How To Play: Alienation

After playing Alienation with my friends (and surviving a lot of friendly betrayals), I've learned the big strategy keys: smart resource management, clever faction combos, and nailing the timing in combat. Remember the rules, keep an eye on your supplies, and never underestimate someone named Steve. That's How To Play alienation!

Overview

If you’re tired of losing at Alienation and your friends are starting to gloat, this is the guide you need! Here, I’ll cover a quick outline of the game rules—so you won’t forget the basics—and share the best strategies for winning. After many sessions of laughs, arguments, and snacking, I’ve gathered everything you need to send your rivals crying home to their mothers.

What’s in the box

  • 1 Game Board
  • 5 Faction Boards
  • 90 Resource Tokens
  • 5 Player Reference Cards
  • 60 Action Cards
  • 40 Unit Miniatures
  • 10 Dice
  • 1 Rulebook
  • 25 Objective Tokens
  • 5 Score Trackers

How To Play Alienation: Rules Summary

Setup

  1. Shuffle the faction decks like your life depends on it. Each player grabs one.

  2. Hand out starting resources, then pretend you know what you’re doing.

  3. Lay the main board in the middle. Make sure your cat isn’t sleeping on it.

  4. Put event cards, tokens, and those mysterious cubes within everyone’s reach.

  5. Pick the first player. I recommend rock-paper-scissors for maximum fairness.

Gameplay

  1. Draw a card. Yes, even if you think you’re unlucky.

  2. Choose an action: move, attack, trade, or scheme. Or just panic. That’s always an option.

  3. Spend resources. Try not to overspend like I did last Friday.

  4. Resolve any battles. The loser gets to grumble loudly.

  5. Pass the turn to the next player and judge their moves silently.

Winning

  1. Collect victory points by controlling zones, making deals, or winning fights.

  2. First player to hit the set victory point goal throws a victory dance, and, oh yes, wins the game.

  3. If there’s a tie, both players must explain in detail why they deserve to win. May the best story teller prevail.

Special Rules & Conditions

  1. Event cards can flip the game. Draw them at the start of every round and brace for chaos.

  2. Some zones give bonus resources, but only if you don’t trip on your own plans, like I always do.

  3. Alliances are allowed. Betraying allies is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. Just don’t expect Christmas cards after.

If you ever forget how to play Alienation, just remember: make decisions, outwit your friends, and always check under the board for missing pieces. Good luck!

Best Alienation Strategies

Mastering Resource Management in Alienation

Keep an Eye on Supplies

Running out of stuff in Alienation hurts more than removing a bandage. Therefore, always know what you’ve got and what you need.

  1. Plan one turn ahead by noting your resources.
  2. Trade with reckless friends, not responsible ones—they’ll overcharge you.
  3. Use extra resources quickly; hoarding makes you a target.

How To Play alienation Without Wasting Resources

Efficient use makes you the space mayor. For example, I once survived by trading junk for fuel at just the right time.

  1. Convert low-value items into vital assets during trades.
  2. Spend resources when it gets you points or safety.

React to Game Flow

Switch your plan when other players block you, especially if you see a pile-on coming.

  1. Adapt quickly if resources dry up.
  2. Monitor opponents and snag leftovers they miss.

Power Up Your Victory: Faction Synergy Secrets in Alienation

Match Abilities for Maximum Impact

I always pair unique faction powers to boost each other. For example, one friend’s tech skills improved my movement!

  1. Pick combos where abilities stack.
  2. Focus on supporting roles when drafting teams.

Share Resources and Tricks

Next, always ask allies for trades. This way, I grab missing resources and block opponents.

  1. Set up trades before your turn.
  2. Coordinate for needed actions.

Plan Big Moves Together

Finally, I chalk up joint strategies. Nothing beats group planning for epic wins in Alienation.

  1. Set big goals for rounds.
  2. Time attacks with team synergy.

Team up, plan well, and win big—this is how to play Alienation!

Strike When They Least Expect It: Mastering Combat Timing in Alienation

Watch For Weakness

Always pay attention to your opponents’ resources and units. When you spot a weak spot, don’t hesitate. Attack right away. Smart timing can flip the whole game.

  1. Wait until your foe spreads their forces thin.
  2. Jump in after they spend key resources.
  3. Strike before they regroup or reinforce.
Prepare Your Moves

Planning pays off. You want your attack ready before they see it coming. This way, you get the upper hand.

  1. Build up your best units quietly.
  2. Bluff with small skirmishes.
  3. Time your main strike with an event or distraction.
Reacting To Opponents

Stay flexible. If someone else attacks, use that chaos. Sometimes it’s best to wait, then attack when others are weak from fighting each other.

  1. Let others clash, then clean up.
  2. Keep an eye on changing alliances.
  3. Jump in when a winner looks tired.

In my group, the player who watched closely and attacked at just the right time always did best. That’s the real trick to winning!

Remember, if you want to get good at the game, learn How To Play alienation and you’ll spot the perfect attack moments!

Go Forth and Outwit Your Friends!

Alright, that’s my master plan for Alienation. If you follow these tips, you might win. Or at least, you’ll look like you know what you’re doing for most of the game—which, honestly, is half the battle. After playing with my crew (who still remind me about that time I traded away my last resource for a sandwich), I can tell you that luck comes and goes, but smart strategies stick. Remember the key moves: manage your stuff, team up when you can, and never attack right after eating too much pizza—slows your reflexes! Got a wild move or funny fail? Share it; we’re all here to figure out How To Play alienation and have a good laugh while we’re at it.

Want to know what we think of Alienation? Read our detailed review of Alienation here

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.