Quantum Expanse uses ship models and counters on a grid-less flat playing surface. Typical games take between 1 to 2 hours to play. The player’s choose the size, conditions, and objectives of each battle. The game is divided into rounds. In each round the players take turns moving their counters and ships, scanning to uncover stealth counters, or firing at opponents. At the end of the round players apply damage, make morale checks, use damage control to make repairs, and check to see if the game’s victory conditions have been met. The game ends when one player achieves their victory condition or when the flag ship is eliminated.