Terraforming Mars vs Patchwork
Side by side comparison of two top board games

Terraforming Mars
In Terraforming Mars, players take on the role of corporations working together to terraform the planet Mars. Players compete for victory points while raising temperature, creating oxygen, and covering the planet with water. Each player manages their own corporation, playing project cards that represent technologies, infrastructure, or events.

Patchwork
Patchwork is a two-player abstract game about creating a quilt. Players take turns acquiring fabric patches and placing them on their personal boards. The game is simple but strategic, requiring careful resource management and spatial planning. Each patch costs buttons (currency) and time, creating a tight puzzle.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Terraforming Mars | Patchwork |
|---|---|---|
| BGG Rank | 4 ✓ | 131 |
| Rating | 8.4 ✓ | 7.6 |
| Year Published | 2016 | 2014 ✓ |
| Price | 50 | 25 ✓ |
| Min Players | 1 ✓ | 2 |
| Max Players | 5 ✓ | 2 |
| Play Time (min) | 120 | 30 ✓ |
| Min Age | 12 | 8 ✓ |
| Complexity (1-5) | 3.24 ✓ | 1.64 |
Terraforming Mars wins in 5 categories, Patchwork wins in 4 categories.