Terraforming Mars expansions
Terraforming Mars: Colonies vs Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium
Short answer: buy Terraforming Mars: Colonies first. The usual second buy. It adds some rules, so get used to the base game first.
Pick Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium first instead if this sounds more like your table: New maps, no new rules. Buy it once the base map feels worn out.
| Question | Terraforming Mars: Colonies | Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium |
|---|---|---|
| Our label | Worth it | Worth it |
| Buy order | #2 for Terraforming Mars | #3 for Terraforming Mars |
| What it adds | Colony tiles for moons you can settle and trade with, plus new cards and corporations. | A double-sided board with two new Mars maps, each with its own milestones and awards. |
| What it fixes | Gives you something useful to do when the card market is dry. | Freshens up the board once the base map feels familiar. |
| Type | Expansion | Expansion |
| Players | 1–5 players | 1–5 players |
| Rules load | Adds more rules | About the same rules load |
| Best for | — | — |
| You need first | Just the base game | Just the base game |
| Price guide | $20–$40 | Under $20 |
| More | Terraforming Mars: Colonies details | Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium details |