From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Terraforming Mars?
FryxGames English rulebook, 2016

The player who most recently won a game of Terraforming Mars takes the first player marker and starts.
Rule details
The first generation skips the player order and research phases, so the first player simply begins the action phase.
In the action phase, play proceeds clockwise until everyone has passed.
From the second generation on, the first player marker shifts one step clockwise at the start of each generation.
Source & edition
- Terraforming Mars: English rulesFryxGames · Page 7, Setup step 4 (Players) and step 8 (Start the game); page 8, Generations: Player Order phase and Action phase; credits on page 16 · Checked 2026-09-25Printed page references: 7, 8, 16
Image: © FryxGames / Stronghold Games · FryxGames
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say.
Related games and editions
Browse available game rulesGames with a similar starting rule
River Valley GlassworksWhoever saw a river most recently takes the first-player marker and starts.
MoroccoThe player who most recently traveled to Morocco starts and takes the start-player marker.
HabitatsWhoever fed an animal most recently starts and takes the Turn Tracker and Turn Marker.
AbluxxenWhoever saw a lynx most recently takes the paw marker and plays first.
CastellThe player who most recently visited Catalonia receives the first-player marker and takes the first turn.
Free game-night tools: score keeper · turn timer · dice roller · all tools
Found a different instruction in your edition? Send a correction with the game, edition, and source.