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Overview
Aresia is a Mars colonization game for 2–6 players. Build habitats, domes, and pipelines across the Martian surface. Collect resources, trade at the bank, and use mission cards to gain an edge. First to
10 Victory Points wins.
The Board
19 hex tiles produce 5 resource types. Each hex has a number token (2–12). When the dice match a hex's number, all adjacent habitats/domes collect that resource. The Crater produces nothing.
Resources
- 🧱 Iron — red terrain, used for pipelines and habitats.
- 🔮 Silicon — purple terrain, used for domes and mission cards.
- 🌿 Biomass — green terrain, used for habitats, domes, and mission cards.
- 💧 Water — blue terrain, used for habitats and mission cards.
- ☀ Solar — yellow terrain, used for pipelines and habitats.
Structures
- Habitat (1 Iron + 1 Solar + 1 Biomass + 1 Water) — 1 VP. Placed at intersections. Collects 1 resource from each adjacent hex when its number is rolled.
- Dome (2 Biomass + 3 Silicon) — 2 VP. Upgrades a habitat. Collects 2 resources instead of 1.
- Pipeline (1 Iron + 1 Solar) — Placed on edges between intersections. Extends your network.
Mission Cards
Cost: 1 Biomass + 1 Silicon + 1 Water. Draw a random card:
- Rover — Move the Dust Storm and steal a resource. 3+ rovers = Largest Fleet (2 VP).
- Supply Drop — Take any 2 resources from the bank.
- Pipeline Surge — Build 2 free pipelines immediately.
- Monopoly — Name a resource; all opponents give you theirs.
- Hidden VP — Worth 1 VP at game end.
Dust Storm (Rolling 7)
Anyone with more than 7 resources must discard half (rounded down). The active player moves the Dust Storm to any hex and steals 1 resource from an adjacent player. The stormed hex produces nothing until the storm moves.
Trading
Trade 4 of one resource for 1 of any other at the bank. Launch pads (ports) on the board edge give better ratios (3:1 any, or 2:1 specific).
Victory
First to
10 VP wins. VP sources: Habitats (1), Domes (2), Longest Pipeline ≥5 (2 VP), Largest Fleet ≥3 rovers (2 VP), Hidden VP cards (1 each).
About Aresia
Aresia is an original Mars-themed strategy game in the Catan tradition. Build habitats, domes, and pipelines across a 19-hex Martian surface, collect resources when the dice favor your network, play mission cards, and race to 10 Victory Points. Turn-based for 2 to 6 players, with a built-in AI for any empty seat.
How to play
On your turn, roll two dice — every hex matching the roll produces its resource for adjacent habitats (1 each) and domes (2 each). Spend resources to build habitats (1 VP), upgrade them into domes (2 VP), lay pipelines to extend your network, or buy mission cards. Trade surplus at the bank (4:1) or at launch-pad ports (3:1 or 2:1). Roll a 7 to unleash the Dust Storm, forcing over-stocked players to discard and letting you steal from a neighbor. First colonist to 10 Victory Points wins.
Frequently asked questions
How do I win Aresia?
Be the first to reach 10 Victory Points. Points come from Habitats (1 each), Domes (2 each), Hidden VP mission cards, plus 2 VP each for the Longest Pipeline (5+ segments) and the Largest Fleet (3+ rovers).
How do I collect resources?
Roll two dice each turn; hexes matching the total produce their resource for all adjacent habitats and domes (a dome collects double). Trade what you don't need at the bank or at ports for better ratios.
What happens when someone rolls a 7?
A 7 triggers the Dust Storm. Anyone holding more than 7 resources discards half, and the active player moves the storm to any hex, steals a resource from an adjacent player, and halts that hex's production until the storm moves.
What's the player count?
Aresia supports 2 to 6 players. Any seat can be run by the built-in AI, so you can play solo or fill out a larger table.
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