In the land of Terra Mystica, 14 different factions live across seven types of landscapes. Each group is bound to its own specific environment; therefore, to develop and grow, they must terraform neighboring areas into their home terrain while competing against other groups.

The board game Terra Mystica is a game of perfect information, with no luck involved, that rewards strategic planning. Each player controls one of the 14 factions. With subtlety and skill, a player must attempt to rule as large an area as possible and develop that faction's abilities. There are also four religious Cults in which you can advance. To accomplish all of this, each faction possesses unique skills and special abilities. Taking turns, players execute actions using the resources at their disposal. Different buildings allow players to produce different resources: Dwellings provide more workers, while Trading Houses allow players to earn money. Strongholds unlock a faction's special ability, and Temples allow you to develop religion as well as your terraforming and shipping skills. Buildings can be upgraded: Dwellings can become Trading Houses; Trading Houses can be upgraded into Strongholds or Temples; and a Temple can be upgraded to become a Sanctuary. Each faction must also develop its terraforming proficiency and its shipping skill to navigate the rivers.

Awards and Honors:
2025 BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame Inductee
2015 MinD-Spielepreis Complex Game Winner
2015 MinD-Spielepreis Complex Game Nominee
2014 Ludoteca Ideale Official Selection Winner
2014 Gra Roku Advanced Game of the Year Winner
2014 Gra Roku Advanced Game of the Year Nominee
2014 Diana Jones Award for Excellence in Gaming Nominee
2013 Tric Trac Finalist
2013 Tric Trac d'Or Winner
2013 Spiel des Jahres Kennerspiel des Jahres Recommended
2013 Nederlandse Spellenprijs Best Expert Game Winner
2013 Nederlandse Spellenprijs Best Expert Game Nominee
2013 Le Lys Passioné Finalist
2013 JUG Adult Game of the Year Winner
2013 JUG Adult Game of the Year Finalist
2013 International Gamers Award - General Strategy: Multi-player Winner
2013 International Gamers Award - General Strategy: Multi-player Nominee
2013 Hra roku Winner
2013 Hra roku Nominee
2013 Gouden Ludo Winner
2013 Gouden Ludo Nominee
2013 Golden Geek Most Innovative Board Game Nominee
2013 Golden Geek Board Game of the Year Winner
2013 Golden Geek Best Strategy Board Game Winner
2013 Golden Geek Best Board Game Artwork/Presentation Nominee
2013 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game Winner
2012 Meeples Choice Award Winner
2012 Meeples Choice Award Nominee
2012 Jogo do Ano Nominee
2012 Jocul Anului în România Advanced Finalist