Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition
- Designer Sydney Engelstein , Jacob Fryxelius , Nick Little (I)
- Publisher FryxGames , Stronghold Games , Arclight Games , Board Game Rookie , Ghenos Games
- Illustration William Bricker , Sydney Engelstein , Jacob Fryxelius , Garrett Kaida , Jason D. Kingsley , Nick Little (I)
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You run an interplanetary corporation and build a card-based engine to terraform Mars by raising global parameters like oceans, oxygen and temperature. Project cards and production increases drive your Terraform Rating (TR) and victory points. Rounds use a phase-selection system where all players perform the chosen phases and get bonuses; many actions can happen simultaneously to speed play. The game emphasizes cards over a large board, offering a compact, strategic experience.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at gamers who enjoy the original Terraforming Mars but want a tighter, card-centric alternative. Suitable for 1–4 players and ages 14+, with a solo option. At about 60 minutes per game it fits a game night while remaining strategically demanding.
How It Works
Core mechanics are engine-building through project cards, Hand Management, Multi-Use Cards and Income/Market interactions. Each round players choose phases that determine available activities; everyone resolves those phases and the player who picked a phase gets a special bonus. Raising global parameters increases TR, which affects income and counts as points at game end. Simultaneous actions within phases reduce downtime.
What Makes It Special
Created by Jacob Fryxelius (author of the original Terraforming Mars) and Sydney Engelstein, Ares Expedition is a more card-forward, streamlined take within the Terraforming Mars series. It blends tableau-building elements with market and hand-management mechanics. The game received several award nominations, including Golden Geek Best Solo Board Game 2021 (nominee) and Meeples Choice Award 2021 (nominee).
Awards
2022
2022
2021
- 2021 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Card-focused, streamlined version of Terraforming Mars
- Engine-building with strong hand management and multi-use card play
- Simultaneous actions reduce downtime
- Supports solo play (1–4 players)
Contra
- Strategic density can be tough for newcomers
- Despite shorter playtime, remains a game for experienced players rather than casual family play
Setting & Atmosphäre
Science‑fiction setting: players manage corporations aiming to make Mars habitable by manipulating oceans, oxygen and temperature parameters.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on synergies between cards and on steady production increases; use phase selection to smooth your engine's growth.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game lists 1 as the minimum player count, so solo play is supported.
How long does a game really take?
Duration is about 60 minutes; learning the game or larger groups may extend that time.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with engine-building and hand-management games is helpful; it's aimed at experienced players.
How does this compare to similar games?
Compared to the original Terraforming Mars, Ares Expedition is more card-centric with a reduced board and a tighter play loop.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 14 and strategic depth, it suits older family members or experienced players rather than young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Multi-Use Cards with Hand Management and Income/Market mechanics defines its core play.
Fazit
Good pick if you want Terraforming Mars mechanics in a roughly 60‑minute, card-driven format. New players may find the density challenging; experienced gamers will appreciate the compact strategic play.
