Embark on an extraordinary journey to Mars, where the future of humanity rests in your hands. Terraforming Mars, an award-winning board game, invites you to become a visionary corporation responsible for transforming the Red Planet into a habitable paradise. With each strategic move, you’ll shape the destiny of Mars, balancing resource management, terraforming initiatives, and technological advancements to pave the way for a flourishing civilization. As you explore the uncharted territories of this celestial frontier, uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface and witness the birth of a new era on the Red Planet
In Terraforming Mars, the stakes are high, but the rewards are even greater. You’ll compete with rival corporations, each vying for supremacy in the endeavor to terraform the planet. Through careful planning and resource allocation, you’ll establish a presence on Mars, constructing cities, mines, and scientific outposts. As the game progresses, you’ll unlock new technologies, granting you access to advanced strategies and game-changing abilities. Whether you specialize in energy production, resource exploitation, or scientific research, every decision you make will impact the future of Mars and the destiny of your corporation
Terraforming Mars is a game of strategy, foresight, and resource management. As you play, you’ll encounter challenges and opportunities that will test your decision-making skills and strategic thinking. The game’s modular nature allows for endless replayability, with varying player counts and expansion packs offering new objectives and challenges. So gather your fellow pioneers, prepare for takeoff, and embark on an adventure that will shape the destiny of Mars forever.
Introduction to Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is a popular tabletop strategy game that simulates the process of transforming the Martian atmosphere into one that can sustain human life. In the game, players take on the roles of corporations tasked with making Mars habitable and earning Victory Points (VPs) in doing so.
The game is set in the mid-21st century, and players have at their disposal a variety of technologies to transform Mars. These technologies include building greenhouses, mining resources, and launching rockets that carry pollutants into space. Each player’s strategies, technologies, and decisions impact the development and potential habitability of Mars.
Terraforming Mars is a complex game that requires both strategy and tactical thinking. Players must balance their resources carefully and make wise decisions about which projects to invest in. The game ends when the Martian atmosphere has been transformed enough to support human life, or when a certain number of generations have passed. The player with the highest VP count wins.
Terraforming Mars is a challenging but rewarding game that provides hours of enjoyment. It is a must-have for fans of strategy games and science fiction alike.
Key Components of the Game
Terraforming Mars is played on a modular board that represents the surface of Mars. The board is divided into hexes, each of which represents a different terrain type. Players use cards to place buildings, resources, and other objects on the board.
The game also includes a deck of project cards. These cards represent different technologies that players can use to develop Mars. Players can use these cards to build greenhouses, mines, or universities, among other things.
Finally, Terraforming Mars includes a number of resource cubes. These cubes represent the different resources that players need to develop Mars. Resources include water, energy, steel, and titanium.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Water | Used to build greenhouses and other structures |
| Energy | Used to power buildings and launch rockets |
| Steel | Used to build mines and other structures |
| Titanium | Used to build rockets and other advanced technologies |
Setting Up the Game
Materials and Components:
* Game board
* 91 project cards
* 10 corporation cards
* 240 resource cubes (80 each of plants, heat, steel, and titanium)
* 51 ocean tiles
* 37 city tiles
* 17 greenery tiles
* 1 bonus tile
* 200 victory points tokens
* 1 award token
* 1 player order token
* 1 first player marker
* 5 player mats
* 10 corporative special ability tiles
Setup:
1. Place the game board in the center of the table. Shuffle the ocean tiles and randomly place 50 of them on the board.
2. Give each player a player mat and a set of resource cubes. Assign starting resource values according to the table below:
| Resource | Starting Value |
|---|---|
| Plants | 10 |
| Heat | 10 |
| Steel | 5 |
| Titanium | 5 |
3. Shuffle the project cards and place them face down in a draw pile. Deal 10 cards face up in a row adjacent to the draw pile.
4. Shuffle the city and greenery tiles face down. Place the city tiles in a reserve pile and randomly distribute 2 greenery tiles to each player.
5. Shuffle the corporation cards and deal one to each player. Place the remaining corporation cards face down in a pile.
6. Place all other components in their designated spaces on the board.
7. Determine the first player randomly. Give them the first player marker and the player order token, which will be used to track the turn order.
Phase 1: Draft and Play Cards
Once you have chosen your Corporations and Councils, the game begins with the draft phase. Each player is dealt a hand of ten cards, and you will take turns selecting one card and passing the remaining cards to the player on your left. This continues until all players have drafted their hands.
Playing Cards
After the draft, you will play the cards in your hands to modify the game state. Cards can be used to increase your production of resources, generate income, advance your technology, or claim new territories. Each card has a cost associated with it, and you must pay that cost in resources before playing the card.
There are three main types of cards in Terraforming Mars: Action cards, Project cards, and Milestone cards.
| Card Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Action cards | Allow you to take immediate actions, such as increasing your resource production or generating income. |
| Project cards | Represent ongoing projects that can take several turns to complete. Once completed, they provide permanent bonuses or improvements. |
| Milestone cards | Represent major milestones in the terraforming process. Completing a milestone card grants you a special reward. |
Phase 2: Production and Income
Phase 2 of Terraforming Mars, known as Production and Income, is crucial for accumulating resources and progressing the terraforming process.
Production
During this phase, players produce resources based on the cards they played in Phase 1. Each card has a production value listed on the bottom left-hand corner, and the total production value is the sum of these values for all cards played.
Example
If you play “Factory” (production value: 2) and “Power Plant” (production value: 1), your total production value for the round would be 3.
Income
After production, players collect income based on the combination of resources they produce. The game uses a currency system called Megacredits (MC), and the income table below shows the MC earned for each resource combination:
| Resource Combination | Megacredits |
|---|---|
| Titanium + Energy | 2 |
| Steel + Plant | 2 |
| Titanium + Plant | 3 |
| Steel + Energy | 4 |
For instance, if you produce 1 Titanium and 1 Energy, you would earn 2 MC. Income is essential for purchasing additional cards and advancing your terraforming efforts.
Phase 3: Action
5. Playing Cards
To play a card, you must first pay its cost, which is indicated at the top-left corner of the card. The cost is paid in MegaCredits (MCs), Minerals (M), Water (W), or Heat (H). Once the cost is paid, you can play the card and resolve its effects. Each card’s effect can vary greatly, so it is important to read each card carefully.
You can play up to 2 cards per turn. However, some cards have the “Once per Generation” symbol, which means that you can only play one copy of that card per generation. If you play a card with the “Once per Generation” symbol, you must discard any other copies of that card from your hand.
After you play a card, you must add it to your discard pile. The discard pile is a public area where all players can see which cards you have played. At the end of the game, the player with the most Victory Points (VPs) wins.
Victory Points can be earned in many different ways, such as by increasing the temperature of Mars, by placing oceans on Mars, or by building cities on Mars. There are also many different ways to lose Victory Points, such as by placing too much oxygen on Mars or by not terraforming Mars by the end of Generation 14.
| Resource | Symbol | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| MegaCredits | MC | 1 |
| Minerals | M | 1 |
| Water | W | 1 |
| Heat | H | 1 |
Phase 4: Research and Development
Drafting Cards
During this phase, you’ll draft two cards from a hand of ten. One card will be placed face up to your hand and the other discarded. This action allows you to acquire new cards with valuable abilities, including those that can grant you special powers, increase your production, or enhance your board presence.
Playing Cards
Now is the time to play any cards you drafted or acquired from other phases. These cards can have various effects, such as increasing your resources, reducing your costs, or initiating special actions. It’s crucial to consider the timing and synergy of your cards to maximize their impact.
Advancing Technologies
This sub-phase offers you a chance to advance your civilization’s technology. You can spend mega credits to move up the Tech Tree. Each level provides access to more powerful technologies that can significantly upgrade your gameplay and offer new strategic options.
Claiming Milestones
Milestones are special achievements unlocked by fulfilling specific conditions during the game. Claiming a milestone grants you a bonus or special ability, providing a boost to your progress and enhancing your overall strategy.
Trading with Other Players
Negotiation and diplomacy are essential in Terraforming Mars. You can trade resources or cards with other players to acquire what you need. Trading wisely can help you get ahead and optimize your strategy.
Activating Events
During the Research and Development phase, event cards can be played. These cards introduce unexpected challenges or opportunities that can dramatically alter the course of the game. It’s important to stay vigilant and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Phase 5: Special Projects
Initiate ambitious projects that can enhance the global conditions of Mars. Special projects include funding Special Events, passing Milestones, increasing the Temperature, and raising the Oxygen levels to transform Mars into a habitable planet.
Milestone
A Milestone is achieved when certain conditions are met, unlocking powerful rewards. There are 14 Milestons with increasing difficulty and rewards.
Temperature
Raising the temperature increases the evaporation of water, a crucial step in creating an atmosphere. Use resources, cards, or Greenhouses to increase the temperature by 3 degrees Celsius.
Oxygen
Oxygen is essential for life on Mars. Plant forests of special Algae or use oxygen-producing technologies to raise the oxygen level to support organisms.
Special Event
Trigger special events that provide immediate benefits or influence the game’s overall direction. However, funding these events requires substantial resources.
Examples of Special Events:
| Event | Effect |
|---|---|
| Asteroid Strike | Damages a random tile and gives bonus resources |
| Rocket Launch | Sends a rocket to a random tile, increasing the resources available on that tile |
The End Game
I. Game End Trigger
The game ends when the Terraforming Rating (TR) reaches or exceeds 14, or when the oxygen level reaches 14%.
II. Final Scoring
Players calculate their final victory points (VPs) based on various factors:
* Awards for completing milestones
* TRVPs
* VP bonuses from cards
* Heat/temperature bonuses
* Plant/animal bonuses
* Oceans/ice/lakes bonuses
III. Strategy Considerations
In the end game, players should focus on:
* Maximizing TR to reach 14
* Enhancing oxygen production
* Securing VP bonuses
* Managing heat and temperature
* Planting vegetation and terraforming oceans
IV. Last-Minute Adjustments
Players may make small adjustments to their strategies in the final rounds to:
* Increase VP output
* Counteract opponents’ actions
* Adjust to game board changes
V. Player Interaction
Player interaction remains important in the end game. Players can still:
* Trade resources
* Block opponents’ terraforming efforts
* Initiate conflicts
VI. Tiebreaker
In case of a tie, the player with the most TRVPs (Terraforming Rating Victory Points) wins. If there is still a tie, the player with the most VP bonuses from cards wins.
VII. Game Duration
Most Terraforming Mars games last approximately 2-3 hours. However, the end game can extend the game if players are strategically competitive.
VIII. Tips for the End Game
*
Prioritize TR and oxygen production.
*
Manage heat and temperature levels carefully.
*
Use cards that grant VP bonuses.
*
Plan and execute your terraforming actions strategically.
*
Be aware of your opponents’ strategies and countermeasures.
*
Trade resources and negotiate with other players when necessary.
*
Monitor the game board for opportunities and potential threats.
*
Stay focused and play until the very end.
Advanced Strategies
Understanding the Card Matrix
Each card in Terraforming Mars represents a specific action or ability. Mastering the card matrix involves understanding the interactions and synergies between cards. For example, combining the “Mining Guild” with the “Heavy Lifters” card can significantly increase your ore production.
Utilizing Project Cards
Project cards offer powerful effects but require extensive planning and resource management. Consider delaying their execution until you can maximize their benefits. For instance, using the “Space Colonies” card late in the game can grant you a substantial boost to your terraforming rating.
Manipulating the Global Parameters
Global parameters, such as oxygen and temperature, play a crucial role in terraforming. By manipulating these parameters through events or cards, you can gain advantages over your opponents. For example, increasing the oxygen levels can help you settle more regions on the board.
Controlling the Temperature
Temperature is a vital factor in terraforming. Aim to raise the temperature early on to unlock oceans and boost your vegetation. Cards like “Heat Trappers” and “Carbon Dioxide Scrubbers” can help you manage temperature effectively.
Balancing Resources
Terraforming Mars requires a constant balance of resources. Pay attention to your production and consumption rates to avoid bottlenecks. Efficiently managing your resources will allow you to progress steadily towards your terraforming goals.
Building Colonies
Colonies provide crucial bonuses and expand your presence on the board. Consider placing colonies strategically to maximize their impact. For example, settling on resource-rich regions or near competing colonies can give you a competitive edge.
Managing Card Draw
Drawing the right cards at the right time can significantly impact your game. Utilize cards like “Shuffle” and “Probe” to manipulate your deck and increase your chances of drawing favorable cards.
Using Milestones
Milestones are game-ending objectives that grant substantial rewards. Aim to complete them early in the game to secure a lead and potentially trigger chain reactions that benefit your strategy.
Terraforming Ocean Tiles
Ocean tiles offer valuable benefits, including increased oxygen production and the ability to settle aquatic cities. Consider prioritizing the terraforming of ocean tiles to accelerate your terraforming progress.
Tips and Tricks
1. Prioritize terraforming over engines
In the early game, focus on raising the global parameters (oxygen, temperature, and water) rather than building up card-drawing engines. This will ensure that you can place more cities and greenery later on.
2. Choose corporation cards carefully
Consider the long-term benefits of corporation cards when selecting them. Some corporations provide ongoing bonuses or advantages that can greatly enhance your strategy.
3. Leverage project cards
Project cards offer powerful one-time effects that can significantly advance your progress. Use them wisely to speed up terraforming or gain other advantages.
4. Utilize trade and colonies
Establish trade routes with other players and found colonies on the board to generate resources and expand your influence.
5. Control temperature early
Raising temperature is crucial for placing cities. Prioritize cards that increase temperature in the early game.
6. Plan for the future
Consider the long-term consequences of your actions. Don’t rush to play cards just to trigger an immediate benefit.
7. Track opponents’ resources
Pay attention to your opponents’ resource production and usage. This can help you anticipate their strategies and react accordingly.
8. Use the market effectively
The market can provide valuable resources or cards not available in your hand. Be selective in your purchases and don’t overspend.
9. Manage oxygen levels
Oxygen is essential for placing cities. Ensure that you maintain sufficient oxygen levels to support your growth.
10. Optimize your resource production
Identify the most efficient ways to generate resources and minimize waste. Utilize cards and technologies that enhance your production capabilities.
How To Play Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is a competitive strategy game for 1-5 players. In the game, players take on the role of a corporation with the goal of terraforming the planet Mars and making it habitable for humans. Players can do this by building cities, factories, and other structures on the planet, as well as by researching new technologies and developing new strategies.
The game is played over a series of rounds, and each round is divided into two phases: the action phase and the production phase. In the action phase, players can take a variety of actions, such as building cities, factories, or mines; researching new technologies; or playing cards from their hand.
In the production phase, players receive resources based on the structures they have built and the technologies they have researched. These resources can be used to take further actions or to invest in new technologies.
The game ends when Mars has been fully terraformed, or when one player has reached a certain number of victory points. Victory points can be earned by completing certain objectives, such as building a certain number of cities or producing a certain amount of resources.
People also ask about How To Play Terraforming Mars
What are the different types of corporations in Terraforming Mars?
There are seven different types of corporations in Terraforming Mars. Each corporation has its own unique abilities and bonuses, which can give players an advantage in the game.
How do I win Terraforming Mars?
There are several ways to win Terraforming Mars. Players can win by completing certain objectives, such as building a certain number of cities or producing a certain amount of resources. Players can also win by having the most victory points at the end of the game.
What is the best strategy for Terraforming Mars?
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for Terraforming Mars. The best strategy will vary depending on the corporation you are playing as, the other players in the game, and the board state. However, some general tips that can help you win include building a strong economy, researching new technologies, and completing objectives.
