Journey to Mars Solo Rules

Hello there! If you’re excited about exploring the mysterious planet Mars all by yourself, then you’re in the right place. Today, I want to dive into the rules for the amazing “Journey to Mars Solo” game. So, let’s get started!

Objective

The aim of the game is simple: you are an astronaut on a solo mission to Mars, and your goal is to successfully complete various tasks and challenges while exploring the planet and gathering valuable resources.

Setup

Before you begin your Martian adventure, make sure you have all the necessary supplies in your inventory. This includes your spacesuit, communication devices, scientific tools, and enough provisions to sustain you throughout the mission.

Keep in mind that Mars can be an unpredictable and extreme environment, so it’s crucial to plan wisely and choose the right equipment for each task.

Gameplay

Once you’re ready, it’s time to embark on your journey to Mars! The game will present you with a series of scenarios and challenges that you must overcome using your knowledge and decision-making skills.

You will need to carefully consider each situation and choose the best course of action. Remember, your choices have consequences, so think strategically and weigh the risks and benefits before making a move.

Throughout your exploration, you will encounter various obstacles and opportunities. You might come across breathtaking Martian landscapes, strange rock formations, or even signs of ancient Martian life. But beware! Mars can also throw unexpected challenges your way, such as dust storms or equipment malfunctions.

Make sure to keep track of your resources and maintain a balance between completing tasks and conserving your supplies. Your decisions will shape the outcome of your mission, so proceed with caution!

Scoring

At the end of your mission, you will be scored based on your performance and the objectives you achieved. The game will evaluate your exploration skills, resource management, and overall success on Mars.

Don’t worry if you don’t reach a perfect score on your first attempt. Each journey to Mars is a learning experience, and you can always improve your skills and strategies with each playthrough.

Conclusion

So, are you ready to embark on this thrilling solo adventure to Mars? Put on your spacesuit, pack your gear, and get ready to explore the wonders and challenges of the red planet!

Remember: the key to success is preparation, strategic thinking, and adaptability. By following the rules and making wise choices, you can become a true Martian explorer!

Now let’s talk about a few important points regarding our topic. First, grab the solo deck which is shuffled and place it face down close to you.

In the world of board games, there is one called Lacerda. It’s a game where you compete against others to colonize new lands. Here’s how it works:

First, you shuffle all the First Colonists tiles. Then, you pick one at random. This tile will determine the turn order for Lacerda, the main character.

Next, you choose a turn order space for yourself. You can either pick one randomly or choose a specific space. Either way, you’ll get a benefit from it. The Shuttle, which is used to travel between spaces, starts in the red space on the same side as Lacerda.

Colonisation Phase

During Lacerda’s turn, he reveals the top card from the solo deck. This deck contains special actions that Lacerda can perform. After he performs the action, the card is discarded.

When the solo deck runs out of cards, you shuffle the discarded cards to make a new deck. Then, you reveal the top card as usual. This ensures that Lacerda always has new actions to perform.

Once you have shuffled the deck a second time, in addition to Lacerda’s action, you also move the Mission tracker cube down one space. Lacerda earns Crystals for contributing to the Mission, just like before.

Shuttle Phase

When it comes to space travel, one of the most fascinating and crucial parts is the shuttle phase. This is the phase where the rocket carrying the spacecraft takes off from Earth and propels it into orbit. It’s a nail-biting moment filled with anticipation and wonder.

As I sit and watch the rocket preparing for liftoff, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The image of the rocket standing tall on the launch pad, ready to defy gravity and venture into the unknown, is awe-inspiring. It’s a true testament to human innovation and determination.

During the shuttle phase, the immense power of the rocket engines is unleashed, propelling the spacecraft through the Earth’s atmosphere at incredible speeds. The force exerted on the astronauts inside the spacecraft must be unimaginable. I can only imagine the G-forces they experience as the rocket hurtles upwards.

The journey from Earth to space is not an easy one. The rocket must overcome gravity’s pull and the resistance of the atmosphere. As the rocket ascends, it gradually accelerates until it reaches escape velocity and breaks free from Earth’s gravitational grip. It’s a delicate dance between power and control, with the lives of the astronauts hanging in the balance.

Once in space, the shuttle phase is complete. The spacecraft has successfully reached orbit, and the next phase of the mission can begin. It’s a moment of relief and celebration, knowing that the first hurdle has been overcome.

The shuttle phase is a critical part of space travel, and it’s important to understand the challenges and risks involved. The engineers and scientists who design and build these rockets must take into account numerous factors, such as aerodynamics, propulsion, and structural integrity. They must ensure that the rocket can withstand the immense forces it will encounter during liftoff and ascent.

In conclusion, the shuttle phase is a remarkable feat of human engineering and courage. It represents our insatiable curiosity and our desire to explore the vast unknown. By understanding and appreciating the complexities of this phase, we can better comprehend the immense achievements and challenges of space travel. So the next time you witness a rocket launch, remember the incredible journey that awaits the astronauts during the shuttle phase.

When I travel in the game, I always prefer to use the Shuttle. It’s a reliable choice that helps me move around efficiently. However, there is a special situation where I don’t use the Shuttle. If the most recent solo card has an X next to the cube at the top, I skip traveling altogether.

Now, when it comes to traveling with the Shuttle, I like to keep things exciting. Instead of sticking to a specific Turn Order space, I choose one randomly. This adds a fun element of surprise to my travels. Once I’ve chosen a space, I resolve the travel just like I normally would, following all the usual rules and steps.

• When I travel to Orbit, I skip both steps.
• When I travel to the Colony, I place a Discovery tile but skip the retrieve Colonists step.
• When I place a Discovery tile, I always place the leftmost Discovery tile from the Exploration space. It is placed 3 spaces away from my Rover, as far away as possible from your Rover, and in the direction of a Research tile.

I place a Discovery tile.

Extra Rules for Me

• I always have as many Colonists as I need. At the end of the game, all spaces in my Living Quarters are considered occupied for scoring.
• I do not take any Executive actions.

When the Colony levels up, at the end of my turn, I build a Shelter (a Complex if possible) and Welcome a new Ship. I never spend my own Ships; I just keep them to score.

I don’t collect or store resources. I don’t pay Resources to take any action.

I gain Crystals as usual – by Constructing Shelters, taking a Shelter Blueprint, contributing to a Mission, etc. The number of Crystals I can store is limited to the spaces in my Depot.

When I build a LSS building, if I have a Colonist on the Hire a Scientists action slot, I choose the reward of retrieving that Colonist. If I don’t have a Colonist there, I gain a Crystal instead.

I always use Tech if it’s available. You get an Oxygen as normal if I use your Tech.

When I move my Bot, I’ll move it to the next icon in the LSS sequence. First, I’ll go to the Mine, then the Generator, Water Extractor, Greenhouse, Oxygen Condenser, and back to the Mine again. This way, I can keep the cycle going and ensure that each station is being utilized efficiently.

Now let’s talk about the turn order and the benefits of each space. When it’s my turn, I’ll see what resources are available and take the one that is the most abundant. If there’s a tie, I’ll prioritize taking Crystals first and then move from left to right. Any resources I take will be placed in the general supply so that they can be used later.

In addition to taking resources, I also have the opportunity to learn new technology. I can take a Tech tile as described under the “Learn New Technology” action. This allows me to expand my abilities and improve my efficiency on Mars.

Finally, let’s talk about Lacerda and his role in the game. Lacerda always has all the Colonists he needs, so instead of taking them, he focuses on moving his Rover. This allows him to navigate the terrain and explore different areas of the planet.

By following these strategies and making the most of the available resources and technologies, you and I can successfully colonize Mars and thrive in this challenging environment.

MOVE BOT: To begin, I use the rules displayed above to move Lacerda’s Bot. TAKE A BLUEPRINT: Next, Lacerda obtains a Blueprint as detailed in the obtain blueprint action. COST OF COLONIST PLACEMENT AND ILLEGAL MOVES: It’s important for Lacerda to always place a Colonist on actions that show a Red Colonist. He pays the extra cost using Crystals instead of Colonists.

If Lacerda doesn’t have enough Crystals or if the chosen move is not allowed for any reason, such as not having space in his Lab to learn more Techs, no Blueprints being available, or the Scientist slot already being occupied, he won’t be able to perform the desired action. In this case, he must move his Rover instead.

MOVING LACERDA’S ROVER: Lacerda moves his Rover in this scenario.

When I move my Rover, it automatically heads towards the nearest tile, whether it’s a Research or Discovery tile. But here’s the thing: I don’t bother with any Discovery tiles that give Resources because they’re not helpful to me.

If there’s a tie and I can’t decide which tile to go for, I refer to the Resolving Ambiguities rules. I also make use of any available Tech and spend extra Crystals if necessary. And as soon as I reach a tile, I take immediate action to resolve it.

What I Do on the Orbit Side

When I look at the Astronaut image, the number shown tells me what action I should take as Lacerda.

Here are the actions and what they mean:

• 
  Action 1. Obtain Blueprint:

I need to take a Blueprint that will give me points as Lacerda’s Scientists. If there’s a tie, I’ll take the card from the row with the most cards in it, starting from the bottom row. I’ll keep Lacerda’s Blueprints in a line, with the oldest one on the left.

Action 2. Learn New Technology:

I’ll choose the cheapest one available, starting from the left if there are multiple options. I’ll place it in Lacerda’s laboratory, starting from the top space. I’ll then get the usual benefits from it (check above for Warehouse priority).

I’m going to tell you about what Lacerda does in the game of “How to Play on Mars”. In this game, there are different actions that Lacerda can take to advance in the game. Let me explain them to you:

Action 3: Research and Development

Lacerda focuses on developing technology. He starts by developing the most developed tech that can only be developed once. Then, he moves on to the least developed tech that can only be developed once. If two techs are tied, he develops the bottom one.

Resupply

Lacerda only takes this action in the Shuttle Phase. This happens when his astronaut is placed on the Resupply space of the turn order track. He can also take this action by placing a Tech tile on the appropriate space of his Lab.

Landing Pod

Lacerda doesn’t take this action. He doesn’t use the Landing Pod.

Now, let’s talk about the actions that Lacerda takes on the Colony Side. These actions help him progress in the game. Here they are:

I hope this makes it easier for you to understand Lacerda’s actions in the game. Have fun playing!

Action 1. Build a Building: Whenever I’m on an icon that represents a Building, I must check if the LSS marker for that Building is below the Colony level marker. If it is, then I can construct the corresponding Building. But if the marker is above the current Colony level, I need to keep building the next Building in the sequence, as long as its marker is not above the current Colony level. The sequence ends when I construct a Mine, which is always the last step. When I construct, I try to create the biggest Complex I can using any available Tech. If there are multiple valid Building placements, I can choose where to construct or follow the Resolving Ambiguities rules. After constructing, I move to the next icon in the sequence after the Building I just constructed.

Action 2. Upgrade a Building: This is when Lacerda gets to take one of his Blueprints and improve a Building on the board. If the Upgrade Tech is in play, he’ll use it to upgrade as many Buildings as possible. If there’s more than one Blueprint available, Lacerda will choose the one that gives his Scientists a boost in OP (Operation Points) first. Then, he’ll go through his Blueprints in order, from oldest to newest.

Step 3: Hire a Scientist or Sign an Earth Contract

If there are Contracts available to choose from, I’ll hire a Scientist by selecting the Contract card with the highest OP value, which is the leftmost card in the display in case of a tie. Once I’ve chosen a Contract, it’s automatically completed for me.

If there are no Contracts available, I’ll hire a Scientist based on the number of Blueprint cards owned by each player. The Scientist that will score the most potential OP is the one I’ll choose. In case of a tie, I’ll select the Scientist that scores for my taken Blueprints from left to right, starting with the oldest one.

After I’ve made my selection, I’ll shuffle the Contract deck and refill the display with the top card.

Colony Levels Up

Whenever this happens, I, Lacerda, follow the construction rules and place a Shelter. I also get to take 1 Bot from the main board and place it on my Player board. This Bot doesn’t go on the main board but it counts towards LSS Rewards or Missions.

Clearing Up Any Confusion

As I play the game, there may be instances where I have multiple options to choose from. In such situations, I always go for the option that benefits me the most, if any. If there doesn’t seem to be an advantage to any option, then I have the freedom to make the choice I prefer.

Alternatively, if I don’t want to make these decisions myself and would rather rely on chance, I can assign a number to each option and draw a card from the solo deck until I get the number I assigned. After that, I shuffle the cards back into the deck.

Solo Objectives

These are the objectives I need to accomplish in the game:

Level 1 – First Colonists

In order to achieve higher levels of success in the exciting world of On Mars, you must meet certain requirements. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to do to reach each level and unlock new opportunities.

Level 1 – Beginner’s Luck:

To reach this level, you’ll need to accomplish the following tasks:

– Get your Colony level up to at least level 3

– Complete at least 1 Contract, showing your dedication and resourcefulness

– Fulfill 1 Private Goal card, proving your unique abilities

– Acquire a level 6 Tech tile, demonstrating your mastery in technology

– Outperform Lacerda by having more OP than him, showing that you’re a force to be reckoned with.

Level 2 – Net Generation:

To progress to this level, the following tasks must be completed:

– Raise your Colony level to a minimum of level 3, signaling your growth and development

– Complete at least 2 Contracts, one of each type, showcasing your versatility and adaptability

– Fulfill 1 Private Goal card, highlighting your ability to meet specific objectives

– Obtain at least 2 Research tiles, indicating your commitment to scientific exploration

– Construct at least 4 Shelters, providing essential shelter for your team

– Outshine Lacerda by beating him by a margin of 10 OP or more, proving your superior skills and strategy.

Level 3 – Hunky Dory:

To reach the highest level of achievement, you must accomplish the following tasks:

– Raise your Colony level to a minimum of level 4, demonstrating your progress and expansion

– Complete at least 2 Contracts, one of each type, showcasing your versatility and adaptability

– Fulfill 1 Private Goal card, describing your ability to meet specific objectives

– Ensure that you have Colonists and/or Advanced Building markers on at least 3 Mines, illustrating your efficient resource management

– Construct at least 5 Advanced Buildings, displaying your ingenuity and advanced construction techniques

– Outperform Lacerda by beating him by a margin of 20 OP or more, proving your superior skills and dominance.

By achieving these milestones and effectively navigating the challenges of On Mars, you will ascend through the levels, gaining recognition and unlocking new possibilities for success. So, are you ready to take on the challenge and show the world what you’re made of?

A Survival Guide for Martian Potato Enthusiasts

Hey there! If you’re as passionate about Martian potatoes as I am, then I’ve got some exciting tips for you. Let’s dive into this survival scenario that will make your Martian potato dreams come true!

To get started on this epic adventure, there are a few goals we need to aim for. First, we need to reach at least Colony level 3. This will lay the foundation for our thriving potato empire.

Next, we’ll need to complete the size 4 Greenhouse Contract. This will ensure that our potatoes have a cozy and suitable environment to grow in. We can’t have any unhappy spuds!

Once we have our greenhouse set up, it’s time to flex our delivery skills. We’ll need to complete the Delivery Contract with Plants and Minerals (#11). This will prove that we have what it takes to transport our precious potatoes safely.

Now, let’s talk about the Biochemist. This talented individual will be a key player in our potato production. Make sure to recruit them to your team!

To truly excel in the Martian potato business, we’ll need to have at least 3 advanced greenhouse buildings. This will give us the upper hand and make our potato empire stand out from the rest.

Expanding our greenhouse complex is a must. Aim to reach a minimum size of 5. This will provide us with enough space to cultivate our thriving potato crops.

Now, let’s talk storage. We’ll need to have at least 5 plants in storage. This will ensure that our inventory remains well-stocked and ready for whatever challenges come our way.

But wait, there’s more! We can’t forget about research. Taking at least 2 research tiles will give us the knowledge and insights we need to stay ahead of the game.

Our journey to becoming the ultimate Martian potato master wouldn’t be complete without leveling up our Greenhouse Tech. Aim for level 6 to truly elevate your potato game.

Now, this is where it gets exciting. We need to finish the game in Orbit. So make sure you’re prepared for the grand finale!

Lastly, challenge yourself by beating Lacerda by 30 OP or more. This will prove that you are the ultimate potato pioneer and leave your mark on Martian potato history.

So there you have it, my fellow potato enthusiasts. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to fulfilling your Martian potato dreams. Good luck and happy spud growing!