Having a chaotic kind of group, gathering more than 4 people around a table is almost a miracle nowadays...

So, seeing that having 3 players is not that hard and could be done on a regular basis, I ask you all, TI vets, is this game played with only 3 players a boring ride or it's still a fully enjoyable experience that's worth the 4 hours?

Please, cheer me up on this!

SolennelBern said:

It is absolutely viable as a three player game. You will find Politics and Trade not having as big of an impact as a larger play group would though.

From my experience, depending on how experienced a group of players you have, I find a three player game can be more rewarding than a 6+ game. For me this is usually because more and more people want to play, leaving me to GM alot of newbies, which again takes alot of time.

As for the game itself, there will of course be less flexibility with AC, PC and conquest oriented PO/SO, aswell with dealmaking and bribery. Reduced galaxy map means fewer resources but also less players to divide them amongst, increasing the value of rapid expansion.

We play with 3 players from time to time. Those are the options we use:

• Use standard preset maps (can be found on BGG, maybe even somewhere here)
• Use Shattered Empire Strategy Card set (haven't yet played with the new expansion's SC)
• Don't use Domain Counters (disbalance game pretty much with 3 players)
• Don't use tactical retreats (same thing as for DC)
• Other options are up to you
• Also i suggest you not to use secret missions or to use homerule (post 2)

Three player games are actually all we ever really play. Most of my friends don't have much of a taste for longer board games so we lack for players. Compared to our earlier games (which were at 4+ players) trade really see too much play, and politics are mostly about the other two voting against the lead player.

I think I preferred when we had bigger games, but it's still a fun game with just three. If it wasn't we wouldn't still be playing it, lol

Mighty Maltim said:

Thanks, it's getting a little more encouraging!

I'll have to try with 3-player soon since it's probably de biggest group i'll manage to have...or maybe sell my copy of the game if it's gathering dust...which would be sad.

We find 3 player games are an excellent way to learn the game as well as incorporate any new expansions/option rules for the first time. I haven't regretted any 3-player games we've played.