If you are archiving the game, the first print is considered a "defective product." The patched version holds its value better because it is the definitive, correct product.
Open the box. On the inside lid or the bottom of the insert, look for a printed date:
FryxGames didn’t just nerf one card; they re-tuned the whole starting ecosystem. The key changes in the print-and-play patch (available on their website) include:
The phrase "Terraforming Mars Prelude print patched" sounds like technical jargon, but it is simply the community's shorthand for "a playable copy."
The first print run of Prelude was a rare misstep for an otherwise fantastic expansion. Fortunately, the publisher did the right thing by releasing a physical patch kit and fixing the factory printing for all subsequent runs. terraforming mars prelude print patched
Final Verdict: Buy the patched version. If you cannot find it, buy opaque card sleeves. Do not pay full price for a first-run copy, as you will eventually resent the marked cards.
Happy terraforming, CEOs. And check your card backs.
Further Reading:
In video games, a "patch" is a digital download. In board games, a "patch" is a new print run. When the community says "Terraforming Mars Prelude print patched," they are referring to the Second Edition Printing (or later) where Stronghold Games fixed the color mismatch and the typos. If you are archiving the game, the first
However, FryxGames did something brilliant here. Instead of asking players to buy a whole new box (like some other publishers do), they released an official "Prelude Patch Kit."
If you play solo or with a casual family that doesn't memorize card backs, you might never notice. You can also sleeve all your cards with opaque-backed sleeves (like Ultra Pro or Dragon Shield with solid colors). Opaque sleeves make the print run irrelevant.
In late 2022 / early 2023, FryxGames released the Terraforming Mars Big Box. This box contained new, premium card stock for all expansions, including Prelude.
Important Update for 2024/2025: The "Big Box" cards are the most patched version. They feature: Open the box
Furthermore, Prelude 2 (a second 15-card set) was recently announced. If you own Prelude 2, you must have a patched set of Prelude 1, because the rules explicitly state you shuffle both sets together. If you mix a first-print Prelude 1 with a brand-new Prelude 2, the color mismatch becomes instantly obvious.
If you bought the first edition, you could email Stronghold Games customer service, prove your purchase, and they would mail you:
How to spot a "Patched" game vs. a "Printed Patched" game:
