How To Play: Aliens

Aliens turns a simple mission into a frantic fight for survival, with Marines blasting through corridors while the Hive closes in. I played it with friends, and nobody stayed calm for long—especially when the motion tracker started beeping. This guide breaks down the game rules, explains how each mission works, and shares the best strategies for winning. Bring your ammo, watch your squad, and try not to panic.

Overview

What’s in the box

• 1 Rulebook
• 1 Mission Book
• 8 Character Cards
• 8 Character Boards
• 8 Colonial Marine Miniatures
• 16 Xenomorph Miniatures
• 4 Facehugger Miniatures
• 6 Game Boards
• 4 Dice
• 20 Blip Tokens
• 8 Door Tokens
• 10 Ammo Tokens
• 10 Objective Tokens
• 10 Noise Tokens
• 1 Turn Tracker
• 1 Status Tracker

How To Play Aliens: Rules Summary

Aliens: Another Glorious Day in the Corps is a tense co-op game where players control Colonial Marines. Work together, search rooms, complete missions, and survive the bugs. The game can feel calm for about six seconds. Then the motion tracker starts yelling.

Setup: Get Your Squad Ready

1. Choose a scenario from the rulebook and build the map shown in its setup guide.
2. Place doors, counters, equipment, and objective tokens as the scenario directs.
3. Each player chooses a Colonial Marine and takes that figure, its character card, and starting equipment.
4. Place the Marines in the listed starting area. Then shuffle the Event and Hive decks separately.
5. Set the Turn, Blip, and Threat counters where the scenario tells you. Finally, place the first Blip token on the map.

Gameplay: Move Fast, Shoot Straight

1. Start each round by checking the scenario rules and resolving any effects that happen at the beginning of the turn.
2. Players take turns in any order. On a turn, a Marine usually gets two actions.
3. Use actions to move, attack, open a door, search, rest, interact with an objective, or trade gear when the rules allow it.
4. Roll the dice shown on a weapon or action. Compare the results with the target’s defense or the scenario requirement.
5. After all Marines act, draw and resolve an Event card. These cards can add Blips, move Aliens, or create fresh trouble.
6. Activate the Aliens as the scenario explains. They usually move toward nearby Marines and attack when they can.
7. Track ammo, wounds, and equipment carefully. If you waste every bullet early, the final room gets very awkward.

Winning: Finish the Mission and Stay Alive

1. Read the scenario’s victory conditions before the game begins. Most missions require the Marines to complete an objective and escape or reach a safe area.
2. Complete each required task, such as finding an item, rescuing a survivor, sealing a location, or reaching an exit.
3. Keep at least one required Marine alive if the scenario lists that condition.
4. Win immediately when the group meets every victory condition. Celebrate quickly, because the next mission may hurt worse.
5. The Marines lose if the scenario says they fail, if the required characters die, or if another listed defeat condition occurs.

Special Rules & Conditions: Watch the Fine Print

1. Follow the scenario card whenever it changes a normal rule. Scenario rules always take priority over the basic rules.
2. Use line of sight, range, doors, and map spaces exactly as the rulebook explains. Walls block attacks, while figures do not usually block movement.
3. Blip tokens hide Alien forces until an effect reveals them. When you reveal a Blip, replace it with the Alien models and resolve any entry effect.
4. Some Aliens have special attacks, movement, armor, or rules. Read their card before you fight them.
5. A wounded Marine may suffer penalties or become incapacitated. Follow the character and scenario rules before moving on.
6. Use Event cards, threat effects, and scenario timers as written. They can change the board fast, so keep your plan flexible.
7. When players disagree, check the rulebook first. If no answer appears, choose a fair ruling and keep the game moving. The Aliens will not wait for a committee meeting.

Best Aliens Strategies

Hold the Line, Then Hit Back

In Aliens, Marines win by working as one ugly, armed family. During our last game, my squad split up, and the aliens ate us like free snacks. Therefore, place Marines where they cover two routes, not in lonely rooms. Keep your strongest shooter near the front, while support Marines guard the rear. Also, share ammo before someone needs it. Finally, move together, watch each other’s backs, and never chase a single alien too far.

Cover Key Routes

1. Place Marines at doors and narrow halls.

Build Small Teams

1. Keep two or three Marines within helping range.

Share Supplies

1. Pass ammo before a teammate runs dry.

Retreat Together

1. Fall back before one Marine gets surrounded.

Make Every Bullet Count in Aliens

After playing Aliens with my friends, I learned that ammo vanishes fast. So, treat every bullet and tool as a future rescue. During one mission, our best gun ran dry before the boss appeared.

Plan Before Firing

1. First, check weapon range and damage before spending ammo always.
2. Next, give heavy gear to whoever faces danger most.

Share Gear

1. Meanwhile, pass spare ammo toward the front.
2. Also, trade tools early, because panic ruins deals.

Time Your Tools

1. Save grenades for groups; otherwise, use normal attacks.
2. However, heal only when a Marine can survive.

Track the End

1. Finally, count shots after every round and adjust.
2. Consequently, keep one strong weapon for the finale.

Aliens: Move Fast, Strike Smart, Win Before the Hive Bites

Our games proved timing wins.

Reach Safe Goals First

1. Move fast toward the nearest objective immediately. However, avoid ending a turn in open ground.

Plan the Route

1. First check exits, then choose a path that keeps future turns flexible. Meanwhile, leave room for retreat when alarms rise.

Time Every Turn

1. During quiet rounds, advance. Next, pause only when an objective needs attention. This keeps your squad ahead of spawning threats.

Finish Before Panic

1. Once goals appear, commit. Then, complete them in sequence instead of wandering. Finally, escape while the route still exists.

Stay Calm, Shoot Straight, and Trust Nobody Too Much

Aliens rewards players who plan ahead, share gear, and move as one nervous little squad. My friends and I learned that rushing usually ends with a hallway full of trouble and one very unhappy Marine. Watch your ammo, protect key areas, and keep the mission in sight when panic starts barking orders. You will not win every game of Aliens, but smart teamwork gives you a fighting chance. And when the dice turn nasty, blame the dice. That always helps.

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