Modes & Variants

Standard rules, optional modes and the Launched Start beta variant.

Game modes

The setup checklist has a mode step and a separate Launched Start toggle; use it before placing any cards or markers. These modes change how the first-print game is prepared or played:

Standard

Use the complete Version 12 rules as written, with the normal hand limit and turn choices.

Fair Play

Remove all Action cards before setup. Also remove any Strategic Target that can only be claimed by using an Action card. Asset upgrades do not require exchanging a Target or Incentive card; pay their normal costs. This reduces direct attacks and avoids targets that would be impossible without Action cards.

Clash of Titans (Beta)

Raise the Action-card limit from two to four. Each player automatically gains one Action card every time they perform an Extraction. Do not take an Action card through the Strategy phase in this mode. The rulebook notes that these cards can lengthen play and that this mode works best with additional Action cards from expansion packs; no expansion-card rules or files were available to include here.

Custom Gameplay

Before the game, agree which individually marked optional rules to include or ignore. The rulebook recommends using all optional rules for its full experience. Optional end conditions are also group agreements, not default end triggers; see Game End and Scoring.

Launched Start (Beta)

Use the toggle on the setup checklist to replace the opening Territory auction. Each player receives four random Territory cards, then one of those four receives an Active Mine marker at random. Skip both auctions. The rulebook warns that this shorter opening may change the strategic experience. It does not say to choose the Territory or the mine yourself.