Race for the Galaxy: Alien Artifacts, is the 4th expansion for Race for the Galaxy, can not be played with earlier expansions for the game, instead taking the game in a new direction. Race for the Galaxy: Alien Artifacts has two parts: 46 new cards including 5 new start worlds to add to the base set, plus action cards and start hand for a 5th player. These may be used without the orb cards. 49 cards used to represent the Alien Orb which players jointly map and explore, collecting artifact tokens of various types that give powers and VPs. There are also 5 new Explore action cards used in the orb game (instead of getting an additional card or greater card selection). The orb game is optional and offers a new RFTG experience, as players have to balance how much effort and actions they want to put into exploring the orb versus developing their empires.