Terra Nova

A streamlined Terra Mystica: ten factions, a hex map and a race to the biggest territory.

Designer: Andreas Faul
Published by: KOSMOS
Editions by: Capstone Games, Maldito Games, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd., White Goblin Games, Cranio Creations, Super Meeple, Grok Games, テンデイズゲームズ (TendaysGames)

Terra Nova is a streamlined cousin of Terra Mystica, released in 2022. Up to four players each take one of ten factions with its own special abilities, and you compete in peaceful rivalry to explore new territories on a hex map, build structures and meet goals that change from round to round. Use your faction's powers cleverly, aiming to control the largest territory at the end and to finish with the most points. Rounds chain together actions and pass order matters. It is meatier than a family game but simpler than its famous parent. Two to four players, about 90 minutes, from age 12.

Ten factions with their own abilitiesHex-map expansion and buildingGoals change from round to round

Who it's for

You like Terra Mystica's territory puzzle but want it a bit simpler and quicker to teach.

Not for you if…

You want direct conflict or a wild fantasy story. This is a calm, optimizing expansion game.

Vibe's take

Thoughtful and efficient, with a puzzle of how your faction's gifts chain together. You grow quietly beside your rivals and keep an eye on who is getting boxed in.