On Mars Score Calculator
Estimate an On Mars final score from LSS track progress, building development, scientist and contract cards, technology, ships, resources, missions, and colony level.
| LSS Track | Typical Scoring Role | Calculator Weight | Watch Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygen | Habitation and life support readiness | 1.8 VP per step | Often supports late colony growth |
| Water | Production chain and sustainable placement | 1.7 VP per step | Pairs well with greenhouse scoring |
| Energy | Power network, upgrades, and infrastructure | 1.9 VP per step | Strong with tech-heavy routes |
| Food | Population support and greenhouse pressure | 1.6 VP per step | Low food limits balance scoring |
| Colony Level | Board State | Advanced Building Factor | Balance Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Early Mars presence | +1 VP each | Lowest LSS x 0 |
| Level 2 | Growing engine | +2 VP each | Lowest LSS x 1 |
| Level 3 | Stable colony | +3 VP each | Lowest LSS x 2 |
| Level 4 | Mature colony | +4 VP each | Lowest LSS x 3 |
| Level 5 | Developed colony | +5 VP each | Lowest LSS x 4 |
| Building Category | Examples | Score Input | Calculator Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resource buildings | Mines, water, plants | Basic buildings | 2 VP each plus diversity |
| Energy buildings | Generator and power support | Basic buildings | Works with energy LSS |
| Research buildings | Lab and tech support | Tech and research inputs | 2 VP tile, 3 VP upgrade |
| Advanced buildings | Improved Mars facilities | Advanced buildings | 5 VP plus colony level |
| Shelter clusters | Residential connections | Shelter clusters | 3 VP each |
| Endgame Area | Where to Count | Formula Used Here | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientists | Player tableau | 3 VP per card | Small steady subtotal |
| Contracts | Completed cards | 4 VP each plus printed VP | High swing scoring |
| Ships | Mars and orbit | 3 VP Mars, 1 VP orbit | Logistics conversion |
| Crystals | Player supply | 1 VP each | Direct leftover value |
| Resources | Remaining goods | 1 VP per 3 resources | Cleanup conversion |
| Missions | Public and private goals | 2 VP per step plus bonus | Final separator |
The scoring process for On Mars is based off much different small decisions that accumulate throughout the game. A person earn points from each of the four life support tracks, the buildings, the contracts that are completed, and the level of the colony. Each of these can be entered into the calculator in order for the calculator to calculate the score for the player.
The calculator is helpful in that it prevents the player from have to remember each of the coefficients that can be used to calculate the score for the player. Each of the four life support tracks is important in that each track perform a different function within the colony. The oxygen level maintains the habitations within the planet, the water level maintains the greenhouses, the energy level maintains the advanced buildings within the colony, and the food level allow for the population of the planet to grow.
How to Score Points in On Mars
Each of the life support tracks should be maintained close to one another in order to avoid losing points for the colony; the lowest life support track limits the life support of the entire planet. The game provides a bonus for maintaining all of the life support tracks close to one another, and the bonus increase as the level of the colony increases. For instance, if a player has reached a high level of their colony, then small differences between each of the life support tracks can lead to a large number of points earned by that player.
In addition to the four life support tracks, the player also earns points from the buildings constructed within there colony. Different type of buildings contribute to the score in different manner. For instance, basic buildings contribute to the score at a steady rate, but if the level of the colony increases, the advanced buildings contribute more points to the score than if they were constructed at a lower level of the colony.
The calculator for On Mars requires the player to enter the number of different type of buildings that were constructed within the players colony. The more different types of buildings that a player has constructed in their colony, the more higher the score that they will earn for that game. For instance, a colony that contains mines, labs, greenhouses, and shelters will score higher than a colony that only constructed one type of building.
Another factor that can have a major impact on the score is the contracts that the player completes and the scientist cards that are played during the game. The contracts provide the number of points that are earned based upon the number of contracts that were completed and the victory points that were earned from each contract. Each of these value are separated within the calculator for the player to enter.
Scientist cards provide a subtotal for the score that is calculated at the end of the game, and the player earn these points for retaining these scientist cards rather than discarding them for alternative actions during the game. The other factors that contribute to the score are each of the ships that are constructed and the number of resources that is collected. Each ship that reaches the surface of the planet earns the player points, but ships that remain in orbit earn less points for the player.
Additionally, the number of crystals that are collected contribute to the score, but ordinary resources must be grouped in three for them to earn points for the player. Finally, the mission and private goals that are constructed for the game contribute to the final score of the player. The number of steps for the mission that are completed, the majority bonuses for the player, and the points for any hidden objectives are all entered into the calculator.
These factors will allow the player to review the effectiveness of their effort for that mission. Additionally, any penalty for the game are also entered into the calculator. This will allow the player to review if they have yet been costed in relation to the requirements of the game.
Although small adjustment to the game can have a large impact upon the score for that game, there are a few adjustments that can increase the players score. For instance, one could increase their score by keeping each of the life support tracks close to one another, or by completing one additional contract rather than constructing one basic building for the colony. Furthermore, one could also increase their score by constructing one additional ship that land upon the planet.
These adjustments can be made visible to the player through the use of the score calculator. The game is built in a way that reward each engine constructed that includes each of these element reinforcing each other. Thus, each of these elements will contribute to a higher score for the game then if the player only focused upon one of these category for that game.
