Objective:
In Terraforming Mars, players take on the role of competing corporations tasked with developing the planet Mars by terraforming it. The game aims to earn Victory Points by increasing the planet's terraform rating via raising temperature, oxygen level, and ocean coverage.
Player Count & Setup:
- Players: 1 to 5
- Duration: 120 minutes or more
Initial Setup:
- Each player selects a corporation card from two options and is dealt 10 project cards. Players choose 1 corporation and keep up to 10 project cards, paying 3 Megacredits per card.
- Players receive an initial amount of Megacredits and resources based on their chosen corporation.
Gameplay:
The game is played over several rounds consisting of different phases:
1. Generation Phase:
- Players refresh their resource income.
- Trigger any events that occur at the beginning of each generation.
2. Research Phase:
- Each player draws 4 project cards and decides which they want to buy, costing 3 Megacredits each.
3. Action Phase:
- Beginning with the starting player, players take turns performing up to two actions. Action options include:
- Playing a project card (pay the cost and enact the effect)
- Using a standard project (such as building cities or forests)
- Activating a green or blue card (if applicable)
- Claiming milestones or funding awards
- Buying and enacting corporate and project effects
- Passing if no more actions can be or want to be taken
- Through these actions, the players terraform the planet, increasing their terraform rating on the board’s track.
4. Production Phase:
- Energy is converted into heat.
- Players gain resources as indicated on their player boards: Megacredits, Steel, Titanium, Plants, Energy, and Heat.
End of Game:
The game concludes when all three global parameters (oxygen level, temperature, oceans) are at their target levels.
Scoring and Winning:
Players tally their points from: - Terraform rating - Scores from cards - Points for cities and adjacent green tiles - Claimed milestones and funded awards
The player with the highest score wins.
Strategic Tips:
- Choosing Corporations: Selecting the right corporation based on starting cards can greatly impact your strategy.
- Resource Management: Balance short-term gains and long-term terraforming goals carefully.
- Action Timing: Optimize the sequence of actions to maximize resource use efficiently.
Enjoy your journey of transforming Mars!
