Terraforming Mars Game Rules

Let’s talk about the rules of the Terraforming Mars board game! If you’re new to this game, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. I’ll walk you through the basic gameplay, so you can jump into the action with confidence.

First, you’ll need to set up the game board. It’s a double-sided board, with one side for beginner players and the other side for more advanced players. Choose the side that suits your experience level.

Next, each player will receive their own player board. This board represents your corporation and will be where you track your resources and actions throughout the game. You’ll also receive certain starting resources and cards.

The goal of Terraforming Mars is to make the planet Mars more habitable for humans. You’ll do this by increasing three global parameters: oxygen level, temperature, and ocean coverage. Each parameter is represented by a track on the game board.

During each round, you’ll take turns playing cards from your hand and performing actions. Cards can represent various things, such as infrastructure, technology, or events. Each card has a cost and a specific effect. Some cards will directly contribute to increasing the global parameters, while others will provide you with resources or other advantages.

To play a card, you’ll need to pay its cost in either credits or resources. You’ll have a limited amount of resources to use each round, so you’ll need to manage them wisely. Once you play a card, it will go into your personal discard pile.

In addition to playing cards, you can also take standard actions. These actions include things like gaining more resources, drawing cards, or increasing your production of certain resources. Taking these actions strategically can give you an advantage in the game.

After each round, you’ll enter a production phase. During this phase, you’ll receive resources based on your production rates. These resources can then be used in future rounds to play more cards or take actions.

The game continues with each player taking turns and advancing the global parameters. As the game progresses, you’ll see Mars transform before your eyes. Once all three global parameters reach their target levels, the game ends.

At the end of the game, you’ll earn victory points based on various factors, such as the level of the global parameters, the cards you’ve played, and your milestones and awards. The player with the most victory points is declared the winner!

So, there you have it—the rules of Terraforming Mars! Now that you have a good understanding of how to play, grab some friends and get ready for an out-of-this-world experience. Have fun, and may the best corporation win!

In Terraforming Mars, I’m in control. I’m the boss of a corporation, and I get to buy and play cards that describe different projects.

These projects do all kinds of things. Some directly help us turn Mars into a livable place, while others are business ventures. To win, I need to earn a good score called a terrarating rating (TR) and lots of victory points (VPs).

My TR goes up every time I improve something big like the temperature, oxygen, or the ocean. The higher my TR, the more money I make and the more points I score. As we keep terraforming, new projects become possible. I can earn extra VPs by doing things that help humans take control of the solar system. This could mean building cities, creating infrastructure, or even taking care of the environment.

When we talk about time in this game, we’re talking about generations. Each generation follows a specific order of events. First, we have the Turn Order phase. Then, we move on to the Research phase, where you get to explore new cards. Once that’s done, we move on to the Action phase, where each player takes turns doing 1 or 2 actions. We go around the table until everyone has passed. Finally, we have the Production phase. This is when all players produce resources and collect income based on their production parameters and TR.

Now, let’s talk about the game board. It has several tracks that keep track of various aspects of the game. There’s a temperature track, an oxygen level track, a terraform rating track, and a generations track. On the surface map, you’ll be adding ocean tiles, greenery tiles, and city tiles as the game progresses. You’ll also have access to a list of standard projects that can be done by all players. On top of that, there are milestones and awards that players can compete for.

Can you believe that one day, I could actually live on Mars? I’m talking about breathing oxygen and enjoying Earth-like weather with oceans and everything! But wait, there are a few conditions for this to happen. First, we need the oxygen levels to reach 14%. That’s the magic number. Then, we also need enough oceans for the weather to be just right. And lastly, the temperature needs to stay above freezing at a toasty +8°C. It might not be the most comfortable, but it’s definitely possible!

What It Takes

Temperature, oxygen, and ocean are what we call the global parameters. When you increase any of them, your terraform rating goes up by the same amount, giving you more income and a higher score.

Once a global parameter reaches its goal, you can no longer raise it further, and it won’t increase your TR. However, you can still play cards and take actions that increase the parameter, just ignore the TR part of the effect.

When all three global parameters reach their goals, the game ends after that generation, specifically after the production phase.

Each area or tile on the game board represents 1% of the Martian surface. So, if you have 9 Ocean tiles, that means you have 9% ocean coverage. This should be enough to have stable hydrological cycles, air moisture, and weather patterns. Water is also important because it helps moderate temperature swings. At very low temperatures, the oceans actually turn into glaciers for most of the year.

Now, even though the temperature on Mars can already reach 20°C on “hot” summer days, that’s not enough for liquid oceans. To enable liquid oceans, the mean temperature needs to be positive, at least at the equator.

The most crucial parameter for terraforming is the oxygen level. Without a breathable atmosphere, Mars cannot support life or be terraformed. On Earth, the oxygen content is 21% of the atmosphere, or 0.21 atm. As you go higher in altitude, the oxygen level decreases because the atmosphere gets thinner. At 3000 meters, the oxygen level is 0.14 atm. There are actually major cities located at this altitude, like El Alto (4150 m) and La Paz (3640 m) in Bolivia, and they have nearly a million inhabitants each.

Earth’s atmosphere also has 78% nitrogen, which is the main component responsible for air pressure. Air pressure is important too, although not as critical as the oxygen level. There’s also the matter of Mars’ very weak magnetic field, but that aspect is not represented by a global parameter. However, it can result in a higher TR for players, as indicated on specific cards.

Game Board

Hey there, welcome to the Game Board! I’m excited to show you all it has to offer. With engaging gameplay and endless fun, this is the place to be for gaming enthusiasts like you and me. So, let’s dive right in and explore what makes this Game Board so special.

First of all, let me introduce you to the wide variety of games available on the board. From thrilling adventures to mind-bending puzzles, we have something for everyone. Whether you’re into action-packed battles or prefer a more casual challenge, this is the place to find your perfect match. With our diverse selection, you’ll never get bored.

Now, let’s talk about the importance of choosing the right game. We understand that everyone has different tastes and preferences, which is why we offer such a wide range of options. When selecting a game, consider what kind of experience you’re looking for. Are you in the mood for a solo quest or a multiplayer showdown? Do you enjoy strategy and planning or prefer fast-paced action? By taking these factors into account, you can find a game that suits your style and keeps you entertained for hours.

But it’s not just about the games themselves. The Game Board also provides you with a platform to connect and interact with fellow gamers. You can join communities, share your achievements, and even compete in tournaments. It’s a great way to make new friends and discover the exciting world of gaming together.

Another important aspect of the Game Board is its user-friendly interface. We have designed it with simplicity and ease of use in mind, so you can navigate through the different features effortlessly. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, you’ll find our interface intuitive and accessible.

Finally, let me assure you that your safety and security are our top priorities. We have implemented robust measures to protect your personal information and ensure a safe gaming environment. So, you can focus on enjoying the games without any worries.

In conclusion, the Game Board offers a world of exciting possibilities for gamers of all ages. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore enthusiast, you’ll find something to love here. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of gaming with the Game Board and let the adventure begin!

1 Terraform rating (TR) track: We all start at 20. It’s our basic income and VPs. Raise it every time you terraform.

2 Generation track: Time is measured by the generation marker, starting at 1 and moving up on the TR track.

3 Solo games: TR begins at 14 and ends after generation 14.

4 Oxygen: This starts at 0%, comparing to Earth’s 21% oxygen.

5 Ocean tiles: At the beginning, there are 9 tiles in a stack that will be placed on the board during the game.

6 Temperature: The global parameter for mean temperature at the equator starts at -30 °C.

7 Bonus steps: If you reach this point, you also get the attached bonus.

8 Standard Projects: Any player can use them, regardless of the cards you have.

Hey there! Let me walk you through some important aspects of this game. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple and easy to understand.

Milestones and Awards: These are like extra points that you can earn along the way. They can really give you a boost!

Placement Bonuses: When you place a tile in a special area, you’ll get some extra resources or cards. It’s a nice little bonus for your strategy!

Ocean-Reserved Areas: The blue areas on the map are set aside just for ocean tiles. You can only place ocean tiles here, and no other tiles are allowed.

Special Reserved Areas: There are three areas on the map that are reserved for specific cities. No other tiles can be placed there, so keep that in mind.

The Bonus Steps

As the atmosphere gets thicker, the greenhouse effect will start to raise the temperature. You’ll see a bonus at 8% oxygen that indicates this change.

As the temperature goes up, the carbon dioxide will thaw out and have a greenhouse warming effect. You’ll see some heat production bonuses that show this happening. And at 0 degrees Celsius, the ice-bound water in the soil will begin to melt, adding water to the surface. It’s all part of the game!

The Map

The game board shows a detailed map of the Tharsis region on Mars. It accurately depicts Valles Marineris and three out of the four great volcanoes. The only missing region is around Olympus Mons.

The areas designated for Ocean tiles are located in low-lying areas, making them perfect for water to naturally accumulate. The plant bonuses around the equator represent the higher average temperature, which creates a conducive environment for life to flourish. Mountain ridges offer bonuses for steel and titanium, while other interesting sites provide a card draw bonus. For example, the Viking site marks the spot where the first man-made lander touched down.

Tiles

When I play the game, I find that the game board has a cool map where you can put tiles. Before I put a tile down, I have to make sure there are no rules against it. There are special spots on the map for the ocean and certain cities where you can’t put any tiles. And on top of that, each tile might have its own special rules that you have to follow.

Once I put my tile down, I get a special bonus for putting it in a certain spot. It all depends on what bonus is printed on that spot. I also get an extra bonus for putting my tile next to an ocean tile. It’s pretty cool, right?

Ocean Tile

Hey there! Let’s talk about ocean tiles. These special tiles can only be placed in designated ocean areas on the map. When you place an ocean tile, your Terraforming Rating (TR) goes up by 1. Cool, right?

Now, here’s the interesting part: ocean tiles aren’t owned by any player. They’re sort of community property. And whenever someone places a tile next to an ocean tile, they get a sweet 2 M€ bonus. This bonus applies to any kind of tile, even if it’s another ocean tile.

Let me give you an example to make things clearer. Imagine you place a city tile right next to two ocean tiles. Well, that earns you a 4 M€ bonus! It’s like getting a little reward for your awesome tile placement skills.

But wait, there’s more!

If you can, put the greenery tile next to one of your own tiles. But if you don’t have any available space, or if you don’t have a tile at all, you can put the greenery tile anywhere. Just remember to put your marker on it to show that it’s yours. When you put down a greenery tile, the oxygen level may go up, and your TR will also increase, if possible. If you can’t raise the oxygen level, your TR won’t go up either. Greenery tiles are worth 1 VP at the end of the game, and they also give 1 VP to any city next to them (see below).

City Tile

Hey there! Let’s talk about cities in the game. We know that cities are essential, but did you know that there are some important rules to consider when placing them?

First off, you can’t just place a city anywhere. There are specific rules about where you can place them, and one important exception is Noctis city, which must always be placed in its reserved area.

When you place a city, make sure to add a player marker. This marker identifies who owns the city and helps keep track of points.

Now, here’s an interesting aspect of cities: they can earn you bonus points at the end of the game! Each city tile is worth 1 VP for each greenery tile it’s adjacent to, regardless of who owns the greenery tile. So, the more greenery tiles next to your city, the more points you’ll earn!

Oh, and there’s a special tile called Capital. When you play the Capital card, it places a unique Capital city tile. This tile not only scores like a normal city tile but also gives you bonus points for each adjacent ocean tile. So, keep an eye out for that card!

Special Tiles

When you’re playing a game with special cards, you might come across ones that let you put down unique tiles. These cards usually come with specific rules for how and where you can place the tiles. Once you’ve figured out the placement, go ahead and put the tile down. And don’t forget to place one of your markers on it to show that it’s yours!

Markers

Resource cubes: On your player board or certain cards, you’ll see resources that you can collect. These resources come in different types, but they’re all represented by little cubes like these:

Starting a new board game can sometimes be overwhelming. There are so many components to set up, rules to understand, and strategies to consider. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Let’s break it down step by step and make it as simple as possible.

First, let’s talk about the different player markers. Each player will have their own color to mark their territory, ownership of tiles, production, and actions taken using blue cards. This way, it’s easy to keep track of everything and avoid confusion.

Now, let’s move on to the values of the different game pieces. We have bronze, silver, and gold. Bronze is worth 1 point, silver is worth 5 points, and gold is worth a whopping 10 points. Remember these values because they will be important throughout the game.

When playing the game, it’s important to understand the different strategies you can employ. You want to think strategically and consider your options carefully. It’s not just about placing your markers randomly, but rather thinking ahead and planning your moves.

In addition to strategic thinking, it’s also important to pay attention to your opponents’ moves. By observing what they do, you can anticipate their next moves and adjust your strategy accordingly. This adds another layer of complexity and excitement to the game.

Overall, the goal of this game is to accumulate as many points as possible. You can do this by strategically placing your markers, acquiring valuable tiles, and using your actions wisely. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck.

So, if you’re looking for a board game that will challenge your strategic thinking, keep you engaged, and provide hours of fun, then give this game a try. With its simple setup, clear rules, and exciting gameplay, it’s sure to become a favorite in no time.

Remember, the key to success is planning and adapting. By following these tips and putting your skills to the test, you’ll be on your way to victory in no time. Now, gather your friends, set up the game, and let the fun begin!

Temperature, oxygen, and generation markers: Let’s start with the basics. These markers play a key role in the game. They help us keep track of important factors that affect our progress. We need to pay attention to temperature, oxygen, and generation markers from the get-go.

First player marker: Another crucial element in the game is the first player marker. This marker determines who goes first in each generation. As the game progresses, the first player marker shifts clockwise, ensuring that everyone gets a fair chance to go first.

Discover the Magic of Player Boards

Have you ever wondered what makes tabletop games so captivating and engaging? Well, one of the secrets lies in player boards. These humble pieces of cardboard hold incredible power and add a whole new dimension to your gaming experience.

When you lay your eyes on a player board, you may feel a surge of excitement. It’s a blank canvas waiting to be filled with your choices and strategies. As you take your seat at the gaming table, you can’t help but marvel at the possibilities that lie before you.

Player boards are more than just tools. They are gateways into a world of imagination and strategy. These boards represent you, the player, and are a reflection of your unique journey within the game. Each board is carefully designed to provide you with a set of actions, abilities, and resources that will shape your path to victory.

But player boards are not only about functionality; they also have a visual appeal. They are often beautifully illustrated, featuring intricate details and thematic elements that draw you deeper into the game’s world. Every glance at your player board can transport you to a different realm, where you become a hero, a conqueror, or a visionary.

So, what can you do with a player board? Well, the possibilities are practically endless. You may have the power to build cities, forge alliances, cast spells, or lead armies into epic battles. Your board is a canvas for your imagination, allowing you to make decisions that will shape the game’s outcome. The choices you make on your player board can influence the strategy of the entire game, making each decision a chance to showcase your skills and assert your dominance.

Player boards are not just for experienced gamers; they are for everyone. They provide a sense of structure and guidance, making it easier for new players to dive into the game. With clear icons, organized sections, and step-by-step instructions, player boards become a roadmap that leads you on an exciting adventure.

So, next time you sit down to play a tabletop game, take a moment to appreciate the power of your player board. Embrace the opportunity it presents and let your creativity flow. Your board is more than just a piece of cardboard; it’s a portal to endless possibilities, where you can shape your destiny and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The board helps me keep track of what I have and what I’m making. I put the resource cubes in the right places, and I use markers on the production tracks. Those little icons represent resource cubes, and the ones inside the brown boxes show how much of that resource I’m making (check out the card below to see what I mean).

There are these tracks where I keep track of my production. Whenever I start making more of a resource, I move my marker to show the new level of production. It doesn’t have to stop at 10 either. Let’s say I play a card that boosts my heat production by 3 steps, from 19 to 22. I’ll put 2 markers on the ’10’ spot and 1 marker on the ‘2’ spot of the production track above the heat box. Pretty cool, huh?

When it’s time to make stuff, I get as many resource cubes as my production level. Simple as that!

Understanding Resources in Terraforming Mars

In the game Terraforming Mars, there are several important resources that you need to know about. Let me break them down for you:

First, we have MegaCredits (M€). These are the currency used in the game to pay for cards and other important things. Your M€ income is the total of your M€ production and your TR (terraform rating). Your M€ production can be negative, but it can never go lower than -5.

Next, we have Steel. Steel is used exclusively to pay for cards with a building tag. Each steel cube is worth 2 M€. You can use both M€ and steel to pay for cards, but you won’t get any refund if you “overpay” with steel.

Similarly, we have Titanium. Titanium is only used to pay for cards with a space tag. Each titanium cube is worth 3 M€, just like steel.

Then we have Plants. Plants can be converted into greenery tiles by taking a specific action. These greenery tiles are important in the overall process of terraforming Mars.

The next resource is Energy. Energy is used by many cards in the game. Any leftover energy is automatically converted into heat at the beginning of the production phase.

Lastly, we have Heat. Heat can be spent to raise the temperature by 1 step. This can be done by taking a specific action.

What About the Cards?

When you start playing the game, you and every other player get a corporation card. As the game progresses, you have the opportunity to purchase and use various project cards that offer different advantages. The cards are split into three types: active cards (with a blue frame), automated cards (which are green), and event cards (which are red).

1 Tag: When it comes to categorizing the card, the tag places it in certain categories that can impact or be influenced by other cards or your player board. For example, if you have a building tag, you can use steel as payment when playing a building card.

2 Starting conditions: This is where it all begins. It tells you how much money you start with, along with any other starting resources and production. Keep an eye out for corporations that have a specific first action described here, like the example card.

3 Effect/action: Check out the boxes marked with a blue ribbon. These indicate ongoing effects or actions that can be used throughout the game. Remember, actions can only be used once per turn, while effects are always active.

4 Flavor text: Let me share some background information and give you a feel for the card. This is where you can dive into the story and context behind it all.

5 Cost: This is the price you need to pay in order to add the card to your hand and play it. But remember, before you can even get cards into your hand, you’ll need to buy them during the research phase.

6 Requirement: Before you can play a card, you must meet certain conditions. These conditions could be related to the level of a global parameter or the status of a certain tag or production. It’s important to note that you only need to meet the requirements when playing the card, not when using it later. For example, some cards can only be played when a parameter is still low, while others require a parameter to have reached a certain level. Additionally, you must also be able to perform the effects of the card in order to play it.

7 Immediate effects: Most cards have an immediate impact on your resources or production, either enhancing them or affecting your opponent’s. For instance, you might gain tiles to place or experience other effects that influence the game in real-time.

8 VPs: Victory points, or VPs, are awarded by certain cards and contribute to your overall score at the end of the game. These points can be crucial in determining the winner.

If you’re unsure about how a card works, pay attention to any additional information provided in parentheses.

Setup

Hey there! Let me give you a rundown of the standard game setup for 2-5 players. But remember, there are additional rules for other game variations.

Game board: To start, place the game board right in the center of the table. Don’t forget to put the 9 ocean tiles in their own designated area. Place the temperature and oxygen markers in their starting spots. And oh, place the generation marker on ‘1’ on the TR track.

Resource cubes and remaining tiles: Make things easy for everyone by placing the resource cubes and remaining tiles within reach of all players.

Project deck: Now, this is important. Check that there are no Corporate Era cards in the project deck or among the corporation cards. You can identify these cards by the red and white icon on the lower left edge. Shuffle the project cards and put the project deck next to the game board. Keep some space next to it for a discard pile.

I know you’re eager to start playing Terraforming Mars, so let me walk you through the setup process. First things first, let’s determine the starting player. The player who recently won a game of Terraforming Mars gets the honor of being the first player. Once we have that settled, it’s time to choose your color and grab your player markers and player board.

Now, let’s talk about your resources. On your player board, you’ll find 1 production of each resource. Make sure to place your player markers on the tracks to keep track of your resources. Oh, and don’t forget to place one marker at the starting position (20) of the TR track. That’s where your journey will begin.

Next up, let’s go over the corporation cards. If you’re new to Terraforming Mars, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You’ll receive a Beginner Corporation card, which has a colorless card back. Just follow the instructions on the card to get 42 MegaCredits and draw 10 project cards. These cards will form your starting hand. Take your time to examine them and get familiar with your options.

As for the experienced players, you can skip this part and move on to the next step. It’s time to shuffle the 10 standard corporation cards, excluding the 2 Corporate Era corporations. Deal 2 cards to each remaining player, and you’re all set.

With everything in place, it’s time to dive into the exciting world of Terraforming Mars. Enjoy your game and may the best player win!

Deal Out the Project Cards: Each player receives 10 project cards. These cards are available for purchase at the beginning of the game for 3 MC each. Now, let’s take a closer look at the available options and decide which cards to keep for our starting hand and corporation.

Choose Your Starting Conditions: It’s time to choose which corporation we want to play as and which project cards we want to keep for our starting hand. Any cards not chosen will be discarded, and the corresponding corporations will be put back in the box. Remember to discard cards face down! Once everyone has made their decisions, we reveal our chosen corporations, receive our starting resources and production, if any, and pay 3 MC for each project card we decided to keep. Keep in mind that our resources will be quite limited until our economy starts to grow.

Let’s start the game: In the beginning, there is no player order phase and no research phase. That’s because we’ve already taken care of those parts during setup. So, the first player can jump straight into the action phase.

Generations

This game is divided into different generations that represent long periods of time. Each generation, we go through four phases.

I. Player Order Phase

First, the player marker moves one step clockwise, and the generation marker advances one step. This phase is not played in the first generation (see setup).

II. Research Phase

During the Research Phase, each player chooses four cards and decides which ones they want to add to their hand. Each card costs 3 M� to purchase, and players are allowed to buy anywhere between zero and four cards. The remaining four cards are placed face-down on the discard pile.

There is no limit to how many cards you can have in your hand.

This phase is also skipped in the first generation (see setup).

In the second generation, we enter the normal research phase. We players put down our hand cards and draw four new ones to choose from. I decide to buy three of my cards for a total of 9 M€, discarding the remaining card and adding the three new ones to my hand.

Now, let’s move on to the action phase. Each player can take one or two actions per turn, or they can pass. We go around the table clockwise until everyone has passed. The great thing is that we can combine the actions in any way we want! Here are the available actions:

A) Play a card from your hand.

B) Use a standard project.

C) Claim a milestone.

D) Fund an award.

E) Use the action on a blue card.

F) Convert 8 plants into a greenery tile on my player board to increase oxygen.

It’s exciting to have so many options and possibilities. I can’t wait to see what strategies my opponents and I come up with!

Okay, let’s talk about converting heat into a temperature increase as explained on the player board. It’s pretty simple, actually. You have the option to take 1 or 2 actions on your turn. If you don’t take any action at all, that means you pass, and you can’t do anything else for the rest of the round. Just keep in mind that when everyone has passed, the action phase is over.

IV. Production Phase

We all do this phase at the same time.

First, we convert all energy into heat by moving all the resource cubes from the energy box to the heat box. Then, we all get new resources:

You receive M� based on your terraform rating plus any M� production you have (which could be negative!), and you also get any other resources you have production of according to your player board. Put all the resources you generate into their appropriate boxes.

Alright, let’s wrap things up by taking players’ markers off the action cards they’ve used, so we know they can use them again in the future.

And now, we’re all set to kick off the next generation!

For example: Kim collects 21 MegaCredit (that’s a combination of her TR and MegaCredit production). Additionally, she gains 3 titanium resources thanks to her earlier play of Asteroid Mining, and 1 of each of the other resources, which she adds to her player board.

What I Can Do in the Game

Hey there! When it’s my turn, I get to choose from 7 different actions. I can even do 2 actions at once if I want! Pretty cool, right? By doing 2 actions, I can surprise everyone and get ahead of them.

But you know what? Just doing 1 action can also be a smart move. It’s a good way to wait for my opponents or to make a quick decision while I think about the important stuff.

Action 1: Play a Card

Okay, so when I decide to play a card, there are 3 steps I need to keep in mind:

1. Check if I meet the requirements of the card.
2. Pay the cost of the card and enjoy any instant effects it gives me.
3. Put the card in its proper spot.

Step 1: Checking Requirements

Step 2: Paying and Getting Instant Effects

First things first, you gotta pay for the card. Then, check out the bottom part of the card to see if there are any immediate effects. You can do these effects, as well as any other effects triggered by the card you just played, in whatever order you want. Gotta do any production stuff (look for the brown boxes on cards A, B, D, & E). If something with a red frame is involved, you can mess with any player you choose, even yourself. If there’s no red frame, it only affects you and you have to do it. So, in card A, you’re basically taking titanium production from another player, while in B, D, and E, you have to lower your energy or plant production to increase your M� production. Sometimes cards have tiles and tags with a red border. A ‘red’ tile means it can belong to any player, and a ‘red’ tag means it can be any player’s tag.

Put the Card in its Place (see Picture Below).

When you play a game, you collect events (red cards, C) in your own pile. They’re facedown and their effects only count while they’re being played (like getting a discount on card E when playing a space event). Automated cards (green, A, B) are placed face up in a stack on the table. You can only see the top row, but their tags still matter since they represent what you’re currently doing. Active cards (blue, D, E) have ongoing effects that can happen at any time or actions you can use, just like the corporations. Since you need to keep track of these cards, they’re placed with the top panel showing.

Hey there! Let’s talk about the cool cards in the game that represent terraforming ideas. These cards can have a big impact on the game by changing global parameters or boosting your TR. Some cards even show photosynthesizing organisms that release oxygen or heat sources that warm up the planet.

But that’s not all! There are also other cards that are linked to the terraforming process. Some require certain conditions to be met or specialize in early stages of terraforming.

And guess what? Each card has a flavor text that gives you a taste of what it does in the game’s world!

B. Use A Standard Project

Now let’s talk about the 6 standard projects printed on the game board. These projects are always available for you to use, and you can use them multiple times in the same round.

1. Sell patents: If you want to make some quick cash, you can discard a few cards from your hand to gain some mega bucks!
2. Power plant: Pay 11 M� to boost your energy production by 1 step.
3. Asteroid: Pay 14 M� to increase the temperature by 1 step (and also your TR).
4. Aquifer: Pay 18 M� to add an ocean tile (you also gain 1 TR and receive any placement bonuses).
5. Greenery: Pay 23 M� to add a greenery tile, which raises the oxygen level (and your TR) by 1 step. You also receive any placement bonuses. Put your marker on the tile.
6. City: Pay 25 M� to add a city tile (receive any placement bonuses and place your marker on it). You also boost your M� production by 1 step.

I have a few options for you to consider when it comes to expanding your presence on Mars. Each option has its own unique benefits, so let’s take a look!

First up, we have the Power Plant. For just 11 M�, you can increase your energy production by 1 step. This will ensure that you have enough power to fuel your operations and keep things running smoothly.

Next, we have the Asteroid option. By investing 14 M�, you can increase the temperature on Mars by 1 step. Not only does this help with overall terraforming efforts, but it also boosts your TR, which is always a bonus.

If you’re interested in adding more water to the planet, the Aquifer option might be the right choice for you. For 18 M�, you can place an ocean tile and gain 1 TR. Additionally, you’ll receive any placement bonuses that come with the tile. It’s a win-win situation!

If increasing the oxygen level is a top priority, then the Greenery option is the way to go. By paying 23 M�, you can place a greenery tile, which raises the oxygen level (and your TR) by 1 step. Plus, you’ll receive any placement bonuses that come with the tile. Don’t forget to put your marker on the tile to show your claim!

Lastly, we have the City option. For 25 M�, you can place a city tile on Mars. This comes with its own set of advantages – you’ll receive any placement bonuses, get to place your marker on the tile, and increase your M� production by 1 step. It’s a great way to expand your influence and further develop the planet.

So, there you have it – five options to consider when it comes to making your mark on Mars. Each option offers its own unique benefits and advantages, so choose wisely and watch your presence on the planet grow!

Example: When it’s my turn, I start by using the standard project City to get my third city tile. This not only expands my territory but also gives me extra bonuses because I’m playing as the Tharsis Republic corporation.

C. Claiming a Milestone

If you meet the requirements for a milestone, you have the opportunity to claim it. All it takes is paying 8 M� and placing your player marker on the milestone you want. However, keep in mind that each milestone can only be claimed by one player, and out of the 5 available milestones, only 3 can be claimed in total. So, there’s definitely a race to grab these valuable rewards! Plus, each claimed milestone is worth 5 victory points at the end of the game, so it’s definitely worth the effort.

Here are the milestones and what you need to do to claim them (in addition to paying 8 M�):

1. Terraformer: This milestone requires you to have a terraform rating of at least 35. So, make sure you’re actively working on raising your rating!
2. Mayor: To claim the Mayor milestone, you need to have at least 3 city tiles under your control. Keep expanding your cities to meet this requirement!
3. Gardener: The Gardener milestone is all about having a green thumb. You must own at least 3 greenery tiles to claim it. So, focus on cultivating your own little green paradise on Mars!
4. Builder: For the Builder milestone, you need to have a whopping 8 building tags in play. That’s no small feat, but the rewards make it worth striving for. Keep constructing those buildings!

Planner: To claim this milestone, you need to have at least 16 cards in your hand. Remember, the more cards you have, the better chance you have of getting this milestone and earning victory points. Example: Let’s say Robinson has already built three cities. His second action is to claim the Mayor milestone. Since he has 16 cards in his hand, he qualifies for it. He pays 8 M� and puts one of his markers on the Mayor milestone. This milestone is worth 5 victory points! Now, only two more milestones can be claimed, and no one else can claim the Mayor milestone.

D. Fund an Award

You don’t have to fulfill any specific requirements to fund an award. The first player to fund an award pays 8 M� and puts one of their markers on it. The second player pays 14 M� to fund an award, and the last player pays 20 M�. Remember, only three awards can be funded, and each award can only be funded once. So, choose wisely and try to fund as many awards as you can for those extra victory points!

In the final tally, every award is carefully examined. The player who emerges victorious in a category receives 5 VPs, regardless of who funded the award! The runner-up earns 2 VPs, except in a 2-player game where second place earns no VPs. Ties are handled in a friendly manner: multiple players can share the first or second place bonus. For example, if there are two first-place winners, no second place is awarded.

Let’s take a look at the awards and what they recognize:

1. Landlord: This award goes to the player who owns the most tiles in play.

2. Banker: The highest M� production secures this award.

3. Scientist: The player with the most science tags in play is hailed as the Scientist.

4. Thermalist: The award for the most heat resource cubes goes to the Thermalist.

5. Miner: The player who possesses the most steel and titanium resource cubes claims the title of Miner.

The Importance of Using Blue Cards

Let me tell you about a scenario that unfolded during a game. A guy named Stanley was so determined to win an award for being a thermalist that he forked over 8 M€ to fund it. His plan was to rely on the heat generated by his GHG Factories to secure his victory. On the other hand, there was a player named Kim who was also producing heat and had 12 units in her resource box, while Stanley had 12 and Robinson had 5. In the end, Stanley and Kim tied for first place, each earning 5 victory points, while poor Robinson got nothing.

How to Use the Action on a Blue Card

Now, I want to talk about the actions that come with blue cards. You see, many blue cards and corporations have these special actions indicated by a red arrow. Each of these action cards can only be used once every generation. But here’s the catch – before you can use an action on a blue card, you have to pay any costs mentioned to the left of the arrow. Once you do that, you can enjoy the benefit of whatever the arrow points to. Oh, and don’t forget to place a little player marker on the card to show that you’ve used it this generation. Those markers will later be taken off during the production phase.

Example:

At the end of the game, I have Livestock (card D) in play. I get to pick its action during my turn, adding an ‘animal’ to the card and placing my player marker on it.

Blue cards can also have effects that are always active, like Shuttles (Card E): When I play a space card, it costs 2 M¢ less. I can use these effects at any time since they are not actions.

F. Transform Plants Into Greenery

To convert 8 plant resources into a greenery tile, I get to raise the oxygen level by 1 step and increase my TR by 1 step.

Note that I must place the greenery tile next to one of my existing tiles if possible. This placement might also grant me additional bonuses.

For example: I take 8 plant resources from my plant box on the player board. This increases the oxygen level by 1 step and raises my terraform rating by 1 step too. Then I place a greenery tile between 2 of my city tiles and I get the placement bonus, which happens to be 2 plants, as printed on the chosen area.

By doing this, I not only gain 1 TR plus the placement bonus, but the greenery itself will also be worth 1 victory point (VP) in the end game scoring. Additionally, each adjacent city will receive 1 VP as well.

G. Turn Heat Into Temperature

I can spend 8 heat resources to increase the temperature by 1 step. This will also increase my TR by 1 step.

End of the Game

When all three global parameters (ocean, temperature, and oxygen) reach their goals, the game comes to a close at the end of that round. After the production phase, you have one last chance to convert plants into greenery tiles. Remember, this is done in player order and can trigger additional effects, like placement bonuses.

Once the final round is complete, it’s time for the final scoring. To avoid any confusion, we recommend selecting one player to handle the scoring, while others make sure it’s done accurately.

Final Scoring

1. TR: Your TR at the end of the game serves as your base score. As you tally up victory points from the rest of the scoring, move your marker forward from this point.

Awards: When it comes to awards, the leading player in a category gets 5 VPs, while the runner-up receives 2 VPs. In a two-player game, ties are friendly, so both players at the same level get the same VPs for coming in first or second place. Make sure to add these points to your TR-track.

Milestones: Each claimed Milestone is worth 5 VPs. They can give you a nice boost!

Game board: The game board itself is also a source of VPs. You’ll earn 1 VP for each greenery tile you have and 1 VP for each city tile you have for each adjacent greenery tile. Remember to count these in player order to avoid any confusion.

Cards: First, count all the VPs on cards that collect resources. Make sure to take those into account.

The Winner Takes It All!

Hey there! Did you know that in this game, the player who ends up with the most points is the big winner? It’s a pretty simple concept, but let me break it down for you. The person with the highest total score when everything is said and done takes home the ultimate prize! And in case you were wondering, if there happens to be a tie, the tiebreaker is determined by the player with the most Mü (I know, fancy, right?). So, make sure you keep an eye on those points and give it your all to come out on top!

Here’s a Tip

If you’re feeling a little lost when it comes to understanding the symbols on the cards, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Just take a look at the explanations in parentheses on the card. They’ll help you make sense of what each symbol means and how it can affect your game. Cool, huh?

Oh, and one more thing – sometimes there can be a lot of effects happening all at once in this game. It can get a bit overwhelming, I know. So, let’s all lend each other a helping hand to keep track of everything. When multiple effects are triggered at the same time, the player who’s currently in charge gets to decide the order in which they resolve. Oh, and this goes for everyone’s triggered effects, not just their own. So, let’s work together and make sure we’re playing fair!