Objective of the Game

StarGate is a strategic science fiction board game where players assume the role of fleet commanders traveling through a galactic gate to explore new worlds, trade, form alliances, or engage in military conflicts with other players. The aim is to expand influence and power through various means and ultimately achieve supremacy over the galaxy.

Game Components

• A game board depicting different galaxies and star systems.
• Spacecraft miniatures for each faction.
• Decks of cards for technologies, missions, and events.
• Dice for decision-making in battles and crucial success tests.
• Influence markers to illustrate control over sectors.

Setup

1. Each player chooses a faction with unique abilities.
2. The galaxy is randomly assembled by revealing and placing planet cards.
3. Each player receives their starting fleet and resource packages.
4. The mission cards are shuffled and set aside.
5. Certain event cards are removed from the game depending on the number of players, and the rest are used as the event deck.

Gameflow

The game is played over a series of rounds, each divided into different phases:

1. Exploration Phase

Each player can move selected spacecraft to adjacent, unexplored star systems and unveil what lies there. These newly discovered systems may hold rich resources or dangers.

2. Construction and Reinforcement Phase

Here, players can build new spacecraft, reinforce existing fleets, or develop technologies that provide special advantages during the game.

3. Diplomacy and Trade Phase

Players can negotiate to form alliances, conclude trade agreements or gain influence in strategic sectors.

4. Combat Phase

If ships from different factions meet, dice rolls and technologies decide the outcome of the battle. Players may choose aggression or pursue peace treaties depending on their strategic alignment.

5. Supply and Event Phase

Resources are gathered based on controlled sectors, and an event is drawn, which can have an impact on the course of the game.

Winning Conditions

The game ends when a player reaches a certain number of victory points, mainly earned through controlling strategically important areas, fulfilling missions, and defeating opposing fleets. Alternatively, there can be a time limit after which the player with the most points is declared the winner.

Strategic Tips

• Balance: Wisely allocate your resources between military and economic investments.
• Alliances: Take advantage of temporary collaborations to overcome stronger opponents, but keep an eye on the long-term victory.
• Technological Edge: Focus on technologies that support your strategic orientation and could surprise opponents.
• Foresight: Always plan a few moves ahead to be prepared for unforeseen events and diplomatic shifts.

Enjoy playing StarGate!