# Alien Frontiers: Matter Extractor

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2010
- **BGG Rating**: 6.9
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 3, 4)
- **Duration**: 60 min
- **Weight**: 2.17 / 5
- **Designers**: Tory Niemann
- **Artists**: Karim Chakroun, Mark Maxwell
- **Publishers**: Clever Mojo Games, Game Salute, Starling Games (II)
- **Categories**: Dice, Expansion for Base-game, Science Fiction, Space Exploration, Territory Building
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Dice Rolling, Worker Placement

## Verdict
For those who already enjoy Alien Frontiers and want another tactical option, this expansion is a find! It adds a card that gives you more flexibility to get resources and tech without relying so much on others.More resource optionsNew strategic tacticEasy to integrateKeeps game spiritOnly one new cardRequires base gameSpecific editionFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Hey folks! If you're already a fan of Alien Frontiers and always looking for ways to spice up your games, check out this neat little gem: the Matter Extractor expansion (or Space Crane, depending on your edition!). This beauty adds an Alien Tech card that's a real game-changer. Instead of just getting into those tight resource races with other players, this card gives you the option to grab 4 units of fuel or ore directly from the general supply. And that's not all! You can also use this tech to snatch an Alien Tech card straight from the Alien Artifact. Just imagine: more options, more flexibility, and a new strategic layer for those who already dominate the space colonies.

This expansion is perfect for anyone who wants to add an extra kick without overcomplicating the rules. It keeps the core essence of Alien Frontiers, with its dice rolling and area control, but introduces these new ways to acquire resources and technologies. It's the kind of addition that makes you wonder, 'How did I play without this before?'. Ideal for those who enjoy the base game and want to explore new tactics, whether it's to turn the tables on the scoreboard or to secure a crucial resource at the right moment. Definitely worth checking out to give your intergalactic adventures a boost!

## FAQ
### Does this expansion work on its own, or do I need the base game Alien Frontiers?
You ABSOLUTELY need the base game Alien Frontiers to use this expansion. It only adds one card to the game.

### How many players does this expansion support?
The expansion maintains the player count of the base game, which is for 2 to 4 players.

### Is the 'Matter Extractor' card different from the 'Space Crane'?
No, they have the same effect! The name varies depending on which edition of the base game you own.

### Does this expansion add a lot of complexity to the game?
No, the expansion is quite simple. It adds just one card with a new option, which doesn't significantly increase the overall complexity of the game.

### Is this expansion hard to find?
Since it was a Kickstarter reward and a small addition, it might be a bit harder to find. Check if your base game edition already includes it or look in specialized stores.

### What is the main benefit of adding this card to the game?
The main benefit is flexibility. It gives you more options to obtain resources (fuel/ore) or alien technologies, which can be crucial in tight situations.