Terraforming Mars

Description

Terraforming Mars is a highly strategic engine-building and resource management board game designed by Jacob Fryxelius and published by FryxGames and Stronghold Games.

Set in the 2400s, players take on the roles of corporations working together (and competing) to transform the planet Mars into a habitable world  raising temperature, creating oceans, and developing an atmosphere while managing resources and projects.

It’s designed for 1–5 players, ages 12 and up, and each game typically lasts 2–3 hours. The game blends science, economics, and strategy, making it one of the most acclaimed modern board games in the world.

🧩 How to Play (Brief Overview)

1. Setup

   • Each player chooses a corporation with unique abilities.

   • You start with a certain amount of resources (megacredits, steel, titanium, plants, energy, and heat).

   • The board represents Mars, divided into hexagonal spaces for oceans, greenery, and cities.

2. Goal

   • Collaboratively terraform Mars by increasing:

     • 🌡️ Temperature

     • 💧 Ocean coverage

     • 🌿 Oxygen level

   • But you also compete to earn the most victory points from your contributions, projects, and city/greenery placements.

3. Gameplay Flow

   • Each round (called a generation) has phases:

     • Research Phase: Players buy and draw project cards.

     • Action Phase: Players take turns playing cards, activating effects, or placing tiles on Mars.

     • Production Phase: Everyone produces new resources based on their board.

   • Cards represent scientific, industrial, or political projects that change the planet or boost your economy.

4. Winning the Game

   • When all three global parameters (temperature, oxygen, and oceans) are maximized, the terraforming process is complete.

   • Players total their Terraform Rating (TR) plus bonus points for cities, greenery, and milestones.

   • The player with the highest score wins.