This guide: * Details the basics of exploration, facility and unit construction, science and technology, and the military. * Reveals the strategic possibilities of Alpha Centauri * Offers advanced tactics for maximizing city growth, * Provides the how-to for social, political, and economic, engineering * Explains the values system so you maxamize every aspect of play - from terraforming to designing custom units * Covers every faction, technology, base facility, secret project, and basic unit building block. * Discusses multiplayer games, with both setup issues and multiplayer strategies. * Shows you how to modify the Alpha Centauri rules, create cutsom factions, and make your own maps and scenarios.

As with all grand strategy games that challenge you to forge a world-spanning empire, in Alpha Centauri the road to victory is a long and arduous, but not without its benefits. In a game of such magnificent scope and depth, the journey is every bit as rewarding as the ending. And that journey can be as beguiling as the alien fauna that populates the harsh, new world of Alpha Centauri.

Your paths to world domination or technological superiority are many and varied. However, just in case you find the journey to be more daunting task than you surmised, and the goal a little beyond your grasp, we offer you a map to speed you on your journey.

Alpha Centauri begins with nothing but discord and strife between the new citizens of the planet. Your efforts will hopefully restore order and unity, with you at the head of this new empire. The path you take is up to you, but this guide will ensure you have no trouble getting there, no matter which path you choose to become the master of Alpha Centauri.