Race for the Galaxy: Xeno Counterstrike

About this expansion

Race for the Galaxy: Xeno Counterstrike is a 2026 expansion for 2–5 players that plays in about 60 minutes, extending the galactic struggle into the starry rift frontier and border zone.

The sequel to Xeno Invasion forms the third arc of Race for the Galaxy expansions. It introduces more than 40 frontier worlds across separate decks, along with a different risk-and-reward method for settling them. As empires expand into these dangerous regions, their larger economic engines can develop toward a dramatic endgame.

• Explore more than 40 frontier worlds in separate decks.
• Support larger empires and a slightly longer game, typically adding 1–2 rounds.
• Extend the standard end conditions to 15 or more tableau cards and 15 victory points per player in the common pool.
• Use the optional counterstrike game for an epic conflict against the Xenos.

With Xeno Counterstrike, the lead can change repeatedly near the finish as large frontier worlds are settled, economic engines reach their stride, and the final six-cost developments enter play. This makes it the version for players who want Race for the Galaxy to run a little longer while preserving its shifting strategic race.

The expansion can be played on its own with just the base game. Its fifth-player option and optional counterstrike game require Xeno Invasion.

In the counterstrike game, a Xeno invasion becomes the beginning of a galactic offensive. Once the Xenos are repulsed, the empires strike back across the frontier and border zone toward the Xeno home systems. Tableau size no longer ends this version: victory comes through either an economic win when the pool of 30 victory points per player runs out, or a military victory over the Xenos. Final tableaus of 25 cards are not uncommon.