Terraforming Mars: Venus Next โ Conquer a Second Planet
49 new project cards, a Venus board, and a whole new terraforming parameter โ the expansion that takes Terraforming Mars to the next level.
๐ Game Details
Terraforming Mars: Venus Next is the second expansion for Terraforming Mars and the first to introduce an entirely new planetary board. While the base game focuses exclusively on Mars, Venus Next adds Venus as a simultaneous terraforming challenge โ a second front that demands strategic attention without pulling players entirely away from Mars.
Designed by Jacob Fryxelius and published by FryxGames in 2018, it is the most seamlessly integrated Terraforming Mars expansion available. The Venus board sits beside the Mars board, the 49 new project cards shuffle directly into the main deck, and the new Venus Scale parameter adds a third global goal to pursue.
Players who add Venus Next consistently describe it as the expansion that made Terraforming Mars feel complete โ the Venus parameter adds a new dimension of strategic decision-making without disrupting the flow of the base game.
What Does Venus Next Add?
Venus Board
A new side board tracking the Venus Scale โ a third global parameter alongside temperature and oxygen.
49 New Cards
Venus-focused project cards introducing floating cities, atmospheric processors, and Venusian organisms.
New Milestones
Venus-specific milestones and awards that reward players who focus their strategy on the new planet.
Venus Scale
Raising the Venus Scale provides benefits and victory points โ a new resource chain to optimize.
How Does It Change the Game?
The Venus Scale functions as a third global parameter alongside temperature and oxygen. Raising it requires playing Venus-specific cards โ floating cities, atmospheric processors, and microorganisms adapted to Venusian conditions. Each step up the Venus Scale provides immediate benefits and end-game victory points.
The strategic challenge is balance. Do you invest in Venus cards to claim the new milestones and awards, or focus on Mars where your engine is already established? Venus Next rewards players who can identify when the Venus parameter is worth pursuing and when to leave it to opponents.
The 49 new cards shuffle directly into the main project card deck. This means Venus cards appear naturally throughout the game โ you don't need to set up a separate deck or modify your dealing procedure. The integration is completely seamless.
Rating Breakdown
Pros & Cons
โ What We Love
- Seamlessly integrates with base game
- Venus Scale adds meaningful strategic decisions
- 49 high-quality new project cards
- New milestones and awards add competition
- Thematically compelling โ two planets at once
- Best first expansion for Terraforming Mars
โ What Could Be Better
- Venus can feel like a sideshow in some sessions
- Adds complexity that may overwhelm new players
- Extends play time by 20โ30 minutes
- Some Venus cards less impactful than Mars cards
Who Is This Expansion For?
๐ฏ Perfect For:
- Terraforming Mars fans ready for more strategic depth
- Players who have completed 5+ base game sessions
- Groups who want the most seamless TM expansion
- Anyone who wants more card variety in their deck
- The recommended first expansion for any TM collection
โ Not Ideal For:
- New Terraforming Mars players โ master the base first
- Groups who want to keep sessions under 2 hours
- Players who prefer simpler, focused gameplay
๐ Final Verdict
Terraforming Mars: Venus Next is the best and most recommended first expansion for Terraforming Mars. Its seamless integration, 49 high-quality new cards, and the Venus Scale parameter add genuine strategic depth without disrupting the flow of the base game. For any group that has played Terraforming Mars multiple times and wants more variety and challenge, Venus Next is the natural next step.
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