoring?

Yes. It is a planet with a mine (power value 1) that can join a federation, it counts as its own planet type (worth a type on the planet-type action, tech tile and final scoring), and it counts as a structure and a sector for final scoring.

Can I measure range from the Lost Planet?

Yes. It is one of your colonized planets, so range can be counted from it.

Does the satellite placed on the Lost Planet count for the satellite final scoring?

No. It is only an ownership marker; the Lost Planet counts as a planet with a mine, not a satellite.

If an upgrade gives me a tech tile that takes me to Navigation 5, when do neighbors charge?

Opponents first decide on charging for the upgrade. Then you place the Lost Planet, which counts as a new mine, and opponents near it get a separate chance to charge. The designer confirmed this order.

If a tech tile with a planet-type bonus takes me to Navigation 5, does the Lost Planet count for it?

No. The designer gave the order: take the tile and collect its immediate bonus, then advance (flipping a federation token for level 5), then place the Lost Planet. It arrives too late to count.

When I pass, do I swap boosters immediately?

Yes. Take one of the available boosters and return your old one right away, so later passers (including the Automa) can take it. You can't keep your current booster. In round 6, just return yours without taking a new one.

Are credits added to unused round boosters like coins in Terra Mystica?

No. That rule isn't in Gaia Project, as the designer confirmed; adding it is a house rule.

Who is first player in the next round?

Whoever passes first in a round takes the first player marker and starts the next round; play is clockwise. The optional Variable Turn Order rule instead orders players by when they passed.

What do the numbers 1-3-5 and 2-4-6 on the turn order card mean?

They tell you which column the markers start in: the left in rounds 1, 3 and 5, the right in rounds 2, 4 and 6. When you pass, move your marker to the topmost open space in the other column, which sets next round's order.

When I pass with the VP-per-mine booster, do I score all my mines or only new ones?

All of them. Pass boosters count every qualifying structure on the board when you return the booster.

When an opponent builds near several of my structures, how much power do I charge?

You charge once, equal to the power value of your single highest-value structure within range 2 of the new or upgraded structure. Unlike Terra Mystica, nearby structures are not added together. The size of the opponent's structure doesn't matter.

How many VP does a passive charge cost?

One VP less than the power charged: 1/2/3/4 power costs 0/1/2/3 VP. You pay only for power actually charged.

Can I accept only part of a passive charge to save VP?

No. You take the full amount or decline. Two exceptions: if your areas can't absorb all of it, you charge as much as possible and pay only for that; if you lack the VP, you pay all you have and charge that much plus one. You can't use a smaller structure to get a cheaper charge.

Can I accept a passive charge when I have 0 VP?

Yes. Charging 1 power costs 0 VP, so you can charge 1 even if the offer is larger.

Can I decline a passive charge, even the free 1-power one?

Yes. Charging from an opponent's build is always optional, including a free 1-power charge.

When I build, can I choose which opponents get to charge?

No. Every opponent with a structure within range 2 may charge. The builder must point out all of them; the rule is a reminder duty, not a choice.

Can I charge power after I have passed?

Yes, even in round 6. You can't spend that power for the rest of the round, though, since free actions only happen on your own turn. Whether it still helps after round 6 depends on the end-game conversions covered under Game End.

Does passive charging trigger for builds on Gaia planets and other special locations?

Yes. Any build or upgrade triggers it, wherever it is. Only effects that say otherwise don't, such as the Ambas PI swap or placing an Ivits space station.

Does a round scoring tile score every time I meet its condition in the round?

Yes. Every qualifying action that round scores, immediately: three mines in a 2 VP mine round give 6 VP. Things you already had don't score; only what you do during that round.

What are round scoring tile points "additional" to?

They come on top of everything else the action gives you: faction abilities, tech tiles, research rewards and so on.

Do round scoring tiles apply outside the action phase, for example when the Itars take a tech tile in the Gaia phase?

Yes. The designer confirmed a round scoring tile is valid for the whole round; the German text limiting it to the action phase is wrong. So an Itars tech tile and research step in the Gaia phase score the matching tile.

Do setup placements, like the Ivits' starting PI or a starting research level, score the round 1 tile?

No. Setup isn't part of round 1, so starting mines, the Ivits' starting planetary institute and starting research levels never score round tiles.

Does the 5 VP federation round tile count tokens from Terraforming level 5 or the Gleens' PI?

Yes. It scores however you gain a federation token, including the one on Terraforming level 5 and the Gleens' token from building their PI, as the designer confirmed for the Gleens.

Does rescoring a federation token with the Q.I.C. action trigger the federation round tile?

No. The tile rewards gaining a federation token; that action only repeats an existing token's reward.

Does the advanced tile scoring VP per federation token count a token I gain from the step it grants?

No. The designer confirmed the order: take the tile and score it, then take the research step. A federation token gained from reaching Terraforming 5 with that step arrives too late.

Do I score a final scoring tile if I have zero of the counted thing?

No. The designer ruled that having none of the counted thing (no Gaia planets, no satellites, no federations) earns nothing, even if you would otherwise rank second or third. The German rules say you must fulfill the condition.

“having zero is having nothing and to get points for the second or third place you need at least one Gaia planet or one satellite or one federation for the respective scoring.”

— Horologiom, designer

How are ties on the final scoring tiles resolved?

Add the VP for the places the tied players occupy and split it evenly. Two tied for first share 18+12 = 30 (15 each), and the next player gets third place (6). A tie for second in a 4-player game gives each (12+6)/2 = 9. The neutral player counts as a participant in ties.

In a 3-player game, does the last player still get 6 VP on a final scoring tile?

Yes, third place scores 6 VP in a 3-player game, unless that player has zero of the counted thing, in which case they get nothing.

Can a final scoring count go above 10?

Yes. The track stopping at 10 is just a space limit; the designer suggests a second marker or a power token to count past it. The neutral player is even printed at 11 on one tile.

When should I move markers on the final scoring tracks?

Whenever convenient. Only the standings at game end matter, so update as you go, each round, or only at the end.

Does "most structures in federations" count all my federations, including structures added later?

Yes. It counts structures in all your federations combined. Planets you colonize directly adjacent to a federation join it and count too, as the designer confirmed. The English rulebook's "without any advantage" wording is wrong on this point, the designer said. The Lost Planet counts if it's part of a federation.

Does "most structures" count structures or power value, and do starting mines count?

It counts the number of structures on the map at game end, each counting 1 whatever its size; upgrades don't change the count. Starting structures count, as does the Lost Planet.

Does my home planet type count for "most planet types" and planet-type effects?

Yes. Your home type is a colonized type from setup, so the planet-type track starts at 1. Gaia planets and the Lost Planet each count as one type.

Do satellites count for "most sectors", and what is a sector?

No. A sector is a whole map tile, and only colonized planets count (including the Lost Planet). Satellites aren't colonies.

Do structures need to be connected to count for final scoring?

No. Unlike Terra Mystica, nothing needs to be linked; every qualifying structure or satellite on the map counts.

How many VP does research give at game end?

4 VP for each level 3, 4 and 5 reached in each area: level 3 = 4, level 4 = 8, level 5 = 12. Levels 1 and 2 give nothing.

How are leftover resources scored?

Add your credits, knowledge and ore together and score 1 VP per 3 in any combination. Q.I.C. and power don't score directly, but you can convert them first.

At game end, can I make free conversions, including power charged after passing, before resource scoring?

Yes. The designer confirmed that before resource scoring everyone may make all free conversions, including burning power and converting power and Q.I.C. into credits, so power charged after you passed still helps. The English rulebook leaves this out.

Does the Terrans' planetary institute bonus spend the power, moving it to area I?

No. The tokens still move from the Gaia area to area II and stay there. The PI just lets you also gain resources as if you had spent that much power on free actions (4 power could give 1 ore and 1 credit).

Can the Terrans (or anyone) pay more power than required to start a Gaia project?

No. You pay exactly the cost for your current Gaia Project level; you can't pay a lower level's higher cost to put more tokens in the Gaia area.

Does a Lantids mine on an opponent's planet need to be in range?

Yes. The designer confirmed it is a normal Build a Mine action; only the habitability rule changes. The planet must be within your range (Q.I.C. can extend it as usual), and you pay just the mine cost, with no terraforming.

Do the Lantids pay a Q.I.C. to build on an opponent's Gaia planet?

No. The designer confirmed it: the Lantids ability skips the planet's habitability cost, and for a Gaia planet that is the Q.I.C. Only the mine cost is paid.

Do Lantids mines on opponents' planets count for Gaia-planet or planet-type effects?

No. The designer ruled that they never count for anything tied to planet types or Gaia planets: Gaia-planet round tiles and tech tiles, the planet-type Q.I.C. action and tech tile, boosters, Gaia Project level 5 and final scoring. They involve no terraforming either, so they never score the terraforming round tile. The crossed-out icons on the Lantids board summarize this.

Do Lantids shared mines count for the mine round tile, sectors, structures and federations?

Yes. The designer confirmed they are normal mines for everything not about planet types: the "build a mine" round tile, most sectors, most structures and structures in federations. They can be in a Lantids federation (power 1, whatever the opponent built there) and serve as a starting point for range. They can't be upgraded.

When the Lantids build on an occupied planet, can that planet's owner charge power?

Yes. The designer confirmed that the shared mine is a normal structure for charging: the planet's owner and other neighbors may charge, and the Lantids charge from it when others build nearby.

Can a planet shared by the Lantids and an opponent be in both players' federations?

Yes. The rulebook says each planet can be part of only one federation, but its co-author confirmed this applies per player: the Lantids mine and the opponent's structure can each be part of their own player's federation. The Lantids can't use a shared planet to block an opponent's federation.

If all my remaining Lantids mines are on opponents' planets, can I upgrade them?

No. Lantids mines on occupied planets can never be upgraded.

What does the Xenos PI's "gain one Q.I.C. instead of one power token" mean?

Most planetary institutes give income of 4 charged power plus 1 new power token. The Xenos PI gives 4 power plus 1 Q.I.C. instead of the token, every income phase. It also lets them form federations with power value 6.

How many starting mines and Q.I.C. do the Xenos have?

Three starting mines, placed after everyone else's second mine (their faction board still holds 8 in total, 5 left after setup), and two Q.I.C.: one shown on the board plus one from starting at level 1 of Artificial Intelligence.

Is the 11-power Xenos federation example in the English rulebook legal?

Treat it as a generic faction. With the Xenos PI's 6-power threshold the example would fail the planet-and-satellite check. The German rulebook uses an unnamed yellow faction, so "Xenos" is a translation slip.

How do the Gleens handle Q.I.C. before and after their Q.I.C. academy?

Until they build the academy with the Q.I.C. action, every Q.I.C. they would gain becomes 1 ore instead, including the one from their starting Navigation level, as the designer confirmed. So they can't spend Q.I.C. on range or Q.I.C. actions until then. After that academy they gain Q.I.C. normally. They always pay ore instead of a Q.I.C. to settle Gaia planets.

Can the Gleens spend ore instead of Q.I.C. to extend range?

No. Ore substitutes only for the Gaia planet cost. Range needs Q.I.C., which they can't have before their Q.I.C. academy.

Do the Gleens score the federation round tile when they build their planetary institute?

Yes. Building the PI gains their federation token, which counts as forming a federation, so the designer confirmed they score the 5 VP if that tile is active, even in round 1. The token also counts for "per federation token" effects.

How does the Taklons' brainstone work when charging and spending?

It moves like a single token: one charge moves it one area, and you choose whether it or a normal token moves (following normal order). In area III it can be spent as 3 power, which may be split across several free actions (for example 3 credits) but not saved. Spent, it returns to area I like any token. You can also burn it from area II up to area III.

Can the Taklons discard the brainstone for a satellite or put it into a Gaia project?

Yes, but it then counts as just one token. A discarded brainstone is gone for good; in a Gaia project it comes back from the Gaia area as normal.

How does the Taklons' planetary institute token work when charging?

Each time you accept a passive charge, you gain exactly one power token, however much you charge. You choose whether to gain it before or after charging, and the designer confirmed that even with all power in area III you can gain it first and then charge (up to 2). It isn't optional, though: the only way to avoid the token is to decline the charge, and declining gives no token.

How does the Ambas PI swap work: can they swap with the Lost Planet, keep PI income, or swap again?

It just exchanges the positions of the PI and one of their built mines, once per round as an action. The PI stays built and keeps paying income, and you can swap again in later rounds. The designer confirmed the swap is with a mine actually built, so the Lost Planet (where no mine is placed) can't be swapped. Existing federations stay valid even if their power drops below 7, and the swap triggers no charging or VP.

What does the range symbol on the Ambas board mean?

The Ambas start at level 1 of Navigation and take its one-time Q.I.C., so they begin with two Q.I.C.

What can the Hadsch Hallas pay credits for after building their planetary institute?

Credits replace power for the free actions that gain resources (Q.I.C., ore, knowledge), as often as you can afford. For example, 3 credits give 1 ore.

How do the Ivits form further federations?

They have one federation that keeps growing. They may take Form a Federation again whenever its total power value reaches 7 × (federation tokens owned + 1): 7, 14, 21, and so on. The Terraforming level-5 token doesn't count in that formula. The designer confirmed they can reach the next threshold just by upgrading structures already in it or building next to it, not only by adding satellites. The federation's current value is all that matters.

Can the Ivits take several federation tokens in one action if their federation is big enough?

No. Each Form a Federation action gives one token; take more on later turns.

When the Ivits extend their federation, can they add extra planets, and how are satellites paid?

Every Ivits satellite costs 1 Q.I.C., including in the first federation. When extending, include the whole existing federation, add the new planets, link them with the fewest satellites, then check that no newly added satellite and planet could be dropped while still reaching the threshold; old satellites never move. The designer approved this procedure. Once a threshold is used, the next one is higher, even if the value dipped and recovered.

Must the Ivits' first federation include their planetary institute?

No. Any qualifying group can be their first federation.

After forming their federation, can the Ivits build mines away from it?

Yes. Their restriction only concerns federations; they build within normal range of any of their planets or space stations.

Where can the Ivits place a space station, and can they spend Q.I.C. for range?

On any accessible space without a planet or another space station, using Build a Mine range counted from their planets or other space stations (so stations can be chained). The designer confirmed Q.I.C. can extend that range. It costs nothing but the action, and it can't be combined with the +3 range booster action.

Can a space station share a space with satellites?

With opponents' satellites, yes, in either order; the designer said the rule works "vice versa". With their own satellite, no: the designer ruled the Ivits may neither add a station to nor replace one of their satellites.

What does a space station count as?

In a federation it connects like a planet and adds 1 power value, with no satellite needed on it. It counts as a satellite for the "most satellites" final tile. It is not a structure or colonized planet: it doesn't count for structure scoring, gives and receives no power charges, and holds no mine. Range can be counted from it.

Can the Ivits place satellites when placing a space station, or without forming a federation?

No. Satellites are placed only during Form a Federation, and that action must gain a new token.

Do the Geodens get the PI's 3 knowledge for planet types colonized before the PI, or for the Lost Planet?

Only for types that are new when you build there after the PI is up: never for your home type or types you already had. The designer confirmed the Lost Planet is a new type and does trigger it. A gaiaformed Transdim is a Gaia planet, so it shares the Gaia type.

What navigation range do the Bal T'aks start with?

Range 1, like everyone at Navigation 0, as the designer confirmed, so they can build on adjacent planets without Q.I.C. Each Q.I.C. adds 2 as usual. They can't advance Navigation until their PI is built.

How does the Bal T'aks Gaiaformer-for-Q.I.C. ability work?

As a free action, move an available Gaiaformer from your board into your Gaia area (not onto the map) to gain 1 Q.I.C. You can do it with several at once. They come back to their spaces in the next Gaia phase, so you can repeat it every round. Gaiaformers out on Gaia projects aren't available.

What does the Firaks' research lab → trading station downgrade cost, and what does it count as?

It's free, as the designer confirmed: no credits, ore or knowledge, just the once-per-round PI action. It counts as upgrading to a trading station, so trading-station round VP apply and neighbors may charge. You also advance one step on any track for free (normal level-5 rules), keep your tech tiles, and can later rebuild the lab for a new tile.

Can the Firaks downgrade a research lab in a federation, dropping it below 7?

Yes. A federation's value is only checked when it forms; later drops don't affect it.

Does the Bescods' "advance your lowest track" ability give a tech tile?

No. It's just a free research step, like spending 4 knowledge without paying. Tiles grant steps, never the reverse. Level 5 still needs a federation flip.

Do the Bescods have to activate their PI bonus for structures on gray planets?

No. Once built, it passively adds +1 power value to every Bescods structure on a gray planet, for federations and for opponents charging. Combined with the power-4 tech tile, a structure can reach 5.

How often can the Nevlas move a token to the Gaia area for knowledge, and does their PI double it?

As often as you like as a free action on your own turn, but not after passing. It's always 1 knowledge per token: moving a token isn't spending power, so the PI's double value doesn't apply.

With the Nevlas PI, can tokens worth 2 power be split across free actions, such as 3 tokens for 2 ore?

Yes. The rulebook author's answer, endorsed by the designer, is that free actions can be combined: 2 tokens give 1 ore + 1 credit, and 3 tokens give 2 ore. The rule losing unspent power applies only to odd-cost power actions on the research board, and that leftover can't be put toward free actions.

Does a Nevlas token worth 2 power build two satellites?

No. Satellites count tokens: one discarded token, one satellite.

Can tokens already in the Gaia area (from the Nevlas or Itars ability) pay for a Gaia project?

No. The designer ruled that a Gaia project's cost is moving the full number of tokens into the Gaia area in that action; tokens already there don't count.

In the Gaia phase, when do the Itars use their PI, before or after tokens return?

Before. The Itars resolve their ability first: discard 4 tokens per tile, take each tile and resolve its step and rewards. Only then do the remaining Gaia-area tokens (theirs and everyone else's) move out, so a charge from the tile's step can't reach tokens still in the Gaia area. The Itars also act before the Terrans' PI. The designer confirmed this after retracting an earlier answer.

Can the Itars use their PI more than once per Gaia phase?

Yes, once per 4 tokens discarded: 8 tokens give two tiles. The discarded tokens go back to the supply rather than to area I.

Does a tech tile from the Itars PI follow normal rules, including advanced tiles and the research step?

Yes. You get the normal research step, and an advanced tile still needs level 4 or 5, a green federation token and a standard tile to cover. The tile and step also score the round tile.

Can the Itars burn power just to fill their Gaia area for the PI?

Yes. The designer confirmed it is legal and intended. Burning still needs a second token to move from area II to III; the Itars ability only redirects the discarded token.

Can the Itars use tokens from their Gaia projects for the PI, and can they keep a few for later?

Any tokens in the Gaia area may be used, including those from Gaia projects (which still complete), but only in the Gaia phase. Tokens they don't discard in sets of 4 return to area I that phase; none can be kept for later.

How does the solo game work: how many Automas, and how do I win?

You play against one Automa, and the winner is decided by score as in a normal game, not by a target score. Playing against two Automas isn't supported: there's one deck, and it would need house rules.

Which factions can the Automa play?

Only the 7 factions with an Automa faction card; the designers confirmed no more were made. You may play any faction yourself. Choose or randomly draw an Automa faction of a different color from yours.

Which cards form the Automa's starting deck?

The cards marked by color for the starting deck, not cards 1–6 by number; the numbering isn't sequential. Adjust for difficulty and add one random card from the rest; each later round adds one more card.

How do the Automa's action card and support card work together, and which gives VP?

Each turn the new card is the action card and the previous one the support card. The Automa scores VP only from the action card; from the support card you use only its support section.

Do the green dots on Automa cards restrict which tiebreakers or support information I use?

No. The designers explain they are a finding aid showing which variable tiebreakers might matter. Always follow the rules; faction action cards have all-gray dots but still use whatever support information the rules require.

How do the Automa's tiebreakers work?

They are applied in order as successive eliminations: each later tiebreaker only chooses among the options still tied. The Automa never chooses freely. If a tiebreaker would eliminate every option, skip it; directional selection always settles the last tie.

When does the Automa's faction tiebreaker (3a) apply when building a mine?

Only when the mine is built through a faction action, and only the Terrans and Taklons have one, as the designer confirmed. For other factions, or a normal Build a Mine card, skip it. A faction card's ongoing ability, by contrast, applies all game.

How does the final-scoring tiebreaker (3b) work?

Use only the final scoring tile marked on the support card, and only if that tile has a listed tiebreaker (sectors, planet types, Gaia planets); otherwise or if crossed out, skip it. For "most sectors" it prefers a sector without Automa buildings, but only among reachable planets. The designer deliberately left satellites out, though adding them is an acceptable house rule.

What does "closest to your planets" mean in Automa tiebreakers?

"You/your" on Automa cards always means the human player. It's the fewest spaces from a planet where you have a structure, the same for mine placement and for choosing which structure to upgrade. A planet holding only your Gaiaformer doesn't count, and a Lantids shared planet counts as the other player's.

What happens if the Automa can't build a mine?

If it has no mine left or no valid planet, it takes an Upgrade action instead, as the designers confirmed; this specific rule overrides the general "unresolvable action means no action". Its range comes from its cards, never the Navigation track.

If part of an Automa card can't be resolved, does it still do the rest and score?

Yes. Each icon resolves on its own: an impossible action is skipped, the rest (including faction actions) still happens, and the card's VP are still scored. An Upgrade card with nothing to upgrade just scores its VP.

How does numbered selection pick power/Q.I.C. actions or research tracks?

Count the support card's number in the arrow's direction, counting only valid options. Covered action spaces and tracks where the Automa can't advance are skipped, so it always lands on something available. If nothing is valid, it does nothing.

Can the Automa reach level 5, and what happens with advanced tech tiles?

At level 4 with the advanced tile still there, the Automa removes that tile from the game instead of advancing, gaining nothing from it. Once the tile is gone it can advance to level 5 without a federation token, but not if a player already holds level 5. Core rules apply unless the Automa rules override them.

Does the Automa get research rewards, the Lost Planet or round booster benefits?

No. It scores only from its action and faction cards, the small numbers on round scoring tiles, final scoring and research levels at game end. It gets no booster income or VP, no tech tiles, no level-5 rewards (including the Lost Planet), and no round-tile objectives. It takes boosters only to deny them to you.

How does the Automa score round scoring tiles?

When it passes, it scores the fixed number printed at the top of the round tile: the left (lower) value in rounds 1–3 and the right value in rounds 4–6. It ignores the tile's actual objective.

In solo play, do I charge power when the Automa builds, or does the Automa pay VP when I build?

Neither. The designer confirmed the Automa uses no resources, so no charging happens either way. Its upgrades mainly exist to simulate the charging opportunities a human opponent would give you.

When does the Automa pass, and does it keep playing after I pass?

It passes only when a drawn card shows the pass icon (on the last three, sideways cards) or its deck runs out. A green dot on one of those cards isn't a pass, and the German wording suggesting otherwise is a translation error. It follows its own passing rules whether or not you've passed.

How do round boosters work with the Automa?

Whoever passes first picks first. The Automa takes the booster indicated on the support card, and you can always see which one it would take, by design. When you pass, your returned booster joins the row so the Automa always has three to choose from. Use the rulebook order for the support card when the deck runs out (the player aid differs; the designer says either works if you're consistent).

How does the Automa get satellites?

Each time it builds a mine on a planet not adjacent to its other structures, place one satellite on any space adjacent to the new mine. Satellites don't count as structures for that adjacency check.

How does the Automa score "most structures in federations"?

It never forms federations. For this tile it counts its total structures minus 1, as the designer pointed out from the Automa rulebook; in solo the neutral player is fixed at 10.

When the Automa builds on a Transdim planet, does it become a Gaia planet?

Yes. Place a Gaia planet token under its mine immediately; the planet counts as a Gaia planet from then on, including for final scoring. When choosing planets, a Transdim counts as a Gaia planet for planet types and as 2 terraforming steps (Gaia 1). It can't build on a Transdim holding your Gaiaformer.

On the Alptrauma difficulty, does the Automa get +1 VP on icons showing 0, and on faction ability bonuses?

Yes to both: every VP icon, including a printed 0, gets +1, and a separate faction-ability VP gain (Hadsch Hallas +3, for example) gets its own +1. No icon means no bonus, and the "0+" placeholder on faction action cards doesn't count. The designer added that a single +1 is acceptable too.

What happens to the Terrans Automa's Gaia Project advance once it's at the top?

That part of the faction action is simply ignored; it doesn't advance another track. The same goes for any track the Automa is required to advance but can't.

How does the Taklons Automa's faction action work?

It does all three parts: builds a mine on the eligible planet closest to you (within its range; upgrade instead if it can't build), takes a power/Q.I.C. action, and scores 2 VP. Distance decides first; later tiebreakers settle ties.

Will the Firaks Automa ever build academies, and does its downgrade advance research?

Yes, it can still build academies: the downgrade only happens on its faction action card, and regular upgrade cards follow the normal priority. The designer confirmed this is intended. It advances on a random track when it upgrades to a research lab, not from the downgrade; the downgrade just lets it repeat that.

Do the Xenos Automa score double for two action spaces, and how many VP do the Geodens and Hadsch Hallas get?

The Xenos Automa takes two power/Q.I.C. spaces but scores the VP once. The Geodens Automa's faction action gives 1 VP; separately, its ongoing ability gives 2 VP the first time it builds on each planet type. The Hadsch Hallas Automa's ongoing +3 VP triggers on every mine → trading station upgrade. On a regular upgrade card with nothing to upgrade, it just scores and forfeits; the range-3 fallback is for its faction action only.

How does the Automa's directional selection scan the map?

Across the whole board, as the designer clarified (the half-board picture is a simplification). Start on the indicated side of the indicated row and scan in the given direction; if nothing qualifies, move to the next row and start again from the same side, not zig-zag.

How many VP does the Automa start with?

10 VP, like a player, at every difficulty except the easiest (Automalein), where it starts at 0. Harder levels change its deck and the hardest also raises its starting VP.

Does the Automa place satellites next to its starting mines, and why do its satellites sit on the 0 spaces?

No satellites for starting mines: it only places one when its Build a Mine action puts a mine away from its other structures during play. The satellites on the "0" spaces are just its markers on the two final scoring tracks, as for any player.

Is The Lost Fleet modular, so I can use only some of its parts?

No. It has no official modules; it was playtested and balanced as a whole. Leaving parts out, such as the spaceships, is an unofficial variant.

Should The Lost Fleet's faction rebalancing be used in base-game-only games?

No. The adjustments (economy track cover, faction tweaks) were designed and tested only with the expansion; players report the designers confirmed this. Using them in the base game is a house rule at your own risk, and the economy cover in particular shouldn't be.

What faction balance changes does The Lost Fleet make?

As players summarize them (a designer confirmed the Taklons and Ivits changes): the Itars and Nevlas pay an extra power token, and the Bal T'aks 2 extra VP, to deploy a shuttle; the Taklons must move the brainstone to their Gaia area to deploy one; the Xenos' ore→power token goes to area III; the Gleens get a once-per-round +2 range action; the Bescods start with more knowledge; the Lantids get +1 power token income and a PI cover tile at 2–3 players; the Ivits start with 2 power in area I and 2 in area II. An economy track cover tile reduces levels 3 and 4.

Do the Ambas and Firaks income icons on The Lost Fleet faction overview mean they were changed?

No. The designer explained the overview only shows where their income differs from other factions'. Their income is unchanged, which is why there's no cover tile for them. The same goes for the Hadsch Hallas credits and the Bescods' swapped-income symbol.

How does the Lantids' PI cover tile in The Lost Fleet work?

It is double-sided: one side for 2 players (and solo), one for 3, and it's not used at 4. With 2 players the Lantids gain 2 knowledge when building on their home type or on another player's planet; with 3 players a mine on another player's planet also charges 1 power. The designer added that the Lantids also get +1 power token income.

How often can the Gleens use their new +2 range action?

Once per round, like any action space.

Can the Taklons deploy a shuttle if the brainstone is already in their Gaia area?

No. Moving the brainstone into the Gaia area is a cost that must actually be paid from the power cycle. If it's already there or gone, they can't deploy that shuttle.

How do I set up the map, and must sectors 01–04 be central?

Follow the step-by-step setup on page 4 of the expansion rulebook; the example maps are illustrations only. The designer said that once you're familiar with the new setup, you may place the sectors in other arrangements. Solo uses the 2-player map with the 1-player interspace tiles. There's no official reduced 3-player map; the expansion has its own layout per player count.

When do the new factions place their starting structures?

In three stages: base-game factions (other than the Ivits) place their mines, then expansion factions place theirs in turn order (as the designer confirmed), then the Ivits place their PI.

Are the new tech tiles mixed with the base ones?

The new advanced tiles are shuffled in with the base advanced tiles. The new standard tiles (marked backs) and the new federation tokens go only on the spaceships; the research board uses the base standard tiles as usual. The scoring board extension adds an extra advanced tile slot that needs a federation flip but not level 4.

Which Lost Fleet components carry the shuttle icon?

The designer listed them: every component type that also exists in the base game (round boosters, round and final scoring tiles, federation tokens, standard and advanced tech tiles, and the Lantids cover tile). The low-resolution rules download doesn't show it clearly.

Can I deploy a shuttle if I have fewer VP than its cost?

No. The designer ruled you must have enough VP to pay; your score can never go below zero.

Are spaceship actions marked "immediately and only once" usable only once per game?

No. They work like power and Q.I.C. actions: one player per space per round, covered when used, cleared in Clean-Up and available again to anyone who has explored that ship. "Only once" describes how you receive the benefit.

Which ship is left out with 2 players?

The Rebellion ship isn't used at 2 players because of its cheap upgrade action.

What does building on an asteroid cost?

You discard an available Gaiaformer, removed from the game, and the mine itself is free; range still applies. The designer confirmed the Gaiaformer is needed on every asteroid build, for every faction. The spent-Gaiaformer space isn't an action space, so you can stack several there. Bal T'aks Gaiaformers in the Gaia area aren't available for this.

Does the 6-credit spaceship action that builds on an asteroid also need the mine cost or a Gaiaformer?

No. The designer confirmed it's just the 6 credits: no mine cost, no Gaiaformer. The asteroid must still be in range (Q.I.C. can extend it).

What does building on a protoplanet cost?

It is 3 terraforming steps for every faction (including the Space Giants), plus the normal mine cost, and you need range. No Q.I.C. is required.

When a tech tile, federation token or ship action gives me a mine, do I pay for it?

You don't pay the mine's building cost when the effect shows the structure. You do still pay any terraforming the effect doesn't cover, and asteroids still need a Gaiaformer except with the 6-credit action.

Do the Lost Fleet effects that turn a Transdim planet into a Gaia planet need a Gaiaformer?

Yes. The designer confirmed it: the icon shows a Gaiaformer, which you place and which marks the planet as yours. No power goes to the Gaia area and the planet turns Gaia right away. The Gaiaformer returns when you build there.

How do the artifacts giving 7 VP and a mine on an asteroid or protoplanet work?

You score 7 VP and gain a mine on that planet type off the board, much like the Lost Planet. The designer confirmed it counts as a built mine and a colonized type for scoring and bonuses, but it can't join a federation or trigger charging, and gives no income. No terraforming happens, so terraforming VP don't apply.

Is there a limit to how many artifacts a player can take, and what do the other artifacts do?

No limit; you only need to pay each cost (6 power). The other artifacts are one-time resource gains, an income of 1 knowledge + 1 ore, VP for deep space sectors, a federation rescore (like the Q.I.C. action) and 3 VP + 1 per planet type.

When the Itars discard 6 power for an artifact, do the tokens go to their Gaia area?

No. That's a discard cost, not burning power, so the tokens go to the supply (from areas I–III) and the Itars ability doesn't apply.

If a new federation token grants a tech tile, can I flip that same token for an advanced tile?

Yes. The designer ruled that you already hold the token when resolving its reward, so you may flip it for an advanced tile (or a level-5 step).

When a tech tile gives me a build or other immediate effect, does it resolve before or after the research step?

Before. Resolve the tile's immediate effect first, then take the research step, the order the designer confirmed for a similar base-game case. So a mine from a tile's free terraforming uses your old Terraforming cost, and a free build uses your range before any Navigation step.

What does the new advanced tile with the Q.I.C. icon do?

The designer confirmed you score 4 VP each time you take a Q.I.C. action (not other power or ship actions). If you gain the tile through a Q.I.C. action, that action doesn't score: it resolved before you had the tile.

Does the Lost Fleet advanced tile with 2 VP per terraforming step give VP per step or per mine?

Per step, like the matching round tile.

Can the Q.I.C. action that scores 2 VP + 1 VP per standard tech tile be used every round?

Yes. It's a normal Q.I.C. action cleared each round. "Only once" means the 2 VP is gained once per use, and tiles gained later don't score retroactively.

Do I automatically get the 25 VP threshold advanced tile when I reach it?

No. Reaching 25 VP only makes you eligible. You still need to gain a tech tile normally and flip a federation token. VP from the action you're taking count first, so you can qualify and take it in the same turn.

Do protoplanets and asteroids count as new planet types, for example for the Geodens PI?

Yes. The designer confirmed they count.

Can the Lantids share an occupied asteroid or protoplanet, and does it score?

They can build there, but the designer ruled it gives nothing type-related: no planet-type or asteroid counts and no 6 VP protoplanet bonus. A Lantids mine on a Moweyds ringed planet doesn't get the ring's power bonus either.

Do deep space sectors or interspace tiles count for "most sectors"?

No. Normal sectors, deep space sectors and interspace tiles are distinct. An effect counts deep space sectors only if its icon shows them (deep space has its own final tile, and some round tiles and the Darkanians' PI count both). Interspace tiles never count as sectors.

Can a spaceship tile act as a satellite when forming a federation?

No. Route satellites around spaceship tiles as you would around a planet.

What happens if the federation tokens run out?

You can't form another federation without a token to take.

Do Bal T'aks Gaiaformers in the Gaia area count for the VP-per-Gaiaformer booster?

Yes. The designer confirmed they still belong to you and are only temporarily locked, so they score.

How do the Moweyds' power rings and starting shuttle work?

A ring raises that Moweyds structure's power value for federations and for neighbors' charging. Ringed structures can be upgraded, several can be in one federation, and each structure holds one ring; the designer confirmed a ring can go on the Lost Planet. Their mandatory starting shuttle is one of their own and costs no VP.

Do the new factions have a home planet type, and does Terraforming research help them?

They have no home type: they pay terraforming on every planet, with step costs set from the randomly filled terraforming board (cubes taken in turn order). They still pay ore per step, so the Terraforming track reduces their costs like anyone's.

Can the Tinkeroids use their tinkering tile twice per round?

No. The chosen tile sits in their single PI action slot and, like any action space, is used once per round.

Do the Darkanians get an extra Q.I.C. at setup, and how often does their PI bonus trigger?

Yes, they get the Q.I.C. from starting at Navigation 1 as well as the one on their board. Their PI bonus triggers the first time they colonize in each new sector or deep space sector, so it can happen many times; interspace tiles don't count.

How does the Automa work with The Lost Fleet?

It gets nothing beyond its card VP, passing VP and final scoring; the designer confirmed it doesn't get the 6 VP protoplanet bonus. When it takes a spaceship action it also covers the empty space to the left on the same ship (on purpose, to mimic a human). Opening a new ship just flips it. The expansion's listed starting VP replace the base 10.

Can the extra sectors be used for a 5-player game?

Not officially. The designer said 5 players is a house rule, because of play length and crowding on the research tracks.