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.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
3
BEST
4
REC
5
OK
6
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
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
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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