How to Play Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is a deep strategy game about turning Mars into a livable world. If you want a friendly intro, this guide from Playmore will help you get started with the core ideas and first games.
Quick facts
| Game | Type | Players | Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraforming Mars | Competitive tableau and engine building | 1–5 | Use the components included with the game |
What you are trying to do
Your main goal is to increase global parameters on Mars: temperature, oxygen, and ocean coverage. You do this by playing cards, building projects, and managing production so your corporation scores the most victory points. Many cards also grow your engine so later turns become more powerful.
What you need and how to set up
Use the box components. The game includes player boards, corporation cards, project cards, tiles (cities, greenery, oceans), resource cubes, and a main Mars board. Pick one corporation each, take its player board, starting resources, and production markers. Shuffle the project deck and deal the starting hand as the rules say.
This guide gives a beginner overview only. For exact setup numbers, card text rulings, and any regional or expansion rules, check the publisher’s official rules or the in-box rulebook before you play.
How to play
- Start phase: Each generation begins with optional drafting or dealing of project cards and choosing whether to buy cards. Follow the in-box rules for the exact sequence and card counts.
- Take actions: Players take turns taking one or two actions each until all pass. Actions include playing a project card (pay its cost), claiming milestones or funding awards, using a standard project, converting resources, placing tiles on the map, and taking a card action. Choose actions that boost your income or help the planet metrics.
- Play cards to build an engine: Many cards increase your production of credits, plants, heat, or steel. Play the cards that help your strategy. Some cards have immediate effects; others give ongoing bonuses.
- Use the map: Place ocean, greenery, and city tiles to raise parameters, gain adjacency bonuses, and score points. Greenery raises oxygen; heat raises temperature. Placing tiles can also give you placement income or awards from the map.
- Convert and produce: At generation end, adjust production, collect resources, and resolve any end-of-generation effects. Your increased production fuels future turns, so focus on sustainable growth.
How a round or game ends
The game ends when the three global parameters (temperature, oxygen, and oceans) reach their target levels. At that point, finish the current generation and then go to final scoring. Final scoring totals your points from terraforming rating, cards, tiles, milestones, awards, and other sources. Exact scoring details and final tallies are version-dependent, so check the official rules for the precise order and counts.
Beginner tips
- Focus on a simple engine first: get steady production of credits or one key resource rather than trying everything at once.
- Watch the map: tile placement gives points and income. Placing greenery next to your city is an easy way to score reliably.
- Balance short-term moves with long-term growth: some cards are instant money, others build your production. Both matter.
- Don’t ignore milestones and awards: they are a steady source of points if you plan for them early.
- Play a few solo or two-player games to learn card synergies. Terraforming Mars rewards practice and planning.
FAQ
How long does a game take?
Games usually run 90–120 minutes for new players. Time gets shorter as you learn card combos and setup. Solo play can be a bit faster once you know the flow.
Can I play solo?
Yes. Terraforming Mars includes a solo mode. It’s a good way to learn the engine-building flow and to test strategies before playing with others.
Where do I find exact card rules and expansions?
Check the official rulebook in the box or the publisher’s published rules for exact card text, setup numbers, and expansion guidance. House rules and regional versions can vary, so compare before you start.