# Pax Expanse

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2019
- **BGG Rating**: 7.9
- **BGG Rank**: #15281
- **Players**: 3-4 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 90-240 min
- **Weight**: 3.60 / 5
- **Designers**: Chris J Davis
- **Publishers**: (Web published)
- **Categories**: Movies / TV / Radio theme, Novel-based, Political, Print & Play, Science Fiction
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, Open Drafting

## Verdict
If you're a fan of The Expanse and enjoy strategy games with political intrigue and area control, Pax Expanse is a definite hit! It's Pax Pamir with the theme we all love.Immersive The Expanse themeDeep political strategyConstant player interactionUnique area control mechanicsInitial learning curveCan be long for someRequires active negotiationFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Get ready for a cold space war in Pax Expanse! Hitching a ride on the universe of the acclaimed TV series The Expanse (and the books!), this game puts you in the shoes of a shadow manipulator, orchestrating the moves of the solar system's three major powers: Earth (UN), Mars (MCR), and the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA). Your goal? Use your influence to ensure the faction you support (or that serves you best at the moment) comes out on top, all while the mysterious Protomolecule adds an extra dash of chaos. 

Gameplay-wise, Pax Expanse is a close cousin to Pax Pamir, but with a sci-fi coat of paint that screams 'The Expanse'. The core mechanics revolve around area control and influence, but with a twist: each region can be dominated by fleets and transports, or by the presence of supporters of a specific faction. You'll spend your influence (the game's currency) to buy asset cards, which grant you unique abilities and actions. These cards can be Military, Subterfuge, Political, or Economic, and the current political climate might even make some of them free! 

The game unfolds over four scoring phases, which can be a feast for loyalists of the dominant faction or a fierce contest based on your individual presence on the board. The key is knowing when to ally, when to betray, and how to leverage your assets to maximize your points. If you enjoy games with high player interaction, political strategy, and a solid sci-fi theme, Pax Expanse might become your new obsession. It's a game that demands a keen eye for opportunities and skillful maneuvering to navigate the solar system's alliances and betrayals.

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime?
The game can vary significantly, from 90 to 240 minutes, depending on player experience and group dynamics.

### How many players can participate?
Pax Expanse is designed for 3 to 4 players.

### Is it very complicated to learn?
The complexity is moderate to high (BGG weight 3.6/5). The basic rules are accessible, but mastering the strategies and interactions takes time.

### Which season of The Expanse is the game based on?
It covers the events of the first three seasons of the TV series.

### Do I need to know Pax Pamir to play?
It's not mandatory, but it helps to quickly grasp the core mechanics, as Pax Expanse is a 'retheme' of it.

### Is this a game for players who enjoy direct conflict?
Not exactly. Conflict exists, but the emphasis is on political influence, negotiation, and behind-the-scenes manipulation, rather than direct combat.

### Are the components physical or is it Print & Play?
Originally, the game was released as Print & Play, allowing players to produce it themselves. There are also mods available for Tabletop Simulator.