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.

QuestionTerraforming Mars: ColoniesTerraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium
Our labelWorth itWorth it
Buy order#2 for Terraforming Mars#3 for Terraforming Mars
What it addsColony 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 fixesGives you something useful to do when the card market is dry.Freshens up the board once the base map feels familiar.
TypeExpansionExpansion
Players1–5 players1–5 players
Rules loadAdds more rulesAbout the same rules load
Best for——
You need firstJust the base gameJust the base game
Price guide$20–$40Under $20
MoreTerraforming Mars: Colonies detailsTerraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium details

See the full Terraforming Mars buy order