Colonize the Galaxy

Cosmic Encounter is a game of interplanetary colonization and cunning negotiations in which three to five players become the leaders unique alien species seeking to colonize as many planets as possible away from your native system. The first leader to colonize five planets in other species’ systems wins. Of course, every planet is ruled by someone and even planets that are not colonized are still defended. In order to establish a settlement, you’ll need to win over the planet’s ruler, either through negotiation, partnership, or war.

This fast-paced game of intergalactic colonization includes a diverse cast of fifty alien species, each with its own history and powers that shape your strategy and ensure that no two games are the same. You may be the leader of the genteel and thieving Filches, sensitive and oozing Amoebas, sneaky, infesting Parasites, or self-sacrificing Kamikazes. Your powers offer you a unique advantage over your rivals. They may enable you to quickly travel through space, prevent your defeated ships from falling into the Warp, or allow you to look at another player's hand before deciding your next move. By using your natural talents to your advantage, you are sure to conquer the galaxy and ensure your species’ dominance!

Make Friends—and Enemies

You begin with five home planets and twenty ships. To spread your civilization across the stars, you must send ships through the hyperspace gate as it opens before you. Destiny decides where you will attempt to establish a colony, whether it be in the system of a dire foe or long-term ally. Once you’ve launched your ships, you can then ask other players to support you, as can your opponent. But be careful! Even your allies are still enemy alien species with their own agendas. Will their participation help them to advance while you struggle, or are you cunning enough to use the alliance for your benefit?

When all the ships have reached their destination, you pick what card you will play, deciding whether to fight, negotiate, or morph to mimic your opponent’s action. Alien powers and Reinforcement, Artifact, and Flare cards can also be played at this time. Finally, you and your opponent resolve the outcome. You may win and establish your colony, or you may be defeated and lose your ships to the Warp until you rescue them. Otherwise, in the chaos of conflict you may win a battle, but still lose ships or cards, or negotiation a more beneficial outcome for all parties, or have negotiations may fail utterly with dire consequences for both you and your opponent. If you succeed in establishing a new colony, you move closer to victory, but you fail, your ships are sent into the abyss!