"The Terraforming Mars board game is more than just entertainment. It's a journey into the future of the "red planet", full of challenge, creativity and strategy. If you like to plan a few steps ahead and are looking for an epic adventure, this strategy game will be an indispensable evening companion.
In this article you will learn about Terraforming Mars the purpose of the game, a brief introduction to the rules and the way the game is played, and what you will find in the box for this board game.
Key facts about Terraforming Mars
| Created by | In 2016 |
| Type | Strategic, economic |
| Number of players | 1-5 |
| Age of players | 12+ |
| Duration of the game | 90-120 minutes |
| Level of complexity | Moderate |
| Price | From 38 to 48 Eur |
What is the goal of Terraforming Mars?
"Terraforming Mars" The aim is to make the harsh environment of the "red planet" habitable for humans.
Players take on the roles of CEOs of powerful corporations who, through science, technology and financial backing, are working to raise the temperature of Mars, increase the oxygen content of the atmosphere and create water reservoirs.
The challenge is to successfully complete these projects, earn points and contribute to humanity's historic step towards colonising a new planet.
Preparing for the game
The following is a brief overview of the preparations for the game:
1. Prepare the game board
Place the board in the centre of the table. Place the 9 ocean tiles in their designated positions and the temperature, oxygen and generation markers in their original positions.
2. Lay out resources and tiles
Arrange the resource cubes (Megacredits, Titanium, Steel, Vegetation, Energy and Heat) and tiles in a way that all players can easily access them.
3. Choose the colours and prepare the boards
Each player chooses a colour, picks their player board and markers.
4. Choose your corporations
Newcomers start the game with Starter Corporations, which provide 42 Mega Credits and clearer guidance to help them understand the game mechanics.
Meanwhile, skilled players get two Corporation cards to choose from, giving them more strategic flexibility and more complex starting decisions.
5. Select project cards
Each player receives 10 project cards. The cards you choose cost 3 Megacredits each - the in-game currency used for project cards, cities, oceans and other shaping activities. Unselected cards are placed in the discard pile and unused Corporation cards are returned to the box.
6. Start the game
When everyone is ready, the first player starts the action phase. The first generation starts by skipping the ordering and research phases, as these have already been done during the preparation.
Terraforming Mars rules in brief
Let's review the basic rules of Terraforming Mars.
Game progress. The game is played in rounds, known as generations. Each generation consists of several phases: ordering, research, action and production. During actions, players take up to two actions at a time, such as completing projects, building tiles or increasing resource production.
Actions. Each turn, you can follow the instructions on your cards, build cities, greenery or oceans, or increase your resource production. All of these actions contribute to the terraforming of Mars and can award points.
Resources and production. At the end of each generation, the resources produced are megacredits, titanium, steel, energy, vegetation and heat. These resources are used for projects and other in-game activities.
Corporate strategies. Every corporation is unique and has its own strengths. Some are better suited to space projects, others to urban development or greenery. Choose the strategy that best suits your corporation's strengths.
End of game. The game ends when all the goals have been reached: temperature, oxygen and oceans. The winner is the one with the most points for projects, tiles and contributions to terraforming.
Terraforming Mars Game Set
- 1 rule book
- 1 game board
- 5 player boards
- 17 corporate cards
- 208 project cards
- 8 reference cards
- 200 player markers (transparent plastic cubes, 5 colours)
- 200 resource markers (gold, silver, copper cubes in different sizes)
- 3 game board markers (large white plastic cubes)
- 9 ocean tiles
- 60 greenery and city tiles
- 11 special tiles
- 1 first player marker
Player mission
"Terraforming Mars" Become the CEO of a powerful corporation. Each corporation has its own strengths and strategies that you can use to achieve the ultimate goal of making Mars habitable for humans.
This will require raising temperatures, increasing oxygen levels, shaping oceans, building cities and building infrastructure.
But it's not just these global goals that matter - it's also the competition between players. Those who manage their resources skilfully, adapt to changing conditions and use clever tactics will have the chance to become the most influential terraformers on Mars.
"Terraforming Mars" - it's about strategy and creativity board game. There are different ways to win, and your choices will depend on the resources, cards and advantages of your corporation. There is no one right way to play the game - your choices will determine how the game plays out.
How to win?
For a lasting advantage, invest in oceans and plantations - they stabilise the climate, increase oxygen levels and provide victory points. Although it is a slow process, it leads to a solid victory.
For quick results, cities are worth building. They increase production and allow you to take advantage of other players' actions, such as scoring points for nearby plantations. It is important to allocate resources wisely and to find a balance between building and other projects.
Space projects are expensive but highly effective. Technologies such as asteroid targeting or space station development can quickly raise the temperature and provide rare advantages. Using titanium resources, the costs of these projects are falling and the competitive advantage is growing.
"Terraforming Mars tactics
To win this a strategy game It's not enough to just follow your plan - you need to be able to adapt to changing circumstances. Below we discuss the most important aspects of tactics:
- Before building a city or carrying out major projects, assess whether it is better to wait for more favourable opportunities.
- A long-term strategy allows you to adapt to changes in the planet, but may mean slower progress.
- Quick decisions can bring immediate benefits, but sometimes miss out on better opportunities in the future.
- Other players can take over important positions or change the planet's parameters, so you need to react quickly.
- Flexibility is just as important as planning - even last-minute decisions can lead to victory.
- Keep an eye on your competitors and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
- Victory depends not only on your strategy, but also on your ability to adapt to the game.
"Terraforming Mars plug-ins and accessories
"Terraforming Mars" has five main supplements and a special Big Box a set of. They bring new strategies, tasks and aesthetic improvements that enrich the game experience.
"Hellas & Elysium" (2017)
"The Terraforming Mars Hellas & Elysium add-on expands the game with two new game boards. Hellas invites you to explore the south polar region of Mars, where unique challenges and tasks await. Elysium takes you to the northern part of the planet, where different goals and rewards are possible.
"Venus Next" (2017)
The Terraforming Mars Venus Next add-on extends the game beyond Mars by terraforming Venus. A new global objective is added to the game: raising the Venus Index. In addition, this add-on adds more project cards that open up new strategies and make the game even more interesting.
"Prelude" (2018)
"Terraforming Mars Prelude" - one of the favourites among players because it allows them to start the game faster. It features special starting cards that provide resources and help you set your strategy in advance. It's the perfect add-on if you want a fast and dynamic start to the game.
"Colonies" (2018)
"Terraforming Mars Colonies" add-on allows you to expand beyond Mars, to build colonies and obtain valuable resources. New colonies add more choices for resource management and long-term strategy.
"Turmoil" (2019)
"Terraforming Mars Turmoil brings political intrigue. A global board makes game-changing decisions and players can participate in the political process to gain an advantage. This addition adds more depth and tension, making Terraforming Mars an even more immersive game.
"Terraforming Mars Big Box" (2020)
"The Big Box is not an add-on, but an accessory designed to conveniently store all the components of Terraforming Mars. It holds the main game, all expansions (released before October 2024) and the expansion packs, cards, metal cubes and other accessories.
Also included is a set of 3D tiles for cities, greenery, oceans and special places, plus special markers and trays for easy card and resource organisation.
While the Big Box doesn't replace or extend the game mechanics as an add-on, it provides convenient storage for components and enhances the aesthetics of the game, making your collection look even more impressive.
Conclusions on the Terraforming Mars board game
"The Terraforming Mars board game is perfect for both solo games and cosy evenings with friends or family. This game was developed by "Fryxgames". It can be played by 1 to 5 players, and add-ons such as Prelude and Hellas & Elysium, amongst others, add variety and ensure that every game is exciting and fun, even after many games.
It's a fun and addictive strategy game that will appeal to those who like to plan their moves in advance, create long-term strategies and compete for resources. If you're interested in space, science fiction or economic games, Terraforming Mars could be one of your favourites.
Terraforming Mars FAQ
How many players can play the Terraforming Mars board game?
"The Terraforming Mars board game is designed for 1 to 5 players, so it can be played alone or with friends or family.
Do I need add-ons to fully enjoy Terraforming Mars?
❌ No, the main game of Terraforming Mars is complete and offers plenty of strategy and variety. Extras such as Prelude or Hellas & Elysium, can bring new opportunities and updates to the game.
How long is a game of Terraforming Mars?
The length of a game of Terraforming Mars depends on the number of players and their experience, but the average game lasts 90-120 minutes.
Is Terraforming Mars suitable for beginners?
✅ Yes, although Terraforming Mars is an intermediate game, it is suitable for beginners, especially if simple strategies and beginner corporation cards are chosen.
What is the main goal of Terraforming Mars?
"Terraforming Mars" The aim is to make the "red planet" habitable for humans.
