Terraforming Mars vs Ark Nova
A side-by-side comparison of two of the most-asked-about board games — using only verified specs from our catalogue. No invented rules, no fluff.
Specs and BoardGameGeek rankings current as of June 2026. Gaps in our data show as a dash (—).
| Terraforming Mars | Ark Nova | |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 2016 | 2021 |
| Players | 1–5 | 1–4 |
| Playtime | ~120 min | ~90 min |
| Recommended age | 12+ | 14+ |
| Complexity (BGG weight) | 3.3 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| BGG rank | #9 | #2 |
| Designers | Jacob Fryxelius | Mathias Wigge |
| Key mechanics | Closed Drafting, Contracts, End Game Bonuses, Hand Management | Contracts, End Game Bonuses, Events, Grid Coverage |
Both games share these mechanics: Contracts, End Game Bonuses, Hand Management, Hexagon Grid, Income, Solo / Solitaire Game, Tags, Tile Placement, Variable Player Powers, Variable Set-up.
Which should you get?
Based only on the specs above — not on opinion:
- Terraforming Mars is the lighter, easier-to-teach game (3.3 vs 3.8 of 5), while Ark Nova offers more decision depth for experienced players.
- If table time matters, Ark Nova is the shorter game (~90 min vs ~120 min).
- For bigger groups, Terraforming Mars stretches further (1–5 players).
- With younger players, Terraforming Mars has the lower recommended age (12+).
- On raw BoardGameGeek ranking, Ark Nova currently sits higher (#2 vs #9).
Both are well-loved games; the "right" one depends on your group. Read the full entries for Terraforming Mars and Ark Nova.
Where to buy
Terraforming Mars
Find Terraforming Mars on Amazon →Ark Nova
Find Ark Nova on Amazon →Amazon links are affiliate search links. As an Amazon Associate, EveryGameMade earns from qualifying purchases.
Common questions
Is Terraforming Mars or Ark Nova harder to learn?
Terraforming Mars is the easier of the two to learn — 3.3 of 5 on BoardGameGeek versus 3.8 of 5 for Ark Nova.
Which is faster to play, Terraforming Mars or Ark Nova?
Ark Nova is the quicker game at about 90 minutes, versus roughly 120 minutes for Terraforming Mars.
How many players do Terraforming Mars and Ark Nova support?
Terraforming Mars plays with 1–5 players; Ark Nova plays with 1–4 players.