Terraforming Mars review

Terraforming Mars is for groups who already enjoy board games and want something to grow into. Each player runs a corporation in the 2400s that helps raise Mars's temperature, oxygen level and ocean coverage, while competing for victory points from cities, greenery, milestones and awards. GameNerdz says there are over two hundred different project cards and lists the box at 233 cards, 80 tiles and six resource types. It is rated for ages 12 and up, plays 1 to 5 people including solo, and lists a play time of 120 minutes. It lists at $79.95, the highest price on this list, and was $59.47 at GameNerdz when we checked. It ranks last for families because of its length, rules load and age rating, not its depth, which is the highest of the ten.

Who it is for

Older kids and adults who want a deep game for a long evening

Price

$79.95 list price; $59.47 at GameNerdz when checked.

233 Cards 80 Tiles $59.47 $79.95
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 1 to 5 players, including a solo mode, ages 12 and up
• Listed play time of 120 minutes
• Over 200 unique project cards; the box has 233 cards and 80 tiles
• Players raise temperature, oxygen and ocean coverage on a shared board
• Designed by Jacob Fryxelius, published by FryxGames and Stronghold Games

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Deepest strategy on this list with over 200 different project cards
• Strength: Plays solo or with up to 5 players
• Strength: Milestones and awards give several routes to victory
• Weakness: Most expensive pick at $79.95 list
• Weakness: 120 minutes and a 12+ age rating rule it out for younger kids
• Weakness: Many rules and resource types to teach on the first night

Key facts

• Publisher: FryxGames / Stronghold Games
• Designer: Jacob Fryxelius
• Players: 1 to 5
• Play time: 120 minutes
• Age: 12+
• Price: $79.95 list, $59.47 at GameNerdz

Where it ranks

Terraforming Mars is No. 10 in our Best Board Games verdict.