Gaia Project
Gaia Project explained: 14 factions, terraforming, mines, federations, power cycling, research tracks and solo play.
Choose one of 14 asymmetric factions, terraform suitable planets and build mines that can be upgraded into trading stations, institutes, academies and research labs.
Research tracks, power cycling, federation building and round scoring all interact with the spatial puzzle of expansion.
Why We Love It
Gaia Project rewards long plans but keeps them constrained by adjacency, power economy and opponent expansion. Faction asymmetry makes the same map state valuable in different ways.
About Gaia Project
Choose one of 14 asymmetric factions, terraform suitable planets and build mines that can be upgraded into trading stations, institutes, academies and research labs.
Research tracks, power cycling, federation building and round scoring all interact with the spatial puzzle of expansion.
Game at a Glance
Terraform Planets
Expand onto worlds by paying the required terraforming cost.
Upgrade Structures
Mines can become stronger economic and research buildings.
Advance Research
Six research areas provide technology and bonuses.
Form Federations
Connected structure value can convert into federation rewards.
Who Gaia Project suits
Players who want a heavy, low-luck euro with asymmetry, spatial competition and a large technology/economy puzzle; solo play is included.
Rules overview
Players alternate taking actions until everyone passes each round. Core actions include building mines, upgrading structures, terraforming, advancing research and using special power actions. Income, power cycling and round scoring shape each economy. Connected groups of sufficiently valuable structures can form federations. After six rounds, add end-game scoring to determine the winner.
Key decisions
Editorial analysis: Expansion should serve both income and future federation geometry. Research-track advancement is strongest when it solves a specific bottleneck rather than merely collecting bonuses. Watch opponent proximity because building near rivals can help power charging while also competing for valuable planets.
Common questions
How many factions are in the base game?
Capstone describes 14 factions.
Does Gaia Project include solo play?
Yes. Capstone states that a challenging solo experience is included.
How many research areas are there?
Six research areas.
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Learn Gaia Project in depth
Sources and edition notes
Facts checked September 16, 2026. Strategy sections are editorial analysis based on the identified rules rather than measured win-rate claims.