Highly awarded · 2 organizations

Terraforming Mars

Jacob Fryxelius · Stronghold Games / FryxGames · 2016

Compete as corporations transforming Mars. Play project cards representing real science to build your engine while collectively terraforming the planet.

Players

1–5

Time

120 min

Ages

12+

Difficulty

Heavy

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Why you'll like it

Scientific theme grounded in real Mars science
Enormous card variety
Deeply strategic engine-building
Multiple victory paths
Strong solo mode

How it plays

In Terraforming Mars, players are corporations working to make Mars habitable. Together you raise the temperature, increase oxygen and place oceans; when all three reach their targets, the game ends. Along the way you compete for the most points.

The heart of the game is a deck of over 200 project cards: plants, animals, cities, industry, space projects and more. Each generation you buy cards and play them using your resources, building an engine that produces more resources every turn. Cards combine in many ways, so each game tells a different story.

It's a long game with lots of reading and planning, and very satisfying once your engine gets going. Several expansions add new maps and mechanics.

May not be for you if…

Games run 2-3 hours
Base game component quality mediocre
Card draw luck
Massive table space

Best for

Science enthusiastsengine-building fansstrategy hobbyists

Awards

2018As d'OrExpert
2016Dice TowerBest Strategy
2017Kennerspiel des JahresKennerspiel des JahresNominated

Appears in

Strategy Night

Where to buy

AmazonCheck price →

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Common questions

How long does Terraforming Mars take?

Usually 2 to 3 hours, depending on player count and experience.

Is Terraforming Mars good for beginners?

It's a heavier game. The rules aren't hard, but there are a lot of cards to read. It's a good choice for players who've enjoyed games like Wingspan and want more depth.