# Age of Steam Expansion: Fukushima/Chernobyl

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2015
- **BGG Rating**: 7.9
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 3-5
- **Duration**: 120 min
- **Weight**: 3.00 / 5
- **Designers**: Alban Viard
- **Artists**: Todd Sanders
- **Publishers**: AoS Team
- **Categories**: Economic, Trains, Transportation
- **Mechanics**: Pick-up and Deliver

## Verdict
For players looking to crank up the tension in Age of Steam with high-stakes maps.Highly thematic mapsInnovative risk mechanicsMuch more dynamic strategyConstant adaptation challengeRequires base game masteryCan be punishing for novicesFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
If you're already an Age of Steam enthusiast, get ready for a whole new level of tension! This expansion introduces two intense, brand-new maps: Fukushima and Chernobyl, which are far more than just pretty backdrops—they are genuine strategic challenges. The big twist here, which might make your heart race (or perhaps pound with dread), is the hexagon destruction mechanic. Unlike the base game, where the map is your constant ally, here the tiles have immediate financial value, but there's a heavy price to pay: midway through the game, these very same hexes can be destroyed. Imagine planning the perfect route, carefully laying down your tracks, and then suddenly seeing the terrain vanish beneath you! This demands much more dynamic planning and an incredible capacity for adaptation. You can't just build for the distant future; you must ensure your infrastructure is both profitable and resilient right now, before disaster strikes. It is a pure risk management experience, where economic strategy and rail logistics collide with the unpredictability of a crisis scenario. If you enjoy games where every decision can be upended by an external event and where timing is everything, this expansion is exactly the spice your Age of Steam sessions need. It's more than just new maps; it's a paradigm shift in how you approach the board.

## FAQ
### Do I need the base game to use this expansion?
Absolutely! This is an expansion, so you'll need the original Age of Steam rules and components.

### What is the main difference between the maps?
Both feature the hexagon destruction mechanic, but the Fukushima and Chernobyl settings present unique logistical and timing challenges.

### Does the game get much harder?
Yes, the unpredictability of map destruction requires you to be much more cautious and strategic than in the base game.

### How many players can play?
The expansion supports 3 to 5 players, following the standard scale of the original game.

### How long does a game last?
Expect sessions of about 2 hours, depending on player speed and route complexity.

### Is it recommended for absolute beginners?
Not really. Since it's an expansion for a weight 3/5 game, it's best if you already have experience with management and strategy games.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 18.50 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2388816&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 24.04 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=3387457&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/16571/age-of-steam-fukushimachernobyl?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com