Terraforming Mars vs Patchwork

Side by side comparison of two top board games

Terraforming Mars

Terraforming Mars

⭐ 8.4# 4💰 $50👤 1-5

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.

EconomicEnvironmentalScience FictionTerritory Building
Patchwork

Patchwork

⭐ 7.6# 131💰 $25👤 2-2

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.

Abstract StrategyPuzzle

Specification Comparison

SpecTerraforming MarsPatchwork
BGG Rank4 ✓131
Rating8.4 ✓7.6
Year Published20162014 ✓
Price5025 ✓
Min Players1 ✓2
Max Players5 ✓2
Play Time (min)12030 ✓
Min Age128 ✓
Complexity (1-5)3.24 ✓1.64

Terraforming Mars wins in 5 categories, Patchwork wins in 4 categories.

Terraforming Mars — Time Estimates

1-Player Game90 min
Quick session with a smaller group
5-Player Game120 min
Full table experience
Learning Session135 min
First time playing (includes setup & rule explanation)

Patchwork — Time Estimates

2-Player Game15 min
Quick session with a smaller group
2-Player Game30 min
Full table experience
Learning Session53 min
First time playing (includes setup & rule explanation)

Category & Mechanic Comparison

Terraforming Mars

Categories
EconomicEnvironmentalScience FictionTerritory Building
Mechanics
Card DraftingEnd Game BonusesHand ManagementHexagon GridIncomeKill StealMulti-Use CardsOpen DraftingSet CollectionTile PlacementTurn Order: Claim ActionVariable Player Powers

Patchwork

Categories
Abstract StrategyPuzzle
Mechanics
Grid MovementIncomePattern BuildingTile PlacementTurn Order: Time Track

Rating Comparison

Terraforming Mars8.4
Patchwork7.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Which game has a higher rating, Terraforming Mars or Patchwork?
Terraforming Mars has a rating of 8.4, while Patchwork has 7.6. Terraforming Mars is rated higher.
Which game is more affordable, Terraforming Mars or Patchwork?
Terraforming Mars costs approximately $50 and Patchwork costs approximately $25. Patchwork is the more affordable option.
Which game supports more players, Terraforming Mars or Patchwork?
Terraforming Mars supports 1-5 players and Patchwork supports 2-2 players. Terraforming Mars supports more players.
Is Terraforming Mars or Patchwork more complex?
On a scale of 1-5, Terraforming Mars has a complexity weight of 3.24 and Patchwork has 1.64. Terraforming Mars is the more complex game.
Which game has a shorter play time, Terraforming Mars or Patchwork?
Terraforming Mars takes about 120 minutes to play, while Patchwork takes about 30 minutes. Patchwork is the quicker game.

Related Comparisons

Terraforming Mars vs GloomhavenPatchwork vs Gloomhaven
Terraforming Mars vs Pandemic Legacy: Season 1Patchwork vs Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
Terraforming Mars vs Brass: BirminghamPatchwork vs Brass: Birmingham
Terraforming Mars vs Through the Ages: A New Story of CivilizationPatchwork vs Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
Terraforming Mars vs Star Wars: RebellionPatchwork vs Star Wars: Rebellion
Terraforming Mars vs ScythePatchwork vs Scythe