Race for the Galaxy: Rebel vs Imperium

Race for the Galaxy: Rebel vs Imperium is the second expansion for the acclaimed Race for the Galaxy and puts the clash between Rebels and the Imperium front and center. Its biggest selling point is the ability to play with up to six people – the first expansion (The Gathering Storm) added a sixth player slot, and this one introduces a new role that lets five players join the drafting mode. The core of the expansion is the fresh cards – now there are 12 starting worlds (including military options) and several new action cards, among them two submission cards that give extra ways to meet the goals.

A standout mechanic is "Takeover": you can now conquer military worlds that sit in another player's tableau, adding a layer of tension. Players who want to stay safe can simply avoid playing cards that enable conquest, opening up defensive strategies. The new "Mix and Match Explore" power lets you combine explore cards with your hand before discarding, giving more flexibility during the explore phase.

The expansion also adds new victory objectives and a dedicated two‑player scenario, perfect for those who enjoy intense duels between Rebels and the Imperium. Draft rules have been broadened to support 2‑5 players (previously only 2‑3). All this comes without altering the base game’s essence: hand management, simultaneous action selection, and variable player powers remain the engine of the game. If you already love the blend of galactic empire building, economic juggling, and quick decisions, Rebel vs Imperium adds more interaction and variety while keeping the 60‑minute, fast‑paced feel that makes Race for the Galaxy a classic.