2026 Best Terraforming Mars Expansions: Top 9 Reviewed
Finding the terraforming mars best expansion is a real game changer. We tested them all, and here's what actually boosts your fun.
Looking for the terraforming mars best expansion or maybe a board game that scratches that same space itch? Say no more! We’ve played, argued, and laughed our way through a bunch of them, and whittled things down to our favorites. When picking games for our list, we focused on depth, replay value, how smooth they play, and, most importantly, those juicy moments where someone mutters, ‘Wait, you can do THAT?’ Whether you’re a diehard Mars fan or just want to get your feet wet, these picks deliver all the thrill of planet-shaping, minus the space suit smell.
On this list:
9 Terraforming Mars: Prelude
We love Prelude because it supercharges the start of Terraforming Mars with cool bonuses and combos. No more slow beginnings—here you get a jumpstart and watch your engines go wild! It never fails to make our group feel smart (even when we’ve just picked cards at random). The extra choices make every game feel fresh and way less sluggish. Plus, we get to make more nonsense puns about preemptively terraforming the kitchen table. If you want the ultimate board game pick-me-up for newbies and veterans, Prelude is the kind of caffeine hit every terraformer needs.
8 Terraforming Mars: Colonies
This expansion gets picked because it adds new places to exploit for resources (like our fridge during a midnight snack raid). With Colonies, you’re not just stuck on Mars; you’ve got the moons of Saturn, Titan, and more. There’s an extra layer of strategy, but it’s not so heavy that you feel lost. Our group loves the extra variety, and sometimes, it saves us from losing with those sweet colony bonuses. If expanding and resource juggling is your jam, Colonies is a top pick.
7 Terraforming Mars: Venus Next
Venus Next adds a whole new planet to your problems… I mean, options! Now, when we want to argue, there are even more milestones to chase and a whole new track to fight over. We find that Venus Next spices up the game with new corporations and a cool ‘floaters’ resource. Yes, the name sounds iffy, but don’t worry, it’s not a toilet joke (unless you want it to be). It makes the world feel big and the options endless.
6 Terraforming Mars: Turmoil
Turmoil is for those of us who like chaos and politics in our space. Now there’s a government system, global events, and plenty of arguments. Last time we played, someone lost an election and sulked for a week. We keep coming back to Turmoil because it adds drama and tactical depth, plus story moments we still laugh about now. This is definitely for players who don’t mind a little extra complexity and a lot of yelling.
5 Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium
Here’s an expansion that’s simple but fun. Hellas & Elysium gives us two whole new boards, which means new maps, new milestones, and new stuff to argue about. We love mixing it up, and these boards keep us on our toes. Sometimes, our group even chooses the map by rolling dice. If you’re bored of the classic Mars, this pack is a cheap and cheerful way to keep the game fresh.
4 Terraforming Mars: Big Box
If you want to flex, the Big Box is the top shelf bling of Terraforming Mars. It’s got gorgeous 3D tiles and storage that actually works (my closet is jealous). Our group feels fancy every time we play with it. Sure, it’s mostly for looks and storage, but who doesn’t want their cities to look cooler than the real Mars? Perfect for those who want to make their game night Instagram-worthy.
3 Underwater Cities
OK, this isn’t technically a Terraforming Mars expansion, but Underwater Cities hits the same feelings. Build cities, manage cards, and argue over resources—all the Mars vibes, but underwater. Whenever we can’t handle another dust storm, we go aquatic. It’s a standalone game with the same crunchy decisions and engine building. New players pick it up quick, and veterans love the twist on similar mechanics.
2 On Mars
On Mars is not an expansion, but it’s another top pick for those who want to really terraform stuff. This is heavier, crunchier, and full of tough calls. Our group needed snacks, coffee, and possibly a life coach to finish the first game, but now we love it. It’s all about building stuff, surviving, and lots of planning. If you like Terraforming Mars and want a real brain-burner, On Mars is brilliant.
1 Gaia Project
We picked Gaia Project because it gives you that same satisfying feeling of building up a planet, but with aliens and space math. It’s crunchier than a granola bar, but so rewarding. If you like making Mars a cozy home, you’ll love turning the galaxy into a real estate boom, but with more tentacles.
