Martian Rails

Mayfair Games · Board game · 2009
Ludopedia 7.2 BGG 2–6 · best 3 120–180 min Weight 3.2/5
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love strategy and science fiction, Martian Rails is quite the trip. The game challenges you to think in 3D while building railway routes on Mars.

Highlights
  • Immersive Martian experience
  • Unique brain-burning challenge
  • Deep strategic mechanics
Keep in mind
  • Can be complex for beginners
  • Long playtime
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Martian Rails is a railroad building game that takes you to a fictional Mars, filled with scenarios ranging from canals and noble savages to a cold high-altitude desert. The game captures the essence of over 100 years of science fiction stories about the red planet, offering an experience that blends terraforming, cyberpunk nanotechnology, and more. With mechanics like the crayon rail system, where you draw your own routes directly on the map, and the need to think in 3D due to the wrap-around map system, Martian Rails brings a unique brain-burning challenge. Additionally, commodity speculation and network and route building add strategic layers to the game. Get ready for a journey that will test your planning and adaptation skills.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 REC
5 OK
6 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Crayons Series: Empire Builder Rail Games (Mayfair) Space: Mars
Publisher Mayfair Games
Designer M. Robert Stribula
Artist Mark Zug

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,006owners
166wishlist
54want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play Martian Rails?
Martian Rails can be played by 2 to 6 players.
What is the average playtime?
A game of Martian Rails lasts between 120 and 180 minutes.
Is the game complex?
Yes, Martian Rails has a weight of 3.2/5 on BGG, indicating moderate complexity.
What are the main components of the game?
The game includes a map of Mars, crayons for drawing routes, commodity cards, and rail markers.
Who is Martian Rails recommended for?
Martian Rails is recommended for fans of strategy games and science fiction.

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