On Mars

2020

Master resources, complete missions, and outpace rivals in 'On Mars', a strategic board game where players pioneer the first sustainable Martian colony.

150
minutes

1 - 4
player(s)

14+

Heavy

About the game

On Mars is a highly strategic and immersive board game that transports you to the intriguing red planet. It’s a game filled with scientific discovery, economic strategy, and the captivating challenge of making Mars habitable for humanity. Designed by Vital Lacerda and brilliantly illustrated by Ian O’Toole, On Mars is a game that promises an engaging experience full of intense decision-making.

The game is set in the not-so-distant future where mankind has taken the first steps towards colonizing Mars. You are a Chief Astronaut working with private space exploration companies to establish a sustainable colony on the surface of Mars. The game board presents a detailed layout of the Martian surface, complete with potential building sites, resource deposits, and scientific objectives.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

1. Game Board: The game board represents the Martian surface and the colony. It has areas for different actions and buildings. It is the main interaction point for players where they place their buildings, rovers, and workers to perform actions and expand their colonies.

2. Player Boards: Each player gets a personal board that represents their own infrastructure. It helps to keep track of resources gathered and technologies developed. It is crucial for planning and executing strategies.

3. Resource Cubes: These cubes represent the five different resources in the game: Minerals, Water, Plants, Energy, and Oxygen. Players collect and spend these resources to perform actions and construct buildings on Mars.

4. Colony Level Marker: This marker shows the level of the colony. As the game progresses, the colony level increases, unlocking more advanced buildings and technologies for players.

5. Colonist Meeples: Each player has a set of colonist meeples. These represent the workers that perform various actions on the game board, such as gathering resources or constructing buildings.

6. Rover Miniature: Each player has a rover miniature representing their exploration vehicle. The rover is used to explore new territories on Mars and to gather resources.

7. Building Tiles: These tiles represent different types of buildings that players can construct on Mars. Each building provides different benefits and contributes to the colony’s overall development.

8. Tech Cards: These cards represent different technologies that players can develop. Technologies provide various benefits and can greatly enhance a player’s strategy.

9. Mission Cards: These cards represent different missions that players can complete for additional points. They add an extra layer of strategic depth to the game.

10. Discovery Tiles: These tiles represent different discoveries that players can make while exploring Mars. They offer additional benefits when collected.

11. Player Markers: These markers are used to keep track of each player’s points on the score track. The player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

12. Shuttle Tokens: These tokens represent the shuttle that transports colonists and resources between Earth and Mars. They dictate the flow of the game and the availability of resources.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

To begin playing ‘On Mars’, you need to follow several steps to set up the game correctly. These steps include determining player roles, placing the board, distributing initial resources, and managing any random elements. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Player Roles

Each player will choose a color and take all the components of that color: a player aid, a player board, 2 action markers, a score marker, a private ship, a mission marker, 2 Shelter markers, and a set of buildings (5 Mines, 4 Generators, 3 Life Support Systems, 2 Advanced Buildings, and 1 Central). The player also receives 1 Blueprint card and 1 Mission card. Players should place their score marker on the starting space of the scoring track.

Step 2: Board Placement

Place the game board in the center of the table. The game board is divided into two areas: the orbit and the colony. The orbit is further divided into different sections: The shuttle, the Blueprint cards, the tech grid, and the warehouse. The colony holds the main city and the available contracts.

Step 3: Initial Resources

Each player begins the game with a set amount of resources which includes 3 Colonists, 1 Rover, 1 Habitat, 1 Oxygen, and 1 Plant. Players should place their resources in the appropriate spaces on their player boards.

Step 4: Random Elements

Shuffle all the Discovery tiles and place one face down on each empty space of the main city. Then, shuffle the Tech tiles and randomly place one on each empty space of the tech grid. Finally, shuffle the Blueprint cards and reveal the first 4 cards. These become the available blueprints in the R&D department.

Step 5: Starting Player

Determine the starting player randomly. This player takes the first player marker and the shuttle, and places it in the orbit area of the game board.

Step 6: Ready for Play

Now the game is set up and ready to play! The game begins with the first player and proceeds clockwise. Each player will perform one main action and may perform one executive action on their turn.

Game flow Round and round we go

The game of ‘On Mars’ is a complex and immersive strategy game that takes place over several rounds, each of which is divided into distinct phases. Players take on the role of a Chief Astronaut working for a private space exploration company, with the goal of developing the biggest, most advanced colony on Mars.

1. Round Structure

Each round in ‘On Mars’ is divided into two main phases – the Colonization Phase and the Shuttle Phase. The order of play proceeds clockwise from the first player and continues until all players have had their turn.

2. Colonization Phase

In the Colonization Phase, players take actions to build and upgrade their colonies on Mars. This phase can include a variety of actions such as:

Building Houses or Shelters: Players can use resources to build houses or shelters on empty plots, which can then be used to house colonists.
Upgrading Buildings: Players can spend resources to upgrade their existing buildings, which can increase their income and provide additional benefits.
Researching Technology: Players can spend resources to research new technologies, which can provide powerful bonuses and abilities.
Exploring Mars: Players can send out rovers to explore the Martian surface, discovering new areas and resources.

3. Shuttle Phase

During the Shuttle Phase, players have the opportunity to move their Chief Astronaut between the colony and the orbiting space station. This is an important strategic decision as different actions are available in each location. In addition, the shuttle can transport resources and colonists between the colony and the space station.

4. Actions in the Shuttle Phase

The actions available in the Shuttle Phase can include:

Acquiring Supplies: While in the space station, players can acquire supplies, which can be transported back to the colony on the shuttle.
Recruiting Colonists: Players can recruit additional colonists while in the space station, who can then be transported to the colony.
Trading: Players can trade resources with the space station, potentially gaining valuable items that are in short supply on Mars.

The game continues in this way, alternating between the Colonization Phase and the Shuttle Phase, until certain end-game conditions are met. At that point, the player with the most developed colony – as measured by a combination of buildings, technologies, and population – is declared the winner.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

On Mars is a complex, strategy-driven board game. During a player’s turn, they can choose from a variety of actions, each with its own strategic implications. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these actions:

1. Moving the Ship:
The first action a player can take is to move their ship. This is done by either exploring new terrain or moving to an existing one. The movement of the ship can affect the player’s resources and potentially expose them to hazards.

2. Constructing Buildings:
Players can construct buildings on Mars. These buildings contribute to the colony’s development and can provide the player with resource bonuses. The type of building constructed, its location, and the resources used can all affect the player’s strategy.

3. Upgrading Buildings:
Another action available to players is upgrading their buildings. Upgraded buildings provide more resources or other benefits, but they also cost more to create and maintain. This decision can significantly affect a player’s long-term strategy.

4. Gathering Resources:
Players can gather resources from the Martian surface or from their buildings. The resources gathered can then be used to construct or upgrade buildings, or to perform other actions. The type and quantity of resources gathered can greatly affect the player’s strategy.

5. Researching Technologies:
Players can also research new technologies. These technologies can provide a range of benefits, such as increased resource production, new building types, or other advantages. The choice of technology to research can significantly impact a player’s strategy.

6. Trading with Earth:
Finally, players can trade resources with Earth. This can provide a quick infusion of resources, but it also costs money and can potentially delay the player’s other actions. The decision to trade with Earth should be made carefully, considering the player’s current resources and strategy.

Each of these actions and choices can dramatically affect a player’s strategy and the course of the game. Understanding the implications of each choice and balancing short-term gains against long-term goals is crucial in ‘On Mars’.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

The game of ‘On Mars’ ends at the conclusion of a round where at least one player has achieved 20 or more Colony Level Points. These points are earned by developing your colony on Mars, constructing buildings, and completing various missions.

Victory Conditions:

Colony Level Points: The main way to earn points in ‘On Mars’ is by increasing your Colony Level. This is achieved by building and upgrading buildings, completing missions, and contributing to the development of the colony’s infrastructure. Once a player reaches 20 Colony Level Points, the end game is triggered.
Scientific Progress: Players can also earn points through scientific progress. This is achieved by researching new technologies and making scientific discoveries. These achievements contribute to your overall score and can help you reach the 20 point threshold more quickly.
Resource Management: Efficient resource management can also earn you points. This includes effectively managing your resources to build and upgrade buildings, as well as trading resources at opportune moments.

Actions Before Final Scoring:

Before final scoring takes place, players must complete the following actions:

Final Round: Once the end game is triggered, play continues until the end of the current round. This ensures that all players have an equal number of turns.
Resource Conversion: Players convert any remaining resources into points at a rate specified in the game rules. Typically, this is one point for every ten resources.
Final Scoring: Players add up their points from Colony Level, scientific progress, and remaining resources. The player with the highest total is the winner. In the event of a tie, the player with the most resources remaining is the winner.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

On Mars is a highly strategic board game where players aim to score the highest number of points during the colonization of Mars. Scoring is done in various ways, each contributing to the final total score. Here is the full scoring system:

Mission Goals:

Players earn points based on the completion of their mission goals. Each goal has a designated point value and is scored at the end of the game.

Colonists:

For each colonist in a player’s living quarters, one point is awarded.

Buildings:

Each building a player constructs gives points, the amount of which is dependent on the type and size of the building.

Scientists:

Players earn points from their scientists’ research. The points are equal to the level of the technology track where the scientist is located.

Advanced Buildings:

Advanced buildings provide bonus points at the end of the game. The number of points varies based on the type of advanced building.

Discovery Cards:

Some discovery cards provide points, which are added to the player’s score at the end of the game.

Resource Crystals:

At the end of the game, players receive one point for every three resource crystals they have.

Tie-Breaking Rules:

In the event of a tie, the following rules are applied in order:

The player with the most remaining resource crystals wins.
If there is still a tie, the player with the most colonists in their living quarters wins.
If the tie persists, the player who has the most advanced buildings wins.
If the tie still isn’t broken, the player with the highest total value of advanced building blueprints wins.
If none of the above break the tie, the victory is shared.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

On Mars is a complex and strategic board game that requires careful planning and execution of moves. Here are some rare or special rules, exceptions, and rule clarifications that might be important while playing:

The game is divided into two major areas: the Colony (Mars surface) and the Orbit (space). A player’s location significantly influences their available actions.

Action restrictions: You can only perform ‘colony actions’ when your astronaut is in the colony and ‘orbit actions’ when your astronaut is in orbit. However, certain advanced buildings allow ‘orbit actions’ to be performed from the colony.
Shuttle phase: The shuttle phase is a special phase where players can move their astronauts between the colony and orbit. The frequency of shuttles decreases as the game progresses, making timing crucial.

Special rules and exceptions include:

Blueprints: Blueprints are required to construct buildings. However, an exception is the first basic building of each type, which can be built without a blueprint.
Colonists: Colonists are needed in buildings for them to function. An exception is the Mines, which do not require colonists.
Building Complexes: Buildings of the same type form a complex. This includes the first constructed building of that type. However, an exception is the Water Extractor, which cannot form a complex.

Rule clarifications include:

Resources: Resources are unlimited in the game. If the supply runs out, use a substitute to keep track.
Research and Development: Players can only advance one level in Research and Development during their turn. However, multiple advancements can be made in a single turn if using Scientist meeples.
End of Game: The game end is triggered when all the mission goals are achieved or when the colony has a certain number of buildings. The remaining turns are played out before scoring.

Understanding these special rules, exceptions, and clarifications will certainly enhance your gameplay and strategy in On Mars.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Advanced Strategies for ‘On Mars’

Optimize Your Actions: When you’re in the Colony, consider taking actions that allow you to upgrade technologies or construct advanced buildings. These yield significant benefits. Similarly, when on the Space Station, resource management actions are more beneficial.

Scientific Progress: Don’t overlook the benefits of advancing on the scientist’s track. This provides a variety of advantages such as additional resources, ability to construct advanced buildings, and more.

Beginner Tips for ‘On Mars’

Start Small: For beginners, it is often advantageous to begin by constructing buildings that do not require a lot of resources. This will allow you to understand the mechanics of the game better before moving to more complex constructions.

Understand the Shuttle: Keep an eye on the shuttle’s movement between the Colony and the Space Station. Plan your actions accordingly to have a maximum impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in ‘On Mars’

Neglecting Technologies: Many beginners neglect to upgrade their technologies early in the game. However, upgraded technologies can provide significant benefits and should be a part of your strategy.

Unbalanced Resource Management: It is a common mistake to focus too much on one type of resource. It’s important to maintain a balance and diversify your resource acquisition.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay in ‘On Mars’

Planning Ahead: It’s important to have a clear strategy from the beginning of the game. Planning your moves ahead of time can ensure you are not left behind by your opponents.

Consider your starting resources and technologies, and plan accordingly.
Remember that the shuttle moves after a certain number of turns, plan your actions on the Colony and Space Station accordingly.
Keep an eye on your opponents’ strategies and try to anticipate their moves.

Efficient Use of Actions: Each action can potentially be used to your advantage. Consider the benefits of each action and how it can contribute to your overall strategy.

For example, the ‘Construct a Building’ action not only gives you a building, but also progresses your marker on the corresponding track.
Similarly, the ‘Upgrade Technology’ action can provide a significant boost to your capabilities.