# Terraforming Mars ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2016 - **BGG Rating**: 8.3 - **BGG Rank**: #9 - **Players**: 1-5 (Best with: 3) - **Duration**: 120 min - **Weight**: 3.27 / 5 - **Designers**: Jacob Fryxelius - **Artists**: Daniel Fryxelius, Isaac Fryxelius - **Publishers**: FryxGames, Arclight Games, Brädspel.se, Fantasmagoria, Ghenos Games, Golden Egg Games - **Categories**: Civilization, Economic, Environmental, Industry / Manufacturing, Science Fiction, Space Exploration, Territory Building - **Mechanics**: Closed Drafting, Contracts, End Game Bonuses, Hand Management, Hexagon Grid, Income, Solo / Solitaire Game, Tags, Take That, Tile Placement, Turn Order: Progressive, Variable Player Powers, Variable Set-up ## Verdict If you dream of shaping a new world and love strategic card play, Terraforming Mars offers an epic, satisfying journey of planetary transformation. It's a standout for its deep project card variety and engine-building. Deep strategic engine-building Massive project card variety Satisfying long-term progression Strong thematic immersion Can have a long playtime Initial learning curve for new players Setup can be extensive HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ## Description In the not-so-distant future, around the year 2400, humanity sets its sights on Mars with an ambitious goal: to transform it into a habitable planet. Giant corporations, sponsored by the World Government on Earth, embark on massive projects to raise the temperature, oxygen levels, and ocean coverage until the environment becomes suitable. In Terraforming Mars, you play as one of these corporations, working together in the terraforming process, but fiercely competing for victory points. These points come not only from your contribution to making Mars green but also from advancing human infrastructure throughout the solar system and achieving other commendable feats. During the game, you acquire unique project cards – there are over two hundred different ones! – by buying them into your hand. These cards can provide immediate bonuses, increase your resource production, or even introduce life to the planet. Many of them have specific requirements, becoming playable only when the temperature, oxygen, or ocean coverage reach certain levels. Buying cards is an investment, so the challenge is to balance acquiring them with actually playing them. Standard Projects are always available to complement your options. Your basic income and score are determined by your Terraform Rating, which increases as you advance the global parameters. However, your production boosts your income, and many other factors generate victory points. You manage your resources (MegaCredits, Steel, Titanium, Plants, Energy, and Heat) on your player board. On the main game board, the competition is for strategically placing your city tiles, ocean tiles, and greenery tiles. Milestones and Awards are also worth many victory points. Each round, called a Generation, follows a clear flow: player order shifts, the research phase allows you to buy new cards, and the action phase is where the magic happens. Players take turns performing one or two actions, such as playing a card, claiming a Milestone, funding an Award, using a Standard Project, converting plants into greenery tiles (thereby raising oxygen), or converting heat into a temperature increase. The round continues until all players pass, and then comes the production phase. When the three global parameters (temperature, oxygen, and oceans) have all reached their required levels, terraforming is complete, and the game ends after that generation. The winner is the corporation with the most victory points! ## How to Play How to Play Terraforming Mars: The Ultimate Guide Gather ’round, future terraformers! Ready to turn that dusty red rock into a lush, breathable paradise? In Terraforming Mars, you and your friends compete as giant corporations to make the Red Planet habitable. It’s a game of strategy, resource management, and a little bit of friendly rivalry. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to get started! 1. Objetivo do Jogo / Game Objective The big picture? You’re here to terraform Mars! That means raising the planet’s temperature, oxygen level, and ocean coverage to Earth-like conditions. Along the way, you’ll build cities, plant forests, and launch ambitious projects to score Victory Points (PVs). The game ends when all three global parameters hit their targets, and the player with the most PVs wins! 2. Preparação (Setup) / Setup Setting up is half the fun! Here’s your quick-start checklist: Centralize the Game Board: Place it on the table. Put the 9 ocean tiles in their reserved spot, and set the temperature, oxygen, and generation markers at their starting positions. Gather Resources: Put all resource cubes (copper = 1, silver = 5, gold = 10) and player markers within everyone’s reach. Shuffle the Project Deck: Remove any Corporate Era cards (marked with a red/white icon) if playing the standard game. Place the deck and a discard pile nearby. Choose Colors: Each player picks a color, takes the matching player markers, and a player board. Place one marker on the “1” of each production track (M€, steel, titanium, plants, energy, heat) and another on the starting Terraforming Rating (TR) of 20 on the main board. Deal Cards: New players get 1 Beginner Corporation; others get 2 random corporations and 10 project cards. Select Corporations & Cards: In player order, reveal your chosen corporation, collect starting resources, and pay 3 M€ for each project card you keep (discard the rest face down). The first generation then begins immediately with the first player’s action! 3. O Turno de Jogo / The Game Turn Each generation (round) has four phases: A) Order Phase / Order Phase The first player marker moves clockwise, and the generation marker ticks up. (Skipped in the very first generation.) B) Research Phase / Research Phase Each player draws 4 new project cards and may buy any number for 3 M€ each. Unbought cards are discarded face down. C) Action Phase / Action Phase This is where the magic happens! Players take turns doing 1 or 2 actions (in any combination) until everyone passes. Available actions include: Play a Card: Pay its cost, meet any requirements, and resolve its effects. Cards come in three types: Automated (green, no ongoing effect), Event (red, one-time effect), and Active (blue, ongoing effect or action you can use once per gen). Use a Standard Project: Six powerful actions are always available, like Asteroid (14 M€ to raise temperature), Aquifer (18 M€ to place an ocean tile), or City (25 M€ to place a city tile and boost M€ production). Claim a Milestone: Pay 8 M€ to grab a 5 VP bonus for achievements like having 3 cities (Mayor) or 3 greenery tiles (Gardener). Only 3 milestones can be claimed per game! Fund an Award: Pay 8 M€ (first), 14 M€ (second), or 20 M€ (third) to create a 5 VP prize for the player who leads in categories like Thermalist (most heat) or Banker (most M€ production) at game end. Use a Blue Card Action: Many blue cards have a special action you can use once per generation (place your marker on it to remember). Convert Plants to Greenery: Spend 8 plant resources to place a greenery tile, which raises oxygen and your TR! Must be placed next to one of your existing tiles if possible. Convert Heat to Temperature: Spend 8 heat resources to raise the global temperature (and your TR). D) Production Phase / Production Phase All players produce resources simultaneously! First, convert all energy to heat. Then, gain new resources: M€ income = your TR + M€ production (can be negative but not below -5). Also collect any other produced resources (steel, titanium, plants, heat). Finally, remove markers from used blue card actions so they’re ready next gen. 4. Fim de Jogo e Pontuação / End of Game & Scoring The game ends after the generation in which all three global parameters reach their goals: Temperature hits +8°C, Oxygen reaches 14%, and all 9 Ocean tiles are placed. After the production phase, players get one final chance to convert plants into greenery tiles (no oxygen boost, just placement bonuses). Then, tally up your score: Terraforming Rating (TR): Your base score. Move your marker forward as you add more VPs. Awards: 5 VPs for first place, 2 for second (except in a 2-player game). Ties are friendly—multiple players can share the prize! Milestones: Each claimed milestone is worth 5 VPs. Game Board Tiles: Each greenery tile is 1 VP. Each city tile is worth 1 VP for every adjacent greenery tile (regardless of owner). Cards: Count VPs from resource tokens on cards first, then add VPs printed on all your played cards (including events!). Jovian cards may need separate counting. The player with the highest total wins! Ties go to the player with the most M€. 5. Dicas para Vencer / Tips to Win New to the Red Planet? Keep these strategies in mind: Focus on Global Parameters Early: Raising temperature, oxygen, or placing oceans gives you immediate TR boosts (which increase your income) and often comes with handy bonus steps (like extra heat production when temperature rises). Don’t ignore them! Race for Milestones & Awards: Those 5 VP milestones and awards are huge! Try to plan a strategy that naturally qualifies you for one or two (like building several cities for Mayor or collecting heat for Thermalist). Funding an award early can also secure easy VPs if you’re already leading. Combo Your Cards: Look for card synergies! Many blue active cards have actions that combo with resources you’re already producing. For example, a card that gives you M€ per titanium production pairs perfectly with space cards you can pay for with titanium. Build an engine, not just a one-time play. Now you’re ready to command your corporation and shape a new world! Remember: Mars isn’t going to terraform itself. Good luck, and may your TR soar! ## FAQ ### What is the average playtime for Terraforming Mars? A game usually takes between 120 to 180 minutes, depending on the number of players and everyone's familiarity with the game. It's good to set aside a generous amount of time! ### How many players can participate? Terraforming Mars can be played by 1 to 5 players. The solo experience is well-regarded, but the game shines brightest with 3 or 4 competitors. ### What is the complexity level of the game? It's considered a medium-heavy complexity game (BGG weight of 3.27/5). There are many rules and card interactions, but the learning curve is rewarding for those who enjoy strategic challenges. ### Are the components of good quality? The components are functional, with individual player boards for resources and a main Mars board. The cards are the heart of the game and are well-illustrated. Some players opt for component upgrades for a more premium experience. ### Is it a language-dependent game? Yes, there's a good amount of text on the project cards, which are crucial for the game. It's highly recommended that players have a good grasp of English or use a localized version in their native language to fully enjoy the experience. ### Who is Terraforming Mars suitable for? It's ideal for players who love strategic eurogames with engine building, resource management, and a well-integrated science fiction theme. If you enjoy long-term planning and seeing your decisions impact the board, this one's for you! ## Price Comparison ### Best Offers in Brazil - **R$ 85,19**: R$ 85,19 (https://www.comparajogos.com.br/api/redirect?to=338671) - **R$ 115,22**: R$ 115,22 (https://www.comparajogos.com.br/api/redirect?to=375390) - **R$ 149,38**: R$ 149,38 (https://www.comparajogos.com.br/api/redirect?to=279822) - **R$ 256,36**: R$ 256,36 (https://www.comparajogos.com.br/api/redirect?to=310387) - **R$ 283,14**: R$ 283,14 (https://www.comparajogos.com.br/api/redirect?to=306448) - See all on Compara Jogos: https://www.comparajogos.com.br/item/terraforming-mars ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 62.98 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2092316&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/15555/terraforming-mars?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com