# Legendary Encounters: An Alien Deck Building Game Expansion ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2016 - **BGG Rating**: 8.3 - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 1-5 (Best with: 3) - **Duration**: 45 min - **Weight**: 2.64 / 5 - **Designers**: Ben Cichoski, Daniel Mandel - **Artists**: Adam Gorham, Carlos Furuzono, Daniel Dahl, Edward Anderson, Jay David Ramos, Kevin Enhart, Kewber Baal, Leonardo Sá, Raul Valdes, Rob Ruffolo, Ryan Kinnaird, Teo Gonzalez, Tom Walker, Vincenzo Cucca, Vinz El Tabanaz, Wesley Wong - **Publishers**: Upper Deck Entertainment - **Categories**: Card Game, Expansion for Base-game, Horror, Movies / TV / Radio theme, Science Fiction - **Mechanics**: Cooperative Game, Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Open Drafting, Player Elimination, Variable Player Powers ## Verdict If you love cosmic horror and deck building, this expansion is a must, adding more aliens and a new queen.More charactersNew Alien Queen400 new cardsEnhanced cooperative mechanicsCan be intenseRequires time focusNot for solo playHIGHLY RECOMMENDED ## Description Legendary Encounters: An Alien Deck Building Game Expansion is the add‑on that fans of the 2014 hit need. It brings more facehuggers, more aliens, and finally the legendary Alien Queen. The roster is expanded with Lieutenant Gorman, Superintendent Andrews, Captain Elgyn, and Kane, each with unique abilities that can change the tide of battle. Additionally, the expansion delivers an exclusive playmat that lets players take on the role of the Queen, adding a strategic layer of control and protection. With 400 brand‑new cards, all featuring original artwork, the game gains even more tactical variety. The core mechanics stay the same as the base game: cooperative play, deck‑building with bag and pool, open drafting, variable player powers, and player elimination to raise the stakes. The new cards introduce events and abilities that require constant adaptation, keeping the cosmic‑horror vibe that makes the game so engaging. Gameplay lasts about 45 minutes and supports 1 to 5 players. The expansion works well for both newcomers and veterans of Legendary Encounters. The vibrant art and sci‑fi horror themes create an immersive atmosphere, while the cooperative nature ensures everyone is fighting side‑by‑side against the alien hordes. If you enjoy games that blend strategy, teamwork, and horror, this expansion will raise the experience to a new level. Moreover, the expansion introduces a new gameplay dynamic by allowing one player to assume the perspective of the Alien Queen, a role that demands special care and offers new opportunities for field control. This creates an interesting contrast between players battling the aliens and those controlling the threat itself. The additional characters also let teams diversify their tactics, as each character brings a unique mix of resources and objectives. Balance between challenge and fun is maintained thanks to cards that increase complexity without overwhelming players, making the experience accessible to groups of varying skill levels. The extra components, such as the exclusive playmat and high‑quality cards, enhance immersion and reinforce the premium feel of the game. The expansion also offers new customization options, letting players craft variations that fit their preferred play style. In short, if you’re looking to deepen your Legendary Encounters experience or add a fresh dose of cosmic horror to your table, this expansion is a solid choice. ## How to Play Objective of the Game In Legendary Encounters: An Alien Deck Building Game Expansion, players work together to survive against the relentless Xenomorph threat. The goal is to complete all Objectives and defeat the Final Enemy and, if playing with the Queen Mother, eliminate her as well. Players lose if they fail to complete the Objectives or if all players are killed by the Xenomorphs. Preparation (Setup) To set up the game: Choose a Hive scenario, including its Location, Objectives, and Hive mini-decks. Shuffle the Barracks and deal starting cards to each player. Set up the Complex and Combat Zone according to the chosen Hive. If using the Queen Mother, assign one player as the Queen Mother and set up her Nest, Lair, and Avatar. Add Xenomorph Soldiers to the Hive mini-decks if playing with increased difficulty. Consulte o manual para detalhes sobre esta seção. Flow of the Game The game progresses in turns, with each player taking their Action Phase followed by the Hive Phase. During the Action Phase, players play cards to gain resources, recruit characters, and fight enemies. In the Hive Phase, new enemies are revealed and move through the Complex toward the Combat Zone. If playing with the Queen Mother, she takes her turn after the Human Players, using her unique abilities to hinder their progress. Actions and How to Play Players can perform the following actions during their turn: Activate: Use card abilities marked with “Activate” during your Action Phase. Dual Class: Resolve both abilities on cards with two class symbols in any order. Desperation: Trigger more powerful effects on cards when specific conditions are met. Bite, Grab, Hunt, Rush: Unique abilities available to the Queen Mother Player to attack or hinder Human Players. Consulte o manual para detalhes sobre esta seção. End of Game and Scoring The game ends when: Players complete all Objectives and defeat the Final Enemy and Queen Mother (if applicable). All players are killed by the Xenomorphs. Scoring is based on how far players progress: 1 Point for completing Objective 1. 2 Points for completing Objectives 1 and 2. 3 Points for surviving until the Queen Mother enters the Complex. 5 Points for defeating the Final Enemy. 7 Points for defeating the Queen Mother. 10 Points for winning the game. Tips for Winning Focus on completing Objectives efficiently to avoid being overwhelmed by the Hive. Use Desperation cards strategically to maximize their effects when conditions are dire. If playing with the Queen Mother, prioritize eliminating her before she can fully utilize her abilities. ## FAQ ### How many players can play with the expansion? 1 to 5, just like the base game. ### How long does a game last with the expansion? About 45 minutes, but it can vary. ### Does the expansion drastically change the base game mechanics? No, it keeps the deck‑building and cooperative structure, just adding new characters and cards. ### Do I need a specific language to play? The game is in English, but you can play with translation or interpretation. ### Does the expansion include components beyond cards? Yes, it includes an exclusive playmat for the Alien Queen and 400 new cards. ### Is the expansion suitable for beginners? Yes, but familiarity with the base game is recommended. ### Do you have any strategy tips for playing as the Alien Queen? 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