Terraforming Mars Symbols

What are the symbols used in the game Terraforming Mars? And what do they mean? Let me break it down for you!

First, let’s talk about the green leaf symbol. It represents plant production, so when you see it on a card or a tile, it means you can increase your plant production by one. Plants are important for terraforming Mars because they generate oxygen and increase the global oxygen level.

Next up, the red lightning bolt symbol. This symbol represents energy production. Just like plants, energy is crucial for the terraforming process. It powers your machines and allows you to perform various actions in the game.

Money is another important resource in Terraforming Mars, and it’s represented by the gold coin symbol. When you see this symbol, it means you can gain money or spend money to perform certain actions or buy cards.

The blue drop symbol represents the water resource. Water is vital for Mars colonization, as it can be used for various purposes like generating oxygen or growing plants. When you see this symbol, it means you can increase your water production or use water for different actions.

Finally, we have the titanium symbol, represented by the silvery-gray diamond. Titanium is used for constructing buildings and infrastructure on Mars. When you see this symbol, it means you can increase your titanium production or spend titanium to build structures.

These symbols are the key to success in Terraforming Mars. By understanding their meanings and utilizing them effectively, you can strategically build your colony and make Mars habitable for humanity.

When it comes to winning the game, the key is to have the most Victory points (VPs). You can score VPs in various ways, such as by increasing your Terraform rating, claiming tiles on the map, earning Milestones and Awards, and playing certain cards.

What to Focus On

In order to make Mars habitable, there are four important factors you need to consider. These are known as parameters and are represented on the game board. The first parameter is the Terraform rating, which measures the progress of making Mars more like Earth. The higher your Terraform rating, the closer you are to success. The second parameter is temperature, which needs to be increased to create a more comfortable climate. The third parameter is oxygen level, which should be raised to make the air breathable. And lastly, there’s ocean coverage, which refers to the amount of water on the planet’s surface that needs to be increased.

Terraform Rating (TR) is a way to measure how much you’ve helped with the terraforming. Every time you increase the oxygen, temperature, or add an ocean tile, your TR goes up.

Each point of TR is worth 1 Victory Point (VP) at the end of the game, and the Terraforming Committee gives you income based on your TR. You begin with a TR of 20.

When the mean temperature at the equator goes up by 2 �C each time, starting from -30�C and reaching +8�C, something interesting happens. This process creates an equatorial zone where water remains in liquid form. Imagine this symbol as a representation of increasing the temperature by 1 step. As a result, your TR (or Temperature Rating) also goes up by 1 step.

Hey there! Did you know that the oxygen level can be measured as a percentage of atmospheric pressure? It’s kind of like comparing it to Earth’s 21% oxygen. Cool, right? Now, here’s something interesting: when the oxygen level drops to around 14%, it’s similar to being at an elevation of 3000 meters on Earth. So, remember this symbol – it means that you can increase the oxygen level by one step and also boost your TR by one step. Pretty awesome, huh?

When I look at each ocean tile, I see that it represents 1% of the ocean coverage. It’s amazing to think that Mars, with 9% of its surface covered by oceans, has its own hydrological cycle. This means that it can have rain and rivers, just like Earth!

If you want to place an ocean tile, look for the symbol that represents it. By doing so, you not only add to the ocean coverage, but you also increase your TR (terraforming rating) by 1 step. And hey, you might even get a placement bonus!

Resources

All resources in the game are represented by resource cubes. They come in three different sizes: small (bronze), medium (silver), and large (gold). These cubes can be used as any kind of resource you need them to be. Pretty cool, huh?

The location where you place the resource cubes determines what kind of resource they represent. On your player board, you can collect the six standard resources: megacredits, steel, titanium, plants, energy, and heat. These resources are essential for your terraforming efforts.

Keep in mind that certain cards in the game can also collect resources. Usually, these cards are related to animals and microorganisms. If a card adds a resource that is not one of the standard ones, you usually place it on that same card. So make sure to keep an eye out for those special resource cards!

So, you’ve probably heard about this thing called the MegaCredit (M�). It’s what you use to buy and play cards, and to participate in all kinds of projects, milestones, and awards.

Steel is like the building blocks we use on Mars. It’s a special type of metal called a magnesium alloy. You can use steel to trade for cards that help you build, and each piece of steel is worth 2 Mars dollars.

Let me tell you about Titanium. It’s pretty cool! Titanium represents resources that are important in space or for the space industry. You can use Titanium to pay for space cards, and each unit of Titanium is worth 3 M². So if you have some Titanium, you’re in luck! It’s like having a secret weapon up your sleeve. Space travel can be expensive, and having Titanium can make it easier for you to get where you want to go. So keep your eyes peeled for Titanium, because it’s a valuable resource that can take you to the stars!

Did you know that plants use photosynthesis?

It’s pretty amazing, if you ask me. When I say “photosynthesis,” I mean that plants have this incredible ability to convert 8 resources into a beautiful greenery tile. And guess what? You get to place that tile on the board! How cool is that?

But that’s not all. When you place a greenery tile, it doesn’t just add to the beauty of the board. It also increases the oxygen level, which is really important. And you know what else? It increases your TR (that stands for “Terraforming Rating”) by 1 step. Good for you!

Oh, and did I mention that each greenery tile is worth 1 victory point? Yep, you heard right. It’s like a little bonus for all your hard work. But wait, it gets even better. Each greenery tile also generates 1 victory point for each nearby city tile. So not only do you get points, but you also help out your neighbors. Talk about a win-win situation!

So, next time you’re playing a game and you see that opportunity to use photosynthesis, go for it! It’s a great way to boost your points and make the board a little bit greener. Happy terraforming!

Energy is something that cities and industries need a lot of. We use it in different ways, like when we turn on lights or run machines. But did you know that energy can also be used to do other things?

When I use a blue card, it takes energy. It’s like I’m spending some of my energy to make something happen. And when I do this, it can affect the energy I have left. In fact, if I use too much energy, it can make my energy production go down.

Imagine this: I have a bucket full of energy, and every time I use a blue card, I take a little bit of energy out of the bucket. That energy doesn’t just disappear; it turns into heat. It’s like pouring hot water into a cup – it warms things up!

So, when it comes to energy, there’s a lot to consider. It’s not just about using it, but also about how it impacts the energy I have left and the energy I can produce. And if you want to make smart choices, you need to understand how it all works.

By following some simple guidelines, you can make sure you’re using energy in the best way possible. This means using just the right amount and finding ways to save energy when you can. Remember, energy is important, and we all play a part in making sure we use it wisely!

Heat is what makes the Martian atmosphere warmer. When I take action, I can use up to 8 heat resources to raise the temperature and increase my Terraforming Rating (TR) by 1.

There are different resources, like animals and microbes, that I can collect from their specific cards. These cards also explain what each resource does.

Creating something new is shown by the resource symbol in a brown box. This means that I increase my plant production parameter by 1 step on my player board. By doing this, I can generate a consistent supply of plant resources. It’s important to note that production is not limited to 10; if my production exceeds this number, I simply keep the marker at 10 and begin a new marker to continue counting.

Only negative production can be represented as -5. However, since my total income includes my TR (which is always positive), I don’t have to worry about having a negative income.

Cards are like big projects. You can choose to take them on, and each card has 0-3 different tags that describe what it’s about. These tags help you decide which other cards you can use with it. Buying a card for your hand during the research phase costs 3 M�, but playing it from your hand into play costs a different amount. If you see this symbol, it means you can add a card to your hand for free.

Tags

Cards have 0-3 tags that describe them and help other cards connect to them. There aren’t any special rules for the different tags.

Attention: I want to talk to you about something really cool – building on Mars! This is a big project that involves constructing things on the red planet. And guess what? We might even use steel to help make it happen!

Space: This project is all about space exploration. Titanium is a special metal that can be used as payment for this amazing card that I’m going to tell you about. Let’s dive in!

The project revolves around power – specifically, the generation and management of energy.

Science: This project makes science more fun and helps you learn more. Some cards have science tags to help you explore scientific concepts.

Jovian, it’s a word that’s all about Jupiter. I mean, seriously, how cool is that? This whole project is basically about exploring the outer solar system and all the amazing things out there!

Earth: My work focuses on things that happen right here on Earth.

Hey there! Let’s talk about plants, shall we? Plants are incredible living beings that have this wonderful thing called photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis, what’s that? Well, it’s a process where plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make oxygen and glucose. Oxygen is what we breathe in, and glucose is a kind of sugar that plants need to survive. It’s pretty cool, right?

So, why are plants so important? Let me tell you! Plants play a crucial role in our lives and the life of our planet. They give us fresh air to breathe by pumping out oxygen during this whole photosynthesis thing. Can you imagine a world without trees and beautiful flowers? It wouldn’t be the same, believe me!

But it doesn’t stop there! Plants also provide us with food. Fruits, vegetables, grains – they all come from plants. They give us fuel for our bodies and keep us healthy and strong.

Speaking of strength, did you know that plants can be used to make medicine? It’s true! Many medicines come from plants. Scientists study them and figure out which ones can heal us when we’re sick. Amazing, right?

And let’s not forget about the environment! Plants help keep our planet clean and green. They absorb carbon dioxide, a gas that can harm the Earth’s atmosphere, and turn it into oxygen. This helps fight climate change and keeps the balance in our ecosystem.

So, the next time you see a beautiful flower or eat a delicious apple, remember all the incredible things plants do for us. They are truly remarkable!

Microbe: Hey there! Let me tell you all about this super interesting project I’m working on that involves special little creatures called microbes.

Animal: Animals. They’re all around us. They can be helping us to understand our own nature, and they can also bring us immense joy and companionship. Animals have a way of capturing our hearts and reminding us of the wonders of the natural world. But they are not merely passive observers; they possess a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that we can tap into if we take the time to listen and learn. Animals can teach us about resilience, strength, and loyalty. They can show us how to live in harmony with the earth and with each other.

When I place a city tile, it’s like I’m adding a piece to a puzzle. The city comes to life, bustling with energy and activity. It’s not as easy as it seems, though. I need to make sure I have enough energy to power the city, and I also need to think about the consequences of my actions. Let me explain.

First of all, energy is a big deal when it comes to cities. Without energy, the city can’t function properly. That’s why it’s important for me to consider my energy production before placing a city tile. I wouldn’t want to create a city that can’t sustain itself.

Secondly, placing a city tile doesn’t just generate energy. It also produces M�. M� is a resource that I can use for various purposes in the game. So, when I place a city tile, I not only contribute to the growth of my city, but I also gain a valuable resource.

However, I need to be mindful of the consequences of my actions. Placing a city tile might seem like a good idea at first, but it can have negative effects on the environment. I need to strike a balance between expanding my city and preserving the natural world around it. After all, a sustainable city is a city worth living in.

So, when you’re playing the game and you’re considering placing a city tile, remember these things. Think about the energy production, the resource you’ll gain, and the impact on the environment. It’s not just about building a city, but also about creating a better future for everyone.

Event: This is a special event that only happens once. Once it occurs, it is removed from the game.

Tiles

The game board is made up of a map divided into squares where you can place tiles. When you place a tile, you might get a bonus if the area has a bonus printed on it. You also get 2 M€ for each adjacent ocean tile. There are four types of tiles:

• #image.jpgThis symbol means you can place an ocean tile. Placing an ocean tile increases your Terraforming Rating by 1. There are 12 specific areas on the game board where ocean tiles can be placed. No other types of tiles can be placed in these areas. Ocean tiles are not owned by any player, but they give a 2 M€ bonus to any player who places a tile next to them.

#image.jpgWhen you see this symbol, it means that you need to put a greenery tile on the board. The greenery tile should have an owner marker, which will increase the oxygen level and the TR. Ideally, you should place the tile next to another tile that you own. But if that’s not possible, you can put it on any available area. It’s important to note that greenery tiles are worth 1 VP at the end of the game, and they also generate a VP for any adjacent city (you can learn more about city tiles in the next point). #image.jpgThis symbol indicates that you need to put a city tile on the board. Just like with the greenery tile, the city tile should have an owner marker. However, you cannot place a city tile next to another city tile. Each city tile is worth 1 VP for every adjacent greenery tile at the end of the game, regardless of who owns the greenery tile. So be strategic when placing your city tiles to maximize your points.

When you play the game Terraforming Mars, you might notice some symbols with a brown color. These symbols represent special tiles that you can place on the board. Each tile has its own description and comes with an owner marker. So, make sure to follow any rules or restrictions mentioned on the card when placing these special tiles.

Now let’s talk about the red border that you might see on certain icons in the game. This red border signifies that the action associated with that icon can only be done once per round. So, keep an eye out for these icons and plan your moves accordingly.

By paying attention to these symbols and borders in Terraforming Mars, you can make strategic decisions and improve your gameplay. So, have fun exploring the possibilities and creating your own unique Martian landscape!

When you see an icon with a red border, it means it can affect any player – including you and your opponent.

If you have a card that removes resources with a red border, you can choose to remove them from any player. Keep in mind that you can also choose to remove only some of the resources, or even not remove any at all.

If you have a card that reduces the production of a resource with a red border, you must use the card’s effect. However, if your opponent doesn’t have that production, you have a choice: either decrease your own production or decide not to play the card.

When a card has a red-bordered tile icon, it affects everyone’s tiles, not just yours.

Similarly, if a card has a red-bordered tag icon, it affects all cards with that same icon, whether they belong to you or someone else.