Overview

Amoeba Wars is a science fiction 4X wargame published by Avalon Hill in 1981. Players are remnants of a fallen galactic civilization returning to their home sector, which has been overrun by giant space amoebae. Starting from corners of a hexagonal board, players direct fleets of ships to capture solar systems, push back amoeba infestations and renegade doomsday machines (relics of the old empire), all while trying to retake Saestor, the former capital, at the center of the board.

Components

• Hexagonal game board (depicting a galactic sector with solar systems)
• Ship counters (various types per player)
• Amoeba counters
• Doomsday machine counters
• Solar system markers
• Combat resolution charts
• Dice
• Rules booklet

Setup

1. Place the hexagonal board in the center.
2. Each player selects a starting corner and takes their fleet of ship counters.
3. Place amoeba counters on designated solar systems across the board.
4. Place doomsday machines on their starting positions.
5. Place Saestor (the homeworld) at the center of the board.
6. Determine first player.

Turn Structure

On each turn, players:

1. Build new ships using resources from controlled solar systems.
2. Move fleets across the hexagonal board toward target systems.
3. Resolve combat with amoebae, doomsday machines, or other players’ fleets.
4. Capture solar systems by defeating defending forces.
5. Collect resources from controlled systems.

Actions

Ship Building

• Players build new ships using resources generated by controlled solar systems.
• Different ship types have different costs, combat strengths, and movement rates.

Fleet Movement

• Ships move across the hexagonal grid from system to system.
• Movement is limited by ship type and range.

Combat

• Combat occurs when a fleet enters a hex containing enemy ships, amoebae, or doomsday machines.
• Combat is resolved using the combat resolution charts and dice.
• Amoebae are a neutral threat that all players must contend with.
• Doomsday machines are powerful relics that are difficult to destroy.

System Control

• Solar systems are captured by defeating their defenders.
• Controlled systems provide resources for building ships.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

The primary objective is to control Saestor, the old homeworld at the center of the board. Victory may also be determined by controlling a certain number of solar systems or eliminating rival fleets. The specific victory conditions depend on the scenario being played.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Space amoebae: These are neutral hazards that can destroy fleets. They must be cleared from systems before those systems can be controlled.
• Doomsday machines: Powerful relics of the old empire that roam the board and attack any fleet they encounter. They are very difficult to destroy.
• Solitaire play: The game can be played solo, with the player fighting against the amoebae and doomsday machines.
• Multiple scenarios: The game includes various scenario setups for different player counts and game lengths.
• Diplomacy: In multiplayer games, players may negotiate temporary alliances against common threats.

Player Reference

Element	Threat Level	Notes
Space amoebae	High	Neutral threat; must be cleared
Doomsday machines	Very high	Relic; roams and attacks all
Rival fleets	Variable	Other player empires
Saestor	Objective	Central homeworld; key to victory