Pathogen is a game about conquering cells. You're in control of a mutating virus spore. Your aim is to multiply your Virus, Infect nearby Cells, and Invade the opposition. It's a battle of the strongest virus. There are 2 Win Conditions. First Player to control 8 Cells wins the game, or the first player to invade and infect the opponents Home Cell wins the game. Cells are arranged face down randomly, there are 12 in total, and each cell has Resilience and Energy, as well as a unique ability. Resilience is the health of the cell, and Energy is how much energy it produces once you capture it. Some cells are controlled by Grey Parasites, they are like a neutral enemy, players must defeat before capturing that cell. A player has several Active Actions as well as Passive Actions. Each player can perform 2 Active Actions, but can never Move the same Virus die twice. Once a player controls 3 Cells then he gains 1 additional Active Action. Passive Actions are situational, and happen at different phases of the game. Active Actions Multiply, Split, Move, Invade, Infect, Pass. Passive Actions Grow Virus, Collect Energy, Upkeep, Scout, Grow Spore, Draw Mutation Card, Mutate. Movement is done between Cells in a diagonal fashion. Players can also earn Mutation Cards There are 2 types of Mutations, Active, and Passive. Passive mutations are played face up, and they give you an ongoing bonus. Active mutations are played face down, and are 1 time use mutations. Mutation card can be purchaded, but they are expensive, at 10 energy. Mutation Achievements are as follow. Expansion: Draw Mutation Card when you control your third cell. Central Advancement: Draw Mutation Card when you control a Central Cell. Turtle Power!: Draw Mutation Card when you Grow 5 Spores. Exponential Army: Draw Mutation Card when you Have 5 Virus Dice with 6 in one Cell. The Game is a frantic race to control cells, grow and multiply your virus army, and defeat your opponent. —description from the designer