On Mars
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 150 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 4.6 / 5
- Year
- 2020
About the game
On Mars puts you in charge of a private colonization effort on the red planet, balancing supply runs from Earth against the construction of a fully self-sustaining Martian colony. You'll manage a chain of dependencies, water feeds oxygen, oxygen feeds shelters, power feeds mining, while completing contracts and missions for bonus points. Designer Vital Lacerda's signature interlocking systems create a dense, puzzle-like economy across the Colonization and Shuttle phases. It's a heavy strategy game for 1-4 players built for players who love intricate systems.
Hobbli's Notes
On Mars is a Lacerda game through and through: dense, intricate, and deeply rewarding once its many interlocking systems click into place. It asks a lot of new players up front, but the payoff for strategy fans who enjoy optimization puzzles is considerable.
What we like
- Intricate resource-dependency chain creates deeply satisfying long-term planning.
- Strong thematic integration between mechanics and the Mars colonization setting.
- High replayability from variable contracts, missions, and blueprints.
- Solo mode offers a genuine single-player challenge.
Keep in mind
- Very high complexity and rules overhead intimidate newer players.
- Long playtime and heavy downtime in full player counts.
- Steep learning curve before the interlocking systems become intuitive.
Who it's for
Best for experienced strategy gamers aged 14+ who enjoy complex resource chains and puzzle-like optimization; suited to a dedicated group of 1-4 players.
