Best Terraforming Mars Board Games of 2026

Jimmy Roof Avatar
Jimmy Roof
Last Updated: Jan 12, 2026

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Terraforming Mars is a strategy board game that takes players on a journey to transform the Red Planet into a habitable world. The game allows players to take on the role of corporations competing to terraform Mars by raising the planet's temperature, oxygen level, and water supply. Players must carefully manage resources and make strategic decisions to achieve their objectives. With beautiful artwork and intricate gameplay, Terraforming Mars is a must-have for any board game enthusiast looking for a challenging and engaging experience. The game also has several expansion packs that add even more depth and complexity to the gameplay.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Terraforming Mars Board Game Cover #TOP 1
Terraforming Mars Board Game
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Terraforming Mars Prelude 2 Expansion by Stronghold Games Cover #TOP 2
Terraforming Mars Prelude 2 Expansion by Stronghold Games
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars Expansion Cover #TOP 3
Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars Expansion
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 8 Terraforming Mars Board Games

#TOP 1

Terraforming Mars Board Game

STG06005
Multicolor
Standard
Terraforming Mars Board Game Cover
Indie Boards and Cards Terraforming Mars Board Game, Multicolor (6005SG)

Terraforming Mars Board Game allows 1-5 players aged 12 and up to compete for milestones and awards while completing over 200 different projects. It is perfect for board game enthusiasts who want to experience a challenging and fun game.

What We Like
Engaging engine-building mechanics
High replayability with expansions
Challenging solo mode
Well-balanced multiplayer experience
Quality components suggested
#TOP 2

Terraforming Mars Prelude 2 Expansion by Stronghold Games

SG7208
Not Applicable
Small
Terraforming Mars Prelude 2 Expansion by Stronghold Games Cover
Terraforming Mars by Stronghold Games Prelude 2 | Strategy Board Game Expansion | for 1 to 5 Players | Ages 12+ | Enhanced Solo and Group Play, Adds Depth, Variety, and Replayability

The Stronghold Terraforming Mars Prelude 2 expansion enhances your gameplay experience by introducing new Prelude cards and strategies. You can customize your starting conditions, allowing for a unique approach to terraforming Mars every time you play. With a wider selection of Prelude cards, you gain more strategic options, making each session more dynamic and engaging. This expansion integrates seamlessly with the original game, ensuring that your favorite mechanics are enriched with fresh content. Whether you're playing alone or with friends, this expansion accommodates up to five players, making it a versatile choice for any gaming group.

What We Like
Enhanced gameplay experience
More strategic options
Seamless integration with original
Accommodates solo or group play
Suitable for ages 12
#TOP 3

Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars Expansion

SG7208
Not Applicable
Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars Expansion Cover
Stronghold Games - Terraforming Mars Amazonis & Vastitas - Strategy Board Game Expansion - for 1 to 5 Players and Ages 12+

The Stronghold Terraforming Mars Expansion invites you to deepen your Martian journey with exciting new maps and gameplay elements. You can explore the unique terrains of Amazonis and Vastitas, which add fresh challenges and strategic options to your game. With innovative project cards and new milestones, you will find enhanced gameplay that keeps each session engaging and varied. This expansion accommodates both solo players and groups of up to five, making it a flexible choice for all types of gamers. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to Terraforming Mars, this expansion offers something for everyone.

What We Like
New maps for added variety
Innovative gameplay mechanics
Flexible for solo or group play
Engaging for ages 12
#TOP 4

Terraforming Mars Utopia & Cimmeria Expansion

7210SG
Not Applicable
Terraforming Mars Utopia & Cimmeria Expansion Cover
Terraforming Mars Utopia & Cimmeria - Double-Sided Game Board with New Maps and Awards - for Ages 12+ and 1 to 5 Players

The Terraforming Mars Expansion brings exciting new maps and gameplay with its double-sided game board. You can explore the unique terrains of Terra Cimmeria and Utopia Planitia, each offering fresh milestones and awards to enhance your strategic planning. This expansion is designed to work seamlessly with your existing games, making it easy to dive back into the action. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned player, you'll appreciate the increased depth and replayability it provides, perfect for fans of strategic board games focused on resource management.

What We Like
New maps for exploration
Enhanced strategic options
Seamless integration with existing games
Supports 1 to 5 players
#TOP 5

Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars Awards

SG7209
Not Applicable
5 x 6.75 inches
Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars Awards Cover
Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars Milestones and Awards - Strategy Board Game - for 1 to 5 Players and Ages 12+

In the Stronghold Mars Strategy Game, you can explore new milestones like "Terraformer" and "Gardener," which challenge you to plan strategically and manage resources effectively. Competing for dynamic awards such as "Best Builder" and "Best Terraformer" adds a layer of excitement and motivation to your gameplay. These features enhance your experience by encouraging you to outmaneuver your opponents while contributing to the development of Mars' environment. With each game, you’ll find fresh ways to engage and improve your strategy, making every session unique and thrilling.

What We Like
New strategic milestones
Exciting competition for awards
Enhanced gameplay experience
Encourages resource management
#TOP 6

Terraforming Mars Ares Expedition by Stronghold Games

SGAEDSC1
Medium
Terraforming Mars Ares Expedition by Stronghold Games Cover
Terraforming Mars Ares Expedition: Discovery by Stronghold Games, Strategy Board Game - for 2 to 4 Players, Ages 14+

The Stronghold Mars Ares Game offers an engaging experience where you get to choose distinct roles, giving you unique advantages and strategies. This role selection allows you to tailor your gameplay to your preferred style. The game also focuses on building your own engine, which means you’ll develop resources and abilities that grow stronger over time, helping you achieve your goals more efficiently. Finally, the game sets clear end objectives, guiding you toward victory with satisfying challenges. These features combined make the game strategic and enjoyable for 2 to 4 players, perfect for those aged 14 and up who like thoughtful and competitive board games.

What We Like
Unique role selection
Progressive engine building
Clear end game goals
Supports 2-4 players
Strategic gameplay
#TOP 7

Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars Automa

SG7208
Not Applicable
Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars Automa Cover
Stonghold Games - Terraforming Mars Automa - Strategy Board Game Expansion - for 1 Players and Ages 12+

The Stronghold Terraforming Mars Automa is an exciting expansion designed for solo players. It features a challenging AI opponent that adjusts to your strategies, making each game unique and competitive. You can easily incorporate it into the original Terraforming Mars game, ensuring that you don't lose any of the depth you love. Additionally, it introduces new rules that enhance strategic gameplay, keeping you engaged just like in multiplayer sessions. This expansion is perfect for players aged 12 and up, offering a fulfilling solo experience that complements the original game.

What We Like
Challenging AI opponent
Easy integration with core game
Enhanced strategic gameplay
Engaging solo experience
#TOP 8

Astronaut Player Tokens by Nought-E Bits

5-MARTIANS-BASIC
Astronaut Player Tokens by Nought-E Bits Cover
Astronaut Player Tokens - Upgrade for Terraforming Mars and expansions

The Nought-E Bits Astronaut Tokens are a fantastic upgrade for your Terraforming Mars board game. These tokens come in five vibrant colors—red, green, blue, yellow, and black—making it easy for you to identify your pieces during gameplay. Each token is designed with a secure holder at the back to keep your cube firmly in place, preventing it from slipping or getting lost. Crafted with care in Minnesota, these tokens not only enhance your gaming experience but also add a touch of quality and style to your game setup. If you want a neat and colorful way to organize your game pieces, these tokens are a great choice.

What We Like
Five vibrant color options
Secure cube holder design
Enhances Terraforming Mars game
Made with quality craftsmanship
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Terraforming Mars similar to Catan?

Terraforming Mars makes the list of board games after Catan because while it is a completely different game, this is your opportunity to jump into a very intense engine-building board game, that was also named board game of the decade.

2. How many expansions does Terraforming Mars have?

Five expansions have been released: Hellas and Elysium (2017), which adds a new double-sided board representing two new regions of Mars, with each region having its own terrain layout and end-game achievements.

Editor's Notes

During our terraforming mars board game research, we found 24 terraforming mars board game products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 42,147 customer reviews through our big data system to write the terraforming mars board games list. We found that most customers choose terraforming mars board games with an average price of $29.54.

The terraforming mars board games are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of terraforming mars board games, including Stronghold Games, Nought-E Bits. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jimmy Roof Avatar

Jimmy Roof is a toy designer who lives in Chicago with his family. He works in a big toy firm, so he is surrounded by toys every day. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in children's toys, baby products and preschool education. Jimmy Roof often publishes articles related to toys on key websites.