Instructions Terraforming Mars: Ares-Expedition

Objective of the Game

In Terraforming Mars: Ares-Expedition, you take on the role of a corporation tasked with terraforming Mars. The goal of the game is to strategically play phase cards each turn to contribute the most towards terraforming and accumulate the most victory points.

Game Components

• Project Cards: These represent technologies, buildings, and actions which assist in terraforming Mars.
• Phase Tiles: These determine which phases are played in each round.
• Game Board: Displays terraform progress with oceans, oxygen level, and temperature.
• Resource Markers: Used to represent your income and available resources.
• Player Mats: For managing resources and corporation data.

Setup

1. Each player receives a player mat, a set of phase cards, and resource markers in one color.
2. Players draw 5 project cards and choose a starting corporation.
3. The game board is placed in the center with markers set for temperature, oxygen, and oceans.
4. Randomly choose a starting player.

Gameplay

The game progresses over several rounds divided into the following phases:

1. Research Phase

All players draw 2 cards and may keep cards from their hand (at a cost).

2. Development Phase

Players can play green project cards from their hand, providing lasting benefits.

3. Construction Phase

Players can play blue or red project cards, granting instant effects, income boosts, or challenges.

4. Production Phase

Players earn new resources in Mega Credits, heat, plants, etc., based on their buildings and technology cards.

5. (Optional) Research Phase

Allows players to draw additional project cards.

Key Rules and Strategies

1. Phase Selection: Before each round, players secretly choose which phases to play. The most selected phases are executed during the round.
2. Victory Points System: Points are awarded for terraform progress and played cards at the end of the game.
3. Resource Management: Efficient resource management is crucial to play cards and trigger special actions.
4. Card Interactions: Some cards offer synergies and additional advantages when combined.

End of Game

Once all oceans are placed, and both oxygen and temperature levels are maximized, the game ends. The player with the most victory points wins.

Note: Strategically use your corporation's abilities and plan ahead to maximize your victory points from project cards.