Space Alert (board game): A Comprehensive Guide to the Galaxy’s Most Thrilling Adventure – Rules, Strategies, Instructions & Winning Tips

Introduction

Space Alert is a cooperative board game that takes us on an exciting journey through the cosmos. Designed by Vlaada Chvátil and published by Czech Games Edition, the game was first introduced in 2008. It has since gained popularity among board game enthusiasts for its unique blend of real-time strategy and teamwork.

In Space Alert, players become crew members of a spaceship exploring dangerous sectors of the galaxy. The goal is to defend the ship against various threats while managing energy resources and coordinating actions in real-time, which reminded me a lot of those rogue-like PC games like FTL: Faster than Light.

The game is played in two main phases: the action phase and the resolution phase. The action phase is timed and involves playing cards to perform actions, while the resolution phase involves executing those actions and seeing the results.

To play Space Alert, you will need the game box, which includes a game board, 10 action cards for each player, threat cards, damage tiles, rocket markers, and a CD for the soundtrack that times the action phase. You will also need a group of 2 to 5 players and about 30 minutes of time.

Rules for playing Space Alert

1. Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding set of action cards and player board.
2. The game is played in two main phases: the action phase and the resolution phase.
3. In the action phase, players listen to the soundtrack that announces threats and play action cards to deal with them. This phase is timed and lasts about 10 minutes.
4. In the resolution phase, players execute the actions they planned in the action phase and see the results.
5. The goal of the game is to survive until the end of the resolution phase. If the spaceship takes too much damage, the game is lost.

House rules can be introduced to adjust the difficulty level or add new challenges. For example, you could limit the amount of communication allowed during the action phase to increase the difficulty.

How to Play Space Alert

Setup

1. Place the game board in the middle of the table.
2. Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding set of action cards and player board.
3. Shuffle the threat cards and place them in a pile next to the game board.
4. Place the damage tiles and rocket markers within reach of all players.
5. Choose a soundtrack on the CD to determine the length and difficulty of the game.

Gameplay

1. Start the soundtrack. It will announce threats that appear in different sectors of the galaxy.
2. Players play action cards to move around the spaceship, charge the energy reactor, and fire weapons at threats.
3. Players can also use special action cards to perform unique actions, such as repairing damage or boosting the spaceship’s systems.
4. Players must communicate and coordinate their actions to effectively deal with threats.

End of the Game

1. After the action phase ends, players execute the actions they planned in the resolution phase.
2. If the spaceship survives until the end of the resolution phase, the players win the game.
3. If the spaceship takes too much damage and is destroyed, the players lose the game.

How to Win at Space Alert

Winning at Space Alert requires strategic planning, effective communication, and efficient use of resources. Here are some strategies to help you win:

1. Plan your actions carefully. Consider the timing of threats and coordinate your actions with your teammates to deal with them effectively.
2. Communicate with your teammates. Discuss your plans and make sure everyone knows what they need to do.
3. Manage your energy resources wisely. You need energy to move around the spaceship and fire weapons, so make sure the energy reactor is always charged.
4. Use special action cards strategically. They can give you an edge in critical situations, but they are limited, so use them wisely.

Best Strategies for playing Space Alert

Here are some advanced strategies for playing Space Alert:

1. Anticipate threats. Listen carefully to the soundtrack and plan your actions in advance to deal with threats as soon as they appear.
2. Divide responsibilities. Assign roles to each player based on their strengths. For example, one player could focus on charging the energy reactor, while others deal with threats.
3. Use the spaceship’s systems to your advantage. For example, you can use the shields to protect against attacks or the battlebots to fight threats.
4. Adapt to changing situations. If something goes wrong, don’t panic. Adjust your plans and work together with your teammates to overcome the challenge.

Scenarios for Space Alert

Here are some common scenarios in Space Alert and how to handle them:

1. A threat appears in a sector where no player is present. In this case, a player should move to that sector as soon as possible to deal with the threat.
2. The energy reactor is running low. A player should charge the energy reactor to ensure the spaceship can continue to function.
3. The spaceship is taking damage. Players should use action cards to repair the damage and protect the spaceship.
4. Multiple threats appear at the same time. Players should communicate and coordinate their actions to deal with all threats effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Space Alert (board game)

1. How many players can play Space Alert? Space Alert can be played by 2 to 5 players.
2. How long does a game of Space Alert last? A game of Space Alert lasts about 30 minutes, including setup and cleanup.
3. Can I play Space Alert without the soundtrack? The soundtrack is an essential part of Space Alert. It times the action phase and announces threats. However, if you don’t have a CD player, you can download the soundtrack from the official game website.
4. What age is Space Alert suitable for? Space Alert is recommended for ages 12 and up due to its complexity and need for strategic thinking.
5. Can I play Space Alert solo? While Space Alert is designed as a cooperative game for multiple players, it is possible to play solo by controlling multiple characters.

External Links

For more information about Space Alert, visit the official game website: Czech Games Edition – Space Alert