Quick answer
If your original box is worn out or you own the 3D city tiles and expansions, the Terraforming Mars Compatible Crate Upgrade offers a sturdier shell and removable tile trays. A standard box organizer fits inside the original box and costs less, but it doesn't solve box wear or hold oversized tiles.
When the original box wears out
After many plays, the Terraforming Mars box lid can split or corners get crushed. A standard organizer still goes inside that same box, so it doesn't fix the structure. The Crate Upgrade replaces the box entirely with a stronger shell that holds both the original organizer and the expansion upgrade.
Handling 3D city tiles
If you've upgraded to 3D city tiles, the standard organizer trays may not accommodate them well. The Crate Upgrade includes four removable tile trays designed to hold up to 49 of those tiles. That's a concrete advantage if you own the 3D tile sets.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Cost: The Crate Upgrade is priced at USD 48.79 (catalog comparison price USD 79.99). A standard box organizer for Terraforming Mars typically costs less, but you pay for the shell and tile trays.
- Box durability: The Crate Upgrade replaces the original box with a stronger shell. Standard organizers rely on the original box, which may already be damaged.
- Tile capacity: The Crate Upgrade includes four removable trays for up to 49 3D city tiles. Standard organizers usually lack dedicated space for these tiles. If you don't own 3D city tiles, the extra trays may be unused.
- Compatibility: The Crate Upgrade works with the original organizer and expansion upgrade. Standard organizers may not fit both expansions together.
Product facts
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Terraforming Mars Compatible Crate Upgrade (Crate Shell + Tile Trays): This crate shell holds your original Terraforming Mars Organizer (ORG070) plus the Expansion Upgrade (ORG121). It also includes 4 removable tile trays intended to hold up to 49 of your upgraded 3D City Tiles (TOK007 and TOK015). You can keep your existing insert and expansion trays while gaining a durable outer shell and dedicated storage for 3D tiles.
Terraforming Mars Compatible Crate Upgrade (Crate Shell + Tile Trays)
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Players whose Terraforming Mars box is showing wear or damage
- Collectors who own 3D city tiles and want dedicated storage
Not for
- Players on a tight budget who don't need a new shell
- Those who only play the base game without expansions or 3D tiles
