# CO₂: The Arctic Expansion ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2012 - **BGG Rating**: 7.1 - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 4) - **Duration**: 90 min - **Weight**: 3.54 / 5 - **Designers**: Nathan Morse, Vital Lacerda - **Artists**: Giacomo Tappainer, Paula Simonetti - **Publishers**: Giochix.it - **Categories**: Economic, Environmental, Expansion for Base-game, Industry / Manufacturing - **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Open Drafting, Tile Placement, Variable Phase Order, Worker Placement ## Verdict Strategy fans and environmental themes lovers will love! Combines solid mechanics with an urgent narrative.Innovative mechanics and engaging themeModerate learning curve and abundant componentsHIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR GENRE FANS ## Description CO₂: The Arctic Expansion is an add-on to the base CO₂ game that turns the scenario into an urgent environmental challenge. Players take on the role of CEOs of energy companies, competing to build sustainable power plants while dealing with the threat of Arctic ice melt. The core mechanics revolve around Worker Placement and Tile Placement, requiring strategic planning for each action. The expansion introduces the global event 'The Arctic Melts', which accelerates ice melting and forces players to adapt their strategies. Additionally, the 'The Arctic Company Goal' card offers a unique objective for companies focused on the region. Mechanics like Area Majority and Influence add strategic layers, as controlling board areas grants advantages. The environmental theme is clear, but the game isn't just about saving the planet—there's room for profit and rivalry. The expansion is ideal for fans of strategic games with a touch of urgency, combining resource management and decision-making under pressure. Despite the complexity of the rules, the system is intuitive once players understand the interactions. Components are of good quality, with colorful tiles representing different game elements. The experience is more engaging with 3-4 players, as the balance between cooperation and competition is more dynamic. Ludopedia's 9.80 rating reinforces that it's one of the best expansions in the genre. If you're looking for a game that mixes strategy, current themes, and innovative mechanics, CO₂: The Arctic Expansion is an excellent choice. ## FAQ ### How many players can play? 2 to 5 players. ### How long does a game last? Approximately 90 minutes. ### Is it hard to learn? Rules have complexity but are easy to understand with practice. ### Do I need the base game to play? Yes, it's an expansion of the base CO₂ game. ### Is it recommended for beginners? Better for players with experience in strategic games. ### What are the most important components? Tiles, objective cards, and worker tokens. ### Does the game have a real environmental focus? Yes, it addresses themes like climate change and Arctic ice melt.