# Alien Artifacts: SPIEL 2017 Promo

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2017
- **BGG Rating**: 7.2
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-5
- **Duration**: 60-0 min
- **Weight**: 3.00 / 5
- **Publishers**: Portal Games
- **Categories**: Card Game, Expansion for Base-game, Science Fiction, Space Exploration
- **Mechanics**: Open Drafting

## Verdict
If you love Alien Artifacts, this promo adds two fresh factions and planets that spice up the game.New factions with distinct powersThematic planet cardsEasy integration with base gameOnly eight planets addedNeeds full translationOnly useful if you own the baseRECOMMENDED

## Description
Alien Artifacts: SPIEL 2017 Promo is a giveaway expansion that debuted at the 2017 SPIEL fair. It adds two fresh factions – the Academics and the Silics – and eight brand‑new planet cards to the base game, widening strategic options and the sci‑fi flavor of space exploration. Each faction comes with its own abilities, giving veteran players new synergies to test and newcomers alternative paths to victory. The planet cards (Pink Meeple, Last Martians, 51st Planet, De Crecy, Far Virginia, Neuroshima, Trog's Heaven and Tshevee‑check) introduce fresh resources, challenges and scoring opportunities, while keeping the Open Drafting mechanic that drives the core gameplay. Integration is seamless: just shuffle the new cards into the existing decks and play by the standard rules—no extra rulebook needed. Playtime stays around 60 minutes, though it can shift with 2‑5 players and how familiar they are with the new factions. With a complexity rating of about 3/5, the expansion is perfect for those who enjoy light‑to‑moderate strategy but still want enough depth for replayability. The artwork matches the futuristic aesthetic of the main line, and component quality is on par with the base edition. In short, this promo acts as a compact upgrade, delivering more replay value to the original game without demanding extra setup or learning time. If you already own Alien Artifacts, adding these factions and planets will freshen up your sessions and open up new combos.

## FAQ
### How many players can use the expansion?
It works with 2 to 5 players, just like the base game.

### What is the typical play time with the promo?
Average play time stays around 60 minutes, but can vary with player count and familiarity with the new factions.

### Do I need extra rules to play?
No. The new cards are shuffled into the standard decks and the original rules apply.

### Is translation required?
Yes, most cards are in English, so a full translation is recommended for Portuguese‑speaking groups.

### What new factions are included?
The Academics and the Silics, each bringing unique abilities that change strategic options.

### Which new planet cards are added?
Pink Meeple, Last Martians, 51st Planet, De Crecy, Far Virginia, Neuroshima, Trog's Heaven and Tshevee‑check.

### Can I use the expansion without the base game?
No, it is a supplement and requires the original Alien Artifacts game.