# Cosmic Encounter: Cosmic Alliance

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2012
- **BGG Rating**: 8.1
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 3-6 (Best with: 5)
- **Duration**: 60 min
- **Weight**: 2.85 / 5
- **Designers**: Kevin Wilson
- **Artists**: Felicia Cano, Ryan Barger
- **Publishers**: Fantasy Flight Games, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Hobby World
- **Categories**: Bluffing, Expansion for Base-game, Negotiation, Science Fiction, Space Exploration
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Team-Based Game, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you love cosmic drama with bluffing and shifting alliances, Cosmic Alliance cranks the fun up.New alien races varietyCo‑op team mode8‑player expansionLengthy rules, needs translationLearning curve for team variantRECOMMENDED

## Description
Cosmic Alliance is the third expansion for the Fantasy Flight Games version of Cosmic Encounter, adding 20 new alien races, a mix of classic and brand‑new ones. Get ready to face the petrifying Gorgon, puzzle out the mysterious Schizoid, and feel outclassed by the high‑tech Cyborgs. The expansion also makes the cosmos larger by introducing a sixth player (white pieces) and, if you own all three expansions, rules for massive eight‑player games. Its standout feature is the optional Team Cosmic variant: players are randomly paired, sit opposite each other, and can cooperate by gifting newly won foreign colonies to their partner. Core mechanics stay the same – hand management, negotiation and variable powers – but now they’re flavored with more bluffing and temporary alliances. Playtime hovers around 60 minutes, perfect for groups of 3‑6 (or up to 8 with all expansions). The game remains easy to learn, yet the sheer number of interactions and strategic choices makes each session fresh and full of twists.

## FAQ
### How many players can join?
From 3 to 6 players in the base; with all three expansions you can play up to 8.

### What’s the typical play time?
Around 60 minutes, varying with player count and whether the team variant is used.

### Do I need the previous expansions?
Not required, but the 8‑player rules require having all three expansions.

### Is the Team Cosmic variant mandatory?
No, it’s optional; you can play with or without it as your group prefers.

### Does the complexity increase a lot?
The core remains light (weight 2.85), but the team mode and extra races add more strategic decisions.

### What new components are included?
20 alien race tokens, white pieces for a sixth player, power cards, extra colony boards, and a rule sheet for the team variant.

### Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, the core game stays easy to learn; however, those who want to explore the team mode may need a bit of guidance.

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