# Race for the Galaxy: Xeno Counterstrike

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2026
- **BGG Rating**: 8.4
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-5
- **Duration**: 30-60 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: Thomas Lehmann
- **Artists**: Claus Stephan, Martin Hoffmann
- **Publishers**: Rio Grande Games
- **Categories**: Card Game, Civilization, Economic, Expansion for Base-game, Science Fiction, Space Exploration
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Simultaneous Action Selection, Variable Phase Order, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
This expansion turns Race for the Galaxy into a breathtaking space opera, perfect for those who want to see their empire grow beyond the usual limits. The counterstrike mechanic adds an epic, strategic layer that keeps tension high until the final turn. It is the perfect choice for veterans seeking longer, more rewarding matches.Larger empire scaleExciting counterstrike mechanicHigh replay valueMore robust economic enginesSignificantly increases playtimeRequires Xeno Invasion for full experienceHigher complexity than base gameHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
If you are a fan of Race for the Galaxy and feel your space empires deserve a much larger scale, Xeno Counterstrike is the expansion you have been waiting for. As the third arc of the series, this title increases the complexity and duration of games, introducing the starry rift frontier and the Xeno hive worlds. The big deal here is the shift in risk-reward dynamics when settling these new frontier worlds, which bring over 40 new cards to your tableau. Forget the standard tableau size limits for ending the game; here, the experience becomes a true epic of conquest. The game can extend for a few more rounds, allowing you to develop much more robust economic engines and see those 6-cost developments shine like never before. The 'Counterstrike' mechanic is the heart of this expansion: after repelling the Xeno invasion, players turn the tables on the invaders, striking back at their home systems in a coordinated effort. This turns the match into a race for victory points or a decisive military victory, where tableaus of 25 cards or more become the new reality. While you can play with just the base game, the full counterstrike experience and support for a fifth player require owning the Xeno Invasion expansion. It is, without a doubt, the definitive version for those seeking superior strategic depth and who do not mind dedicating a bit more time to see their galactic empire dominate the galaxy once and for all. Prepare for swings in leadership near the end of the game, where every decision counts and long-term planning finally yields its sweetest fruits.

## FAQ
### Can I play Xeno Counterstrike without owning Xeno Invasion?
Yes, you can play it with just the base game, but you will miss out on the counterstrike mode and fifth-player support.

### How much longer does a game usually last?
Expect about 1 to 2 extra rounds compared to the base game, making the match slightly longer.

### Does the tableau size limit still end the game?
Not in counterstrike mode! The game continues until the VP chips run out or a military victory over the Xenos is achieved.

### Is this expansion suitable for beginners?
We don't recommend it. It's designed for players who already have a solid grasp of the original Race for the Galaxy rules and strategies.

### How many new cards are added?
The expansion introduces over 40 new frontier worlds in separate decks to expand your options.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 39.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6981667&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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