2.0
rating
Ludopedia
7.1
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
If you enjoy strategic games with an environmental theme and a touch of economics, CO₂ might be your cup of tea! It's a tense game where you need to balance profit with saving the planet.
Highlights
- Strong and thought-provoking theme
- Deep and rewarding strategy
- Tense player interaction
Keep in mind
- Steep initial learning curve
- Can be a bit lengthy
- Theme can be heavy
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
In CO₂, you step into the shoes of an energy company CEO facing the global energy crisis of the 70s. Energy demand skyrocketed, and the easiest solution was building fossil fuel plants, which, guess what, pushed pollution to alarming levels. Now, the planet is crying for help, and governments want clean solutions! Your challenge is to build sustainable energy plants, meeting energy needs while, of course, profiting from it. To succeed, you'll need to manage resources like money, expertise, and the valuable Carbon Emission Permits (CEPs). These permits are your golden ticket to build anything, be it a green plant or a dirty one, and their price fluctuates in a global market. Keep a close eye on the CEP market, as controlling this currency is crucial! The game has a semi-cooperative twist: everyone wants to save the planet (and earn victory points!), but only one CEO can achieve the highest reputation. You'll use workers to place your plants on the map, influence regions, and complete global and company goals. It's a strategic game that demands planning and a keen eye on your opponents' actions and the planet's condition. Who will build the energy future and come out on top? Get ready for a fierce competition where sustainability and profit go hand in hand.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
5
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Giochix.it, Lacerta, MYBG Co., Ltd., Stronghold Games
Designer
Vital Lacerda
Artist
Giacomo Tappainer, Paula Simonetti
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is CO₂ a cooperative or competitive game?
CO₂ is a semi-cooperative game. All players need to work together to prevent the planet from reaching a point of no return, but only one player will be the ultimate winner with the highest reputation.
What is the complexity of CO₂?
CO₂ is considered a medium-heavy weight game. It has many strategic options and rules that require attention, making it recommended for players who already have some experience with more complex board games.
How long does a game of CO₂ take?
A game of CO₂ typically lasts around 120 minutes (2 hours), but this can vary depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules.
How many players does CO₂ play well with?
The game is designed for 1 to 5 players. It offers an interesting experience at different counts, but the interaction and tension tend to increase with more players.
Could the theme of pollution and climate crisis be unpleasant for some players?
The theme is central to the game and can be a point of interest for many, but it's important to note that it addresses serious issues directly. If the theme is sensitive for you or your group, it might be something to consider.
Are there many expansions for CO₂?
Yes, there are a few expansions that add new components, rules, and challenges, such as the 'All Included' expansion which brings more content to the base game.
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