# Alien Artifacts: Breakthrough

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2019
- **BGG Rating**: 7.2
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-5
- **Duration**: 60 min
- **Weight**: 3.00 / 5
- **Designers**: Ignacy Trzewiczek, Joanna Kijanka
- **Artists**: Igor Pushkar, Maciej Janik
- **Publishers**: Portal Games, Pegasus Spiele
- **Categories**: Card Game, Expansion for Base-game, Science Fiction, Space Exploration
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Open Drafting, Set Collection, Variable Phase Order

## Verdict
If you love the sci‑fi vibe of Alien Artifacts, Breakthrough adds fresh combos that spice up the game.New tech cardsExpanded strategic combosVariable phase orderRequires near‑full translationLearning curve modestRECOMMENDED

## Description
Alien Artifacts: Breakthrough arrives as the second expansion for Alien Artifacts, putting humanity at the peak of its technological race. After cracking the alien tech mystery, players can now harness those discoveries for further advancement. The box adds 20 new technology cards, 10 ship cards and 10 planet cards from the Expand category, offering fresh combos for your favourite engine cards. New cards broaden hand‑management choices, letting you decide when to fire powerful abilities or hold resources for later. Open drafting kicks in as everyone sees the same pool and picks simultaneously, creating a race for strategic synergies. Set collection remains the core: assembling tech, ship and planet combos yields vital points. Variable phase order means the turn structure can shift each game, demanding constant tactical tweaks. All of this unfolds in a sci‑fi setting where space‑faring factions vie for galactic dominance. Playtime hovers around 60 minutes, perfect for 2‑5 players, and a 3/5 weight offers an accessible yet deep experience for fans of 4X and tableau building. In short, Breakthrough expands the Alien Artifacts universe without overwhelming, delivering more strategic variety while keeping the learning curve friendly. If you already enjoy the base game, you’ll love exploring these new options and trying to dominate the galaxy with freshly‑unlocked tech.

## FAQ
### How many players can join?
2 to 5 players, same as the base game.

### What is the typical playtime?
Around 60 minutes, depending on player experience.

### Do I need to know the base game first?
Yes, the expansion assumes familiarity with Alien Artifacts core rules.

### What new components are included?
20 technology cards, 10 ship cards and 10 planet cards from the Expand category.

### Does the expansion increase complexity?
Slightly, due to new combos, but it stays at a moderate 3/5 weight.

### Is a full translation required to play?
Most cards are in English; a near‑complete translation is recommended for smooth play.

### Can I mix the new cards with a game that doesn’t use the expansion?
Yes, the new cards are designed to slot into the base deck without issues.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 19.83 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=7041821&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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