--- product_id: 75749060 title: "Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars: Prelude Expansion" brand: "stronghold games" price: "€ 55.42" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Stronghold Games" url: https://www.desertcart.hr/products/75749060-stronghold-games-terraforming-mars-prelude-expansion store_origin: HR region: Croatia --- # 5 new corporations for fresh strategies 90 min playtime for deep yet efficient sessions 7 unique Prelude cards to turbocharge early game Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars: Prelude Expansion **Brand:** stronghold games **Price:** € 55.42 **Availability:** βœ… In Stock ## Summary > 🌌 Terraform Mars faster, smarter, and with style β€” don’t just play, dominate! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars: Prelude Expansion by stronghold games - **How much does it cost?** € 55.42 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.hr](https://www.desertcart.hr/products/75749060-stronghold-games-terraforming-mars-prelude-expansion) ## Best For - stronghold games enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted stronghold games brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - β€’ **Boost Replayability:** 7 new project cards and a solo challenge keep every session fresh and fiercely competitive. - β€’ **Streamlined Integration:** Seamlessly blends with the base game and all expansionsβ€”no extra setup headaches. - β€’ **Jumpstart Your Mars Mission:** Kick off every game with powerful Prelude cards that accelerate your engine from turn one. - β€’ **Expand Your Corporate Arsenal:** Choose from 5 new corporations, each offering unique strategic pathways to dominate the red planet. - β€’ **Perfect for Strategy Enthusiasts:** Designed for 1-5 players aged 12+, ideal for those who crave deep engine-building and tactical planning. ## Overview Terraforming Mars: Prelude Expansion by Stronghold Games injects high-impact early-game cards and 5 new corporations into your base game, accelerating the terraforming race and enriching strategic depth. With 7 new project cards and a solo challenge, it enhances replayability without complicating setup, making it a must-have for serious strategy gamers aged 12 and up. ## Description As the mega corporations are getting ready to start the terraforming process, you now have the chance to make those early choices that will come to defi ne your corporation and set the course for the future history of Mars - this is the prelude to your greatest endeavors! In Terraforming Mars: Prelude, you get to choose from Prelude cards that jumpstart the terraforming process, or boost your corporation engine. There are also 5 new corporations, and 7 project cards that thematically fi t the early stages of terraforming. Terraforming Mars: Prelude is the third expansion to the smash-hit game, Terraforming Mars, and can be combined with any other expansion or variant. Review: A Nice Enhancement to a Great Game - TM is one of my all time favorite board games. It's always been extremely well received by friends, both gamers and non-gamers. That said, I've avoided this expansion just because it didn't look like that much value. It's just a small deck of cards, that's really it. And, to be honest, the previous TM expansions didn't bring a ton of substance. However, despite the fact that Prelude was the last expansion I picked up, I believe it addresses a mechanical complaint inherent in the base game. TM is a long game, especially with non-gamers prone to analysis paralysis, an especially long game with 4 and 5 players. Prelude shaves off about 30 minutes and 1-2 generations. Now, you may or may not find that a positive thing. I enjoy longer games, but that's not true of everyone. Still, it's not just about a quicker game, that's just side-effect. Instead Prelude offers each player 4 cards of pretty nice, substantive perks, out of which you chose two to keep. These range from one-time resource drops to permanent production increases, and a few other nice touches. All of this helps to jump-start the players' economies and, hopefully, direct them along a pointed strategy. This was something that was rough about the core game. It could take 2-3 generations just to develop any semblance of a strategic aim. This helps point you in a direction, and gives you the resources you need to start making your first bit of headway in that direction...all before the first generation has even materialized. Thus, we generally take 10 generations to complete the game, but now we're doing it in 8-9. I feel like the trade-off is worth it, sacrificing some time off the end of the game, for a tighter, more meaningful game experience for that reduced time is absolutely a positive return, thus I'd recommend playing with this expansion as a permanent addition. Review: I would add this expansion immediately for anyone new to Terraforming Mars - This is in my opinion an essential expansion for the base game, I would not play without it and will advise anyone new to the game to also pick this up and add it from the beginning. Prelude will not introduce any new mechanics or rules or complications to learning the game, instead it will boost players first few turns so that they aren't spent focusing entirely on resource production. Prelude by now really should just be a part of the base game as it is printed and released, it benefits the early generations of the your plays so much that you'll wonder how you managed without it. The only drawback I can see is that for a brand new player it does add a few more decisions to make during setup and start of the game. Also anyone with a bit of analysis paralysis might find the additional choices a bit troublesome as they are trying to find a perfect combination of all the cards dealt to you during setup for the perfect game. It isn't about achieving a perfect game though and I don't think there are exact combinations of cards that can set someone up for a landslide win. Maybe those with hours and hours of games in Terraforming Mars can and will min/max things to achieve a really strong game but for most of us as average gamers this expansion is just a well needed boost to speed things up and make the first few generations less of a grind. Love it, recommend it, and wouldn't play without it. If you're buying the base game add this as well or if you're looking for which expansion to get first this is for sure the right choice. ## Features - Jump start your Terraforming Mars sessions with Prelude, a focused expansion that gives each corporation powerful early cards, shaping your engine from the first turn and tightening the race to make Mars habitable. - Draft and play unique Prelude cards that either accelerate terraforming milestones or boost your production engine, giving asymmetric openings and new paths to victory that reward planning and long term strategy. - Add 5 new corporations and 7 project cards tuned to the early game, plus an additional solo challenge to reach 63 TR in time, increasing variety for repeat plays without adding complex rules overhead. - Prelude integrates smoothly with the Terraforming Mars base game and any other expansion or variant, slotting into existing setups so dedicated players can refresh familiar maps and modules with minimal extra setup. - Designed for 1–5 experienced or aspiring strategy gamers ages 12+, this expansion requires the Terraforming Mars base game and is ideal for groups who enjoy engine building, tableau growth, and deep replayability. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B07F4J9MFZ | | Additional Features | Jump-start Terraforming Process, New Corporations and Project Cards | | Age Range Description | Teen | | Best Sellers Rank | #13,950 in Toys & Games ( See Top 100 in Toys & Games ) #329 in Board Games (Toys & Games) | | Brand Name | Stronghold Games | | CPSIA Cautionary Statement | Choking Hazard - Small Parts, No Warning Applicable | | Color | Basic Pack | | Customer Package Type | Standard Packaging | | Customer Reviews | 4.9 out of 5 stars 1,846 Reviews | | Edition | Standard Edition | | Educational Objective | developing strategic thinking and planning skills | | Estimated Playing Time | 90 minutes | | Expansion For | Terraforming Mars | | Game Mechanics | Engine Building | | Genre | Strategy | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00653341720405 | | Included Components | Terraforming Mars Prelude | | Indoor Outdoor Usage | Indoor | | Item Dimensions | 4.5 x 1.2 x 6.5 inches | | Item Dimensions L x W | 6.5"L x 4.7"W | | Item Highlight | Engine-Building Card Module with Accelerated Start, Add Corporations and Projects, 1-5 Players Ages 12+, Requires Base | | Item Type Name | board game | | Item Weight | 0.16 kg | | Language | English | | Manufacturer | Stronghold Games | | Manufacturer Part Number | 7202SG | | Manufacturer Warranty Description | No Warranty | | Manufacturer recommended age | 12 years and up | | Material Type | Cardboard | | Minimum Age Recomendation | 144 | | Model Number | STG07202 | | Number of Items | 1 | | Number of Packs | 1 | | Number of Players | 5 | | Operation Mode | manual | | Rulebook Availability | Printed Included | | Set Name | Prelude | | Size | Standard | | Supported Battery Types | No batteries required | | Theme | Mystery | | UPC | 801310114841 653341720405 | | Unit Count | 1 Count | ## Images ![Stronghold Games Terraforming Mars: Prelude Expansion - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71NuQY0-QnL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Style** options. ## Questions & Answers **Q: Difference between the basic and premium versions besides price and seller?** A: Thad, When you say the basic and the premium versions, I see now on Amazon the same as when I bought one each of the two "versions". There is NO difference at all, except the price. Both offers of this addition to the basic Terraforming Mars board game include the exact same things: 35 new Prelude cards to use at the start of the game, 5 new Corporation cards to add to the regular Corporation cards in the basic game, and 7 new project cards to add to the deck of project (playing) cards in the basic game. If you visit Stronghold games web site, they offer their Terraforming Mars Prelude expansion for $19.95. If you visit the Amazon.com website they are offering the same Terraforming Mars Prelude expansion for two different prices, one at $17.19 and the other at $14.00. Pick the $14.00. It is a great addition to the basic Terraforming Mars board game and worth the money. But pay the lower price on Amazon.com and get the same great addition to the game. By the way if you do NOT have the basic game it is cheaper on Amazon too. On Amazon it is $45.68 and at Stronghold games website it is $69.95. Paul Hann **Q: How much does this speed up the game? Is the average playtime much shorter with this expansion?** A: Yes and no, you can control this with prelude. For example, my friends and I play 5 prelude cards before the game begins, I think the rules say pick only 2, but we deal 5 cards and play the 5 cards, this makes the game end around gen 6 for 5/6 players, it takes just a bit more for 2/3 players, gen 7 or 8. For me it's a matter of time and making the beginning of the game more fun than what it is, I couldn't live without this expansion, I love it. **Q: Can you play this game with just these cards (I just bought these without any knowledge of the game) ? Is there a good tutorial?** A: You absolutely can not play this game with only these cards. You literally don't even have the Mars game board. Lol This is by far the best expansion, but you have to get the base game first. **Q: Can you point me to the original game on amazon? I am not able to find the right one for this expansion.** A: Hi I have attached a link here to the original game. If you do get the game. I recommend getting the prelude expansion as well. Its been great! Cheers. https://www.amazon.com/Indie-Boards-Cards-Terraforming-Board/dp/B01GSYA4K2/ref=sr_1_14?crid=1KJB06TUTUVOP&dchild=1&keywords=terraforming+mars&qid=1616062566&sprefix=terrafo%2Caps%2C350&sr=8-14 ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Nice Enhancement to a Great Game *by A***O on July 15, 2019* TM is one of my all time favorite board games. It's always been extremely well received by friends, both gamers and non-gamers. That said, I've avoided this expansion just because it didn't look like that much value. It's just a small deck of cards, that's really it. And, to be honest, the previous TM expansions didn't bring a ton of substance. However, despite the fact that Prelude was the last expansion I picked up, I believe it addresses a mechanical complaint inherent in the base game. TM is a long game, especially with non-gamers prone to analysis paralysis, an especially long game with 4 and 5 players. Prelude shaves off about 30 minutes and 1-2 generations. Now, you may or may not find that a positive thing. I enjoy longer games, but that's not true of everyone. Still, it's not just about a quicker game, that's just side-effect. Instead Prelude offers each player 4 cards of pretty nice, substantive perks, out of which you chose two to keep. These range from one-time resource drops to permanent production increases, and a few other nice touches. All of this helps to jump-start the players' economies and, hopefully, direct them along a pointed strategy. This was something that was rough about the core game. It could take 2-3 generations just to develop any semblance of a strategic aim. This helps point you in a direction, and gives you the resources you need to start making your first bit of headway in that direction...all before the first generation has even materialized. Thus, we generally take 10 generations to complete the game, but now we're doing it in 8-9. I feel like the trade-off is worth it, sacrificing some time off the end of the game, for a tighter, more meaningful game experience for that reduced time is absolutely a positive return, thus I'd recommend playing with this expansion as a permanent addition. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I would add this expansion immediately for anyone new to Terraforming Mars *by N***K on April 25, 2020* This is in my opinion an essential expansion for the base game, I would not play without it and will advise anyone new to the game to also pick this up and add it from the beginning. Prelude will not introduce any new mechanics or rules or complications to learning the game, instead it will boost players first few turns so that they aren't spent focusing entirely on resource production. Prelude by now really should just be a part of the base game as it is printed and released, it benefits the early generations of the your plays so much that you'll wonder how you managed without it. The only drawback I can see is that for a brand new player it does add a few more decisions to make during setup and start of the game. Also anyone with a bit of analysis paralysis might find the additional choices a bit troublesome as they are trying to find a perfect combination of all the cards dealt to you during setup for the perfect game. It isn't about achieving a perfect game though and I don't think there are exact combinations of cards that can set someone up for a landslide win. Maybe those with hours and hours of games in Terraforming Mars can and will min/max things to achieve a really strong game but for most of us as average gamers this expansion is just a well needed boost to speed things up and make the first few generations less of a grind. Love it, recommend it, and wouldn't play without it. If you're buying the base game add this as well or if you're looking for which expansion to get first this is for sure the right choice. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Simple and Easy Addition *by R***L on August 11, 2024* Terraforming Mars is a great game with some great expansions. Depending on your level of expertise and friends, certain expansions can be challenging to understand and get to the table. Terraforming Mars Prelude is a great, simple expansion that can be added to any game regardless of playing ability. It essentially helps "jump start" the game a little, which is helpful for new players and beneficial for experienced players when playing with the other expansions. This expansion has become part of our base set and is added every time we play. ## Frequently Bought Together - Terraforming Mars Prelude - Stronghold Games - Terraforming Mars Prelude 2 - Strategy Board Game Expansion - for 1 to 5 Players and Ages 12+ --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.hr/products/75749060-stronghold-games-terraforming-mars-prelude-expansion](https://www.desertcart.hr/products/75749060-stronghold-games-terraforming-mars-prelude-expansion) --- *Product available on Desertcart Croatia* *Store origin: HR* *Last updated: 2026-09-10*