Terraforming Mars
- Players
- 1-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.3 / 5
- Year
- 2016
About the game
In Terraforming Mars, players take on the role of corporations racing to make Mars habitable by raising its temperature, oxygen, and ocean coverage. You acquire project cards that grant bonuses and boost production, then decide when to play them as conditions on Mars evolve. Tile placement lets you claim the best spots for cities, greenery, and oceans, while milestones and awards offer additional ways to score. The corporation with the highest combined Terraform Rating and other points wins.
Hobbli's Notes
Terraforming Mars is a modern classic of the engine-building genre, praised for its huge pool of unique project cards and satisfying long-term strategy. The tile-placement race across the shared Mars board adds a layer of tension to an otherwise engine-focused game. It can start slowly and low-interaction early on, but the payoff as engines come online is deeply rewarding. Its solo mode is also one of the best available in this weight class.
What we like
- Hundreds of unique project cards create excellent replayability.
- Strong, well-regarded solo mode.
- Thematic tile-placement race adds meaningful player interaction.
- Satisfying sense of long-term engine building.
Keep in mind
- Can have a slow, low-interaction opening.
- Some corporations and cards are notably stronger than others.
- Playtime stretches longer with higher player counts.
Who it's for
Strategy gamers who enjoy card-driven engine building, best in groups of 2 to 3 though playable up to 5, ages 12 and up.
