Car Wars: Arenas

(Web published), Steve Jackson Games · Board game · 2015
— Ludopedia 7.2 BGG 2–8 — Weight 4.0/5
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— rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you love the mayhem of Car Wars, you’ll love getting five ready‑to‑play arenas.

Highlights
  • Large, detailed maps
  • Revised variants included
  • Zero setup hassle
  • High replay value
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Variable play time
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Car Wars: Arenas arrives as the ultimate upgrade for fans of Car Wars Classic. The box includes five 22" x 34" arena maps printed on one side, ready to be laid out at full scale. Each arena sports a distinct theme—from scorching deserts to neon‑lit cityscapes—and comes with a booklet detailing terrain features, obstacles and special effects that can flip the battle at any moment. In addition to the new battlefields, the booklet presents revised rules for beloved community variants such as corporate team duels, the AADA pro circuit, and other options that broaden tactical depth. No need to assemble tiny tiles or print miniature maps; just open the box and start bashing. The main components are sturdy boards, plus vehicle tokens, damage markers and a quick‑reference rule sheet to ease integration with the base game. With a 4/5 weight, the learning curve is moderate—the core Car Wars mechanics are familiar, but the fresh arenas and variants add strategic layers that reward players who like planning moves, managing resources and adapting to terrain. Designed for 2‑8 players, a game can run anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the chosen rules. If you already own the base game and crave more diverse fields and play modes, Car Wars: Arenas delivers exactly that while preserving the vehicular combat spirit that made the original a classic.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–8 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK
6 OK
7 OK
8 OK

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Game: Car Wars
Publisher (Web published), Steve Jackson Games

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can join?
From 2 to 8 players, depending on the arena and chosen variants.
How long does a game take?
Typically 30 to 90 minutes, varying with the rules and arena complexity.
Do I need the Car Wars base game?
Yes, Car Wars: Arenas is an expansion and requires the base game to play.
What components are included?
Five arena boards, a rule booklet with arena details, vehicle tokens, damage markers, and a quick‑reference rule sheet.
Does it add new rules or just new maps?
Both – it provides new arenas and revised rules for popular variants like corporate team duels and the AADA pro circuit.
Is it suitable for beginners?
The core mechanics are familiar, but the added variants may be a bit complex for those who have never played Car Wars.
Are the arenas compatible with all Car Wars editions?
They are designed for the Classic scale, so they work best with the original version of the game.