Welcome to Mars Setup!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live on Mars? Well, I’m here to tell you all about it! Join me on this exciting journey as I walk you through the various aspects of living on the red planet.

Living Conditions

When it comes to Mars, the living conditions are quite different from what we’re used to on Earth. The average temperature on Mars is a chilling -80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is definitely not beach weather. Plus, the atmosphere is predominantly made up of carbon dioxide, so you can forget about taking a leisurely stroll outside without a spacesuit.

Choosing the Right Spacesuit

Now, choosing the right spacesuit is crucial for survival on Mars. You’ll need a suit that can protect you from the freezing temperatures and the thin atmosphere. It should also be equipped with oxygen tanks to supply you with breathable air. Oh, and don’t forget the boots, you’ll need those to navigate the rocky terrain.

Food and Water

Food and water are essential for staying alive, even on Mars. The good news is that scientists have come up with a solution – hydroponic farming. This innovative method allows us to grow plants indoors using water and mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil. As for water, it can be extracted from the ice found on Mars. So, you won’t have to worry about going thirsty.

Communication

Staying connected with your loved ones back on Earth is incredibly important. Luckily, we have a reliable communication system in place. Satellites in orbit around Mars help us transmit messages back and forth. You can even have video chats with your family and friends, even though they might be millions of miles away.

Exploring Mars

Now, the most exciting part – exploring Mars! There’s so much to discover on this mysterious planet. You can join a rover expedition and help collect data about the Martian surface. Who knows, you might even stumble upon signs of past life!

Conclusion

Living on Mars is definitely an adventure like no other. From the extreme living conditions to the innovative technologies, every day is filled with surprises. So, if you’re ready to embark on this extraordinary journey, pack your bags and get ready for the experience of a lifetime!

Let’s get started by setting up the game board. Put it in the middle of the table where everyone can reach it. The board is divided into two sections. On the left side, you’ll find the Mars Space Station, floating in orbit above the planet. The rest of the board represents the Colony, where we’ll be landing and setting up our new home on Mars.

#image.jpg The main board is like a computer screen that shows us what’s happening on Mars. We can monitor the colonization of the planet in real-time using satellites in orbit.

Setting up the Orbit Side

First, we need to shuffle the Discovery tiles. Place them face-down in a stack beside the board. Take the top two tiles and turn them face-up. Put them on the Exploration space.

Next, we’ll stock up the Warehouse spaces. Put three of each of the following resources: Crystals, Batteries, Water, Plants, and Oxygen. Each resource goes in its own space.

Note: If we’re playing with only two people, we’ll use only two of each resource instead of three.

Okay, let’s get started with the setup! I’ll guide you through it.

First, grab the Tech tiles. Look for the ones that have a Shelter in each player’s color and set them aside.

Next, divide the remaining tiles into two sets, based on the color on the back. Give one set a good shuffle and place them face up on the Tech Grid, one tile on each space. After that, take the 8 remaining Tech tiles (excluding the Shelters), shuffle them, and create two stacks next to the Tech Grid, with the tiles facing down.

Hey, here’s a tip for a 2-player game: you only need 1 set of tiles. So just use that and remove the other set from the game, easy peasy!

Okay, now let’s deal with the Blueprint cards. Split them into two decks, based on the design on their backs: Level 1 and Level 3. Shuffle each deck separately and place them face down near the board, with the Level 1 cards on top of the Level 3 cards.

Finally, take the top 6 cards from the deck and put them face up in a display along the side of the board. And we’re all set!

Colony Side

I’ll tell you what to do with the Scientist display and cards. First, find a good spot for the display next to the main board. Then, take the 6 Scientist cards and put them in the spaces on the board in a specific order. From left to right, you should place the Geologist, R&D Engineer, Hydrologist, Biochemist, Geochemist, and Systems Engineer cards.

When you place the cards, make sure they cover the Crystal icon on the top part of each space. You should still be able to see the cost on the bottom section of each space. After that, take the matching Scientist marker for each card and put it on top of its corresponding card.

Now, let’s move on to the Earth Contract cards. Take all of them and place them face down in a deck on the Scientist display. No need to shuffle them, just keep them as they are.

Lastly, grab the starting Mine card. It’s the one with an S on the back. Put it in the space that’s indicated in the center of the board.

Alright, let’s get started! Here’s what you need to do:

Step 8: Now grab the remaining starting Buildings that have an “S” on the back and randomly place them on the designated spaces of the board. Make sure that all the tiles have the same orientation, with the notch pointing towards the bottom of the board.

Reminder: Don’t forget that the Shelters will be placed during player setup.

Step 9: Take the Building display board and place it next to the Scientist cards. Sort the rest of the Buildings into stacks based on their type. Shuffle each stack separately and place them face down on the corresponding spaces according to the building’s image.

Step 10: Grab the Research tiles and separate them by type, considering their color and letter. Place them on the indicated spaces of the map. Keep all the tiles of the same type together in the same corner of the map.

11. Let’s start by organizing the Mission cards. We’ll divide them into two different decks: Short and Long. Once we’ve done that, we’ll shuffle each deck separately. If we’re playing a short game, we’ll randomly choose 2 Short Mission cards and 1 Long Mission card. For a long game, we’ll choose 1 Short Mission card and 2 Long Mission cards.

Note: If this is your first game, it’s recommended to use the First Colonists variant. Place the Mission cards face up on the designated spaces on the board. After that, take the Mission marker for each space and place it near the corresponding action on the board.

12. Now, let’s set up the Mission cards on the board. For each Mission card, place a Mission tracker cube near it. Make sure to put the cube on the appropriate space based on the number of players in the game.

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Mission cards chosen for a Short game: 2 Short and 1 Long.

Hey there! Let’s get started with setting up the game. Here’s what you need to do:

13 – Put the Remaining Missions marker on space 3 of the Missions track.

 

14 – Place all the Crystals and Resources next to the board to create a general supply.

 

Life Support System (LSS)

 

15 – Put the Colony level marker on the left side of the second row.

 

16 – Place the LSS Track markers on the appropriate spaces of the bottom row.

 

17 – Shuffle the LSS Reward tiles and randomly put 4 of them face up on the top spaces. Store the rest back in the box, as they won’t be necessary for this game.

 

Player Setup

When it’s time to start a game, I get to choose the color I want to play with. Once I’ve made my choice, I gather the following items:

1. One player board.

2. One player marker.

3. One OP marker, which I place on the 0 space of the OP track.

4. One resource of each of the five types, which I place on the matching spaces of my Storage A.

5. One crystal, which I put in the Depot E.

6. One Shelter Tech tile, which I had set-aside earlier. I place it on the middle space of the second column in my Laboratory B.

7. Five ships, which I place on the top five Depot spaces.

8. Five Shelter Buildings. I place four of them in their designated positions on the right side of my Player board, and the last one I place building-side up in one of the Shelter starting positions. The specific position depends on the number of players, as shown in the images to the right and in the indicated hexes on the main board. I like to place my Shelters close to me for easy access.

When you start the game, you’ll have a few things to set up. Let me walk you through it.

First, you’ll need to place 9 bots on the board. 3 of them go beside your Player board, and 1 goes on your Shelter on the main board.

Next, you’ll take 8 Advanced Building markers and place them beside your Player board. These will come in handy later.

Then, you’ll need to position 12 colonists. 3 of them should be placed in the Living Quarters, and the remaining 9 go beside your Player board.

Don’t forget about your trusty rover! Make sure to place it beside your Player board.

Each resource has a progress cube. There are 5 cubes in total, with 1 cube placed below each resource.

Finally, we have the Private Goal cards. Shuffle them up and deal each player 3 cards face down. Take a peek at your cards, but keep them secret from the other players. Any leftover cards go back in the box.

Now, here’s a fun twist to decide who goes first. The player who has watched the movie “The Martian” the most times gets the honor!

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In a game, the players take turns in a specific order. It starts with the first player and goes clockwise. Each player can choose any empty space on the Turn Order track, from 1 to 8. When a player places their marker on a space, they immediately get the benefit associated with that space.

Once all the players have placed their markers, the player whose marker is on the highest numbered Turn Order space gets to decide where the Shuttle goes. They can place it on one of the Red Travel spaces, each of which has a number 1 on it. They can choose to put the Shuttle on either the Colony side or the Orbit side. It’s up to them to decide.

Have you ever wondered about the various factors involved in selecting the right space for a shuttle? It seems like a tough decision to make, doesn’t it? Well, let me break it down for you.

First and foremost, let’s talk about minerals. They play a vital role in determining the suitability of a space for a shuttle. Some minerals can actually affect the functioning of a shuttle, so it’s important to consider their presence and impact.

Gravity is another crucial factor to consider. Different planets and celestial bodies have varying levels of gravity. This can influence the launch and landing of a shuttle, so it’s important to take it into account.

Atmosphere is yet another important consideration. You see, the composition of the atmosphere can have a significant impact on a shuttle’s performance. Some atmospheres may be too thin or too thick, making it difficult for a shuttle to operate efficiently.

Now, let’s think about temperature. Extreme temperature conditions can pose challenges for a shuttle. Extremely high temperatures can affect the materials used in the construction of the shuttle, while extremely low temperatures can impair its functioning.

Radiation is also a key factor to keep in mind. Some spaces may have high levels of radiation, which can be detrimental to both the shuttle and its crew. Minimizing exposure to radiation is crucial for the safety of everyone involved.

Finally, we must consider the presence of water. Water might seem harmless, but it can actually be quite a challenge for a shuttle. It adds weight and can be corrosive, so it needs to be carefully assessed and managed.

So you see, choosing the right space for a shuttle involves a careful evaluation of these factors. It’s a complex process that requires a deep understanding of various elements. But by considering minerals, gravity, atmosphere, temperature, radiation, and water, we can ensure a successful mission. Now, isn’t that fascinating?

Minerals are vital resources that we need on the surface of Mars. We use them for many different things, and they can even be substituted for other resources (except for crystals). The only time we can’t use minerals is when we’re fulfilling an Earth contract.

Your Shelter Display

Your shelter display, also known as your player board, is divided into several sections:

Storage

Here’s where I keep all my stuff. I’ve got a bunch of different things that I collect: Minerals, Batteries, Water, Plants, and Oxygen.

I can only keep as many as I have Shelter tiles on my map plus one. So if I only have one shelter, I can only store two of each Resource.

The order I arrange my Resources is really important. They’re like puzzle pieces, and the ones on the left help me build the things on the right. For example, I need batteries to build a water extractor, then I need water to build a greenhouse, and so on.

Welcome to the Laboratory!

Hey there! Welcome to the Lab! This is the place where we explore and create innovative technologies. It’s like a playground for scientists and inventors like you and me.

So, what’s the deal with this place? Well, the Laboratory is where we get to put our research into action. We take all those cool ideas and turn them into real-life inventions that can change the world.

Imagine having a magical space where you can develop and test out all sorts of amazing technologies. That’s what the Lab is all about. It’s like a secret hideout for nerdy geniuses like us.

Now, let’s talk about how this place works. When you come up with a new idea or concept, you can bring it here to the Lab. We’ll provide all the tools and equipment you need to bring your invention to life.

Whether you’re working on a new gadget, a cutting-edge app, or a mind-blowing scientific discovery, the Lab is the perfect place to make it happen. It’s a hub for creativity and innovation, where your ideas can blossom and thrive.

And the best part? You’re not alone in this journey. We have a team of brilliant scientists and researchers who are always ready to lend a hand. They’re here to help you fine-tune your inventions, overcome any challenges, and turn your dreams into reality.

So, what are you waiting for? Come on in and let’s start turning your wildest ideas into groundbreaking innovations. The Lab is waiting for you!

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C. Home sweet home!

This is where you and your fellow colonists will live. When the game starts, you already have space for 4 Colonists, and 3 of those slots are already taken. But don’t worry, if you build more shelters, you’ll unlock 2 additional slots for each one!

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My Working Area

Hey there! I want to tell you about my favorite place called the Working Area. It’s this special spot where I can send my colonists to help me with different tasks. Let me explain it to you!

So, in my Working Area, I can send as many colonists as I want. There’s no limit! These colonists are like my little helpers, you know. They can boost the actions I take. It’s pretty amazing!

Having lots of colonists in my Working Area is super handy because it means I can get things done more quickly. They make my tasks easier and faster, which is awesome.

And you won’t believe this – the Working Area is so versatile. It can adapt to any kind of task I need help with. Whether it’s building, farming, or crafting, my colonists are ready to lend a hand.

So now you know all about the Working Area and how it can make a big difference in my adventures. It’s like having a whole team of helpers right by my side. Pretty cool, right?

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Welcome to E. Depot!

I wanted to explain how the Depot works and why it’s such an important part of our game. You see, the Depot is like a storage space for your precious Crystals. And let me tell you, Crystals are super valuable in the game!

Now, here’s the thing. When you start playing the game, you’ll notice that you have 8 spaces in your Depot. But there’s a catch – at the beginning, only 3 of those spaces are available for use. Why, you ask? Well, it’s because your awesome Ships are using up 5 of the slots! They need a place to stay too, after all.

But here’s some good news – as you progress through the game and upgrade your Ships, they’ll start freeing up slots in the Depot. So, don’t worry if you feel a bit cramped in the beginning. Soon enough, you’ll have more space than you know what to do with!

Just remember, the Depot is where you store your Crystals. It’s like a treasure chest, eagerly waiting to be filled with your valuable loot. So keep collecting those Crystals, upgrade your Ships, and watch your Depot grow. The more Crystals you have, the more power you’ll have in the game!

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The F. Hangar: Your Ship Storage

I want to talk about a special place in the game called the F. Hangar. It’s where all of your Private Ships are kept.
During the game, these ships are moved from your Depot and stored here.

So, what is the F. Hangar exactly? It’s a designated area that serves as a storage facility for your ships. Think of it as a safe haven where your ships can rest and wait for their turn to shine.

The F. Hangar is an essential component of the game. It’s like your own personal shipyard, where you can manage and organize your fleet. It’s a place where you can survey your ships, make strategic decisions, and plan your next move.

Imagine walking into a hangar filled with powerful and sleek ships. Each ship has its own story and unique characteristics. As you walk through the hangar, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. These ships are yours, and they are ready to embark on epic adventures.

But the F. Hangar is more than just a storage unit. It’s a hub of activity and a source of inspiration. It’s a place where you can marvel at the sheer beauty and craftsmanship of your ships. It’s a place where you can imagine all the incredible journeys and triumphs that lie ahead.

Now, you might be wondering how to make the most of your F. Hangar. Well, it’s simple. Treat it with care and respect. Keep your ships in top condition. Maintain them regularly and make sure they are ready for action.

Remember, your F. Hangar is a sanctuary for your ships. It’s a place where they can find refuge and solace. So, take the time to appreciate and cherish your ships. They are not just vessels; they are a reflection of your passion and dedication.

In conclusion, the F. Hangar is the heart and soul of your ship collection. It’s a place where your dreams take flight, and where your imagination can soar. So, go ahead, step into your F. Hangar, and let the adventures begin!