# Terraforming Mars: Snow Algae Promo Card

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2017
- **BGG Rating**: 7.8
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 1-5 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 90-120 min
- **Weight**: 2.92 / 5
- **Designers**: Jacob Fryxelius
- **Artists**: Jacob Fryxelius, Unsplash
- **Publishers**: FryxGames, Ghenos Games, Intrafin Games, Kilogames, Korea Boardgames, Lautapelit.fi, Lavka Games, Maldito Games, MeepleBR, MINDOK, MIPL, Rebel Sp. z o.o., Reflexshop, Stronghold Games, W. Nostheide Verlag GmbH
- **Categories**: Economic, Environmental, Expansion for Base-game, Industry / Manufacturing, Science Fiction, Territory Building
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Open Drafting, Tile Placement, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you love Terraforming Mars, this frosty add‑on that bumps your production will feel just right.Easy production boostEnhances environmental themeSimple deck integrationNeeds 2 oceans in playJust a single card, limited impactRECOMMENDED

## Description
The "Snow Algae" promo card lands as a chilly, biological add‑on for Terraforming Mars, giving a frosty boost to the planet‑terraforming effort. When water released onto the Martian surface freezes, it forms glaciers that sublimate on warmer summer days and fall back as snow. This moist, darkened ice is the perfect habitat for snow algae, which generate a micro‑environment warmed by cellular reactions and darken the ice, increasing light absorption. Though they spread slowly, the algae contribute to the biosphere by producing oxygen and trapping heat. To play the card, simply shuffle it into the big project deck; the player who draws it gains a one‑step increase to both plant and heat production, provided at least two oceans are already on the board. No extra components beyond the card itself are needed, but the ocean prerequisite makes it a strategic bonus for players already advancing terraforming. The artwork comes from Spielbox issue 2/17, and the card was also a reward in the 2017 Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast Kickstarter and the 2018 Man vs Meeple Kickstarter. It can now be bought on the BGG Store. Mechanically, it reinforces hand management, open drafting (since it joins the main project deck), tile placement (by influencing production), and variable player powers (only players with oceans can benefit). Perfect for fans of Terraforming Mars who want an extra splash of environmental and scientific flavor without overhauling the core game.

## FAQ
### How many players can use the card?
The card works in games with 1‑5 players, as long as the ocean requirement is met.

### Do I need to buy the card separately?
Yes, it can be purchased on the BGG Store or obtained as a promo in certain Kickstarter campaigns and events.

### Does the card affect game length?
Not really; it’s shuffled into the project deck and may appear at any time, keeping the typical 90‑120 minute playtime.

### Is German required to play?
The original print is in German, but translated or fan‑made versions are widely available for non‑German speakers.

### How complex is the card to use?
Very simple – meet the 2‑oceans condition and apply the +1 plant and +1 heat production when you draw it.