Best Terraforming Mars Expansions In 2024 (2024)

Navigating the dusty red plains of Mars in a tabletop game is daunting enough as it is. Throw in a bunch of expansions and you've basically got a whole new universe to explore. For all you Terraforming Mars aficionados, the real challenge isn't just terraforming the Red Planet—it's also deciding which expansion to explore next. We've combed through the Martian landscape and picked out the very best Terraforming Mars expansions. Below we dive into each one, exploring how they twist, turn, and transform your quest to make Mars habitable.

Updated on May 31, 2024, by Vaspaan Dastoor:Mars has always been looked at as the planet humans will colonize first. However, considering it's harsh terrain and atmosphere, a bit of terraforming will be required. Terraforming Mars and its various expansions give us an idea of how that might go. We've updated this list to bring it up to date with our style guide.

Best Terraforming Mars Expansions

Best for Veteran Players

Terraforming Mars: Colonies

The next step after terraforming

Terraforming Mars: Colonies transports players into a new realm of resource management, featuring moons, colonies, and intriguing trade options.

Pros

• Introduces dynamic new gameplay with colony building and trading.
• Adds fresh strategic layers with 5 new corporation cards.
• Expands possibilities with 49 innovative project cards.

Cons

• Slightly steep learning curve for beginners.

See at Amazon$26 at Walmart

Ready to experience one of the best board games set in space? The Colonies expansion is here to rocket your experience to new heights. It's like adding a sprinkle of cosmic dust to your board game night.

Imagine building colonies on distant moons and trading resources like a true space mogul. It's not just about terraforming Mars anymore; it's about leaving your mark on the entire solar system. With 49 project cards and five new corporations, you're looking at endless hours of strategizing and fun. Sure, it might be a bit of a head-scratcher at first, especially if you're new to the game, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be trading and colonizing like a pro. If you want to take it up another notch, you can mix things up with some Prelude cards.

Editor's Choice

Terraforming Mars: Prelude

Mission to Mars

Prelude turbocharges the beginning of Terraforming Mars, offering a strategic boost with new corporations and cards to enhance early gameplay.

Pros

• Accelerates game start with beneficial Prelude cards.
• Introduces five diverse and exciting new corporations.
• Adds intriguing project cards and a revamped solo mode.

Cons

• Choosing Prelude cards may be overwhelming for beginners.

See at Amazon$20 at Walmart

Fed up of your games ramping up too slowly? Prelude fixes that, handing you a set of Prelude cards right from the off. These cards are like your own personal boosters, giving you resources and benefits without costing you a dime. Not to mention five shiny new corporation cards. Whether you're shaving costs off building tags with Cheung Shing Mars or funding awards for free with ViTor, these corporations add a whole new layer of strategy to your play.

The project cards are the cherry on top. With the addition of a wild card tag, your strategic flexibility goes through the roof. It's like being handed a Swiss Army knife in the middle of a Martian desert. Now, for the solo commanders out there, Prelude has got your back. The solo summary card tweaks your objectives and gives you a new standard project. It's perfect for those quiet nights when you want to terraform Mars all by your lonesome.

Best for Beginners

Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium

The dark side of Mars

Explore uncharted territories on Mars with Hellas & Elysium, featuring two distinct maps and unique milestones, reinventing your terraforming strategies.

Pros

• Introduces innovative milestones and awards for varied gameplay.
• Offers two fresh maps with unique geographic features.
• Accessible and engaging for beginners.

Cons

• Lacks new corporations and project cards.

See at Amazon

This expansion might not be the flashiest in your collection, but it's a hidden gem that changes the game in subtle yet impactful ways.

You've got two new playgrounds here:

• Hellas - A map focusing on the southern area of Mars, featuring the South Pole and Argyre Planitia sea tile. Unique aspects include heat tiles due to a thinner crust, and a special tile at the South Pole that offers strategic benefits for placing tiles.
• Elysium - Located west of Tharsis, it includes the Arsia Mons tile and features four volcanoes where Lava Flow tiles can be placed. Its distinct geography and ocean placements with no special placement bonuses offer a new strategic approach to the game.

The new milestones and awards are where things really get interesting. They're like a breath of fresh Martian air, pushing you to adapt and innovate. You'll find yourself chasing objectives you never considered before, which keeps the game feeling fresh and exciting. There are no new corporations or project cards, but the new maps and their associated strategic challenges more than make up for that. So, if you're itching for new Martian landscapes to conquer and fresh challenges to tackle, Hellas & Elysium is a must-have. It's beginner-friendly, so even if you're relatively new to terraforming, you won't feel lost.

Best for Sporadic Players

Terraforming Mars: Venus Next

... and then, the entire Solar System!

Venus Next introduces Venus as a new terraforming frontier, enriching Terraforming Mars with new corporations, project cards, and a Venus terraforming track.

Pros

• Adds variety with five new corporations and 49 project cards.
• Introduces Venus terraforming track for more strategic depth.
• Brings in new cities, a milestone, and an award.

Cons

• Offers less content compared to other expansions.

See at Amazon$38 at Walmart

This expansion is a game-changer, literally. It brings Venus into play with its very own terraforming track. Think of it as a new playground for your resource management and strategy skills. Plus, the Venus marker is your new best friend for tracking your progress in making the barren planet habitable.

You'll love the new corporations. Each one is like a fresh puzzle waiting to be solved. From the plant-loving Aphrodite to the resource-savvy Manutech, these corporations add layers of strategy and excitement to your game. Plus, who can resist the allure of 49 new project cards? They're like a box of chocolates, each with its own surprise inside.

But wait, there's more! Venus Next spices things up with new cities, a shiny new milestone, and an award. These additions keep the game feeling fresh and give you more ways to claim victory. Venus Next might not pack as much punch as some of the other expansions, but it's far from being a lightweight. It's like adding a new spice to your favorite dish – it might not change the whole flavor, but it adds a unique twist.

Editor's Choice

Terraforming Mars: Turmoil

You cant colonize without bureaucracy

Turmoil brings politics to your Martian colonies, introducing a government board, global events, and new strategies with its complexity and depth.

Pros

• Adds a fresh layer of competitive politics with committees.
• Introduces five new corporations, each with unique abilities.
• Shakes up standard strategies, demanding innovative approaches.

Cons

• Recognized as the most complex expansion.
• Includes a mechanism for losing TR, adding to the challenge.

See at Amazon$33 at Walmart

Turmoil is your ticket to a whole new level of strategy and complexity. Imagine juggling your terraforming tasks while navigating the tumultuous waters of Martian politics. The Terraforming Committee Board turns you into a space politician, where placing delegates and swaying parties can make or break your game. And let's not forget the Global Events Board - it's like having a crystal ball that shows upcoming challenges, demanding foresight and adaptability.

The new corporations are akin to choosing your political party, each with an agenda and way to conquer Mars. Whether you're increasing your MC production with every ocean tile placed or gaming the system with reservation resources, these corporations add a layer of intrigue and strategy. Sure, Turmoil is complex, and yes, you might lose some TR along the way, but isn't that the beauty of politics? It's about making tough decisions and dealing with the consequences.

Special Mention

The Broken Token Box Organizer

Improve and streamline your terraforming efforts

Transform your Terraforming Mars experience with The Broken Token Box Organizer. This comprehensive wooden set includes player board replacements, resource trays, a card tower, and a first-player token, all designed to streamline setup and gameplay.

Pros

• Enhances organization with specialized trays and a card tower.
• Upgrades gameplay experience with sturdy wooden components.
• Simplifies setup and cleanup, making game nights more efficient.

Cons

• Assembly required, which might be challenging for some.

See at Amazon$73 at Walmart

Mars colonizers say goodbye to game box chaos thanks to The Broken Token Box Organizer. Though not an expansion in the traditional sense, The Broken Token Box Organizer immensely enhances your Terraforming Mars experience. Its efficient design and stylish wooden components streamline game setup and storage. Assembly is straightforward, despite a slight box lid lift issue. This organizer transcends mere storage, significantly improving gameplay and the overall aesthetic of your sessions. It's an essential upgrade for any Terraforming Mars fan.

FAQ

How complex is Terraforming Mars for beginners?

The game offers a rich and layered experience, which might seem daunting at first. However, it's known for its intuitive mechanics and engaging gameplay, making it accessible even for those new to strategy board games.

Are Terraforming Mars expansions standalone games?

The expansions are not standalone; they require the base game. Each expansion adds unique elements, from new maps and missions to political intrigue, enhancing the core Terraforming Mars experience.

Which expansion should I start with if I'm new to Terraforming Mars?

If you're just dipping your toes into the Martian soil, starting with an expansion that enhances the base game without overcomplicating it is key. We highlight which ones are best for newcomers in the guide.