Terraforming Mars expansions
Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium vs Terraforming Mars: Venus Next
Short answer: buy Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium first. New maps, no new rules. Buy it once the base map feels worn out.
Pick Terraforming Mars: Venus Next first instead if this sounds more like your table: Adds cards and a fourth track but makes games longer. Skip it if your games already run long.
| Question | Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium | Terraforming Mars: Venus Next |
|---|---|---|
| Our label | Worth it | Depends on your group |
| Buy order | #3 for Terraforming Mars | #4 for Terraforming Mars |
| What it adds | A double-sided board with two new Mars maps, each with its own milestones and awards. | Venus as a fourth track to raise, about 50 project cards, 5 corporations, and a new floater resource. |
| What it fixes | Freshens up the board once the base map feels familiar. | — |
| Type | Expansion | Expansion |
| Players | 1–5 players | 1–5 players |
| Rules load | About the same rules load | Adds more rules |
| Best for | — | — |
| You need first | Just the base game | Just the base game |
| Price guide | Under $20 | $20–$40 |
| More | Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium details | Terraforming Mars: Venus Next details |