Race to the North Pole

Cosmic Games, FoxGames, Playmore Games Inc. (Finnish Publisher) · Board game · 2015
2–4 · best 4 45 min Weight 1.8/5
7.1 rating Ludopedia
6.0 rating BGG
Buy
7.1 rating Ludopedia
6.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy a strategic race with a touch of chaos and love a frosty theme, Race to the North Pole might be your next adventure!

Highlights
  • Innovative rotating board
  • Direct player interaction
  • Push your luck element
  • App with extra content
  • Immersive Arctic theme
Keep in mind
  • Can be a bit 'take that'
  • Luck can influence outcomes
  • Relies on app for extras
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Hey there, adventurer! Ready to face the North Pole? In Race to the North Pole, you and your expedition team will dive into the unforgiving Arctic wilderness, battling unpredictable weather and, of course, other fame-hungry teams. Only one will be remembered as the great conqueror of the Pole! If you're confident in adapting to the most extreme conditions, it's time to pack your bags – the race is on!

In this game, each player leads an expedition team with the goal of being the first to get all their pawns to the North Pole, right in the center of the game board. Gameplay is driven by movement cards you have in front of you. Some help you advance, while others allow you to 'ambush' opponents. But beware, attacking comes at a cost! Whenever you hinder another player, you must draw an 'Ice Mask Tile,' which can bring useful equipment or, perhaps, some hazards that might mess up your well-laid plans.

One of the big highlights of Race to the North Pole is its unique rotating board, which simulates the Arctic weather in a super original way. When a storm hits, everything changes! Your movement cards shift, you receive a new set, the icy crack maze completely transforms, and players are 'carried' along with the weather. This mechanic introduces a deep strategic layer, making every playthrough exciting and challenging right to the very end.

Oh, and there's more! The game comes with a free app, Dized, which offers a ton of new content, localizations, and even new mechanisms for you to use via your smartphone. It's a hybrid experience that elevates immersion and replayability.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
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4 BEST
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Game details

Families

Category: DIZED Tutorial Components: Digital Hybrid – App/Website Required Misc: LongPack Games Region: Arctic Theme: Weather
Publisher Cosmic Games, FoxGames, Playmore Games Inc. (Finnish Publisher)
Designer Jouni Jussila, Tomi Vainikka
Artist Eric Verspoor, Markus Norrgran
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Race to the North Pole?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, making it great for small groups or a more intimate competition.
What is the average game duration?
A game of Race to the North Pole typically lasts between 45 and 45 minutes. It's an ideal time for a quick and engaging game session.
What is the game's complexity level?
With a BGG weight of 1.78, Race to the North Pole is considered a light to medium complexity game. It's easy to learn but offers strategic depth with its mechanics.
Do I need an app to play?
The core game can be played without the app, but the free Dized app offers an interactive tutorial and lots of extra content, like new mechanics and localizations, which greatly enhance the experience.
What does the rotating board actually do?
The rotating board simulates Arctic weather, changing the map layout, the positions of your movement cards, and even 'dragging' players. This forces you to constantly adapt and plan ahead, adding a unique strategic layer.
Who is Race to the North Pole best suited for?
It's perfect for those who enjoy racing, exploration, and adventure games, with a good dose of player interaction and an immersive theme. If you don't mind a bit of 'take that' and love the idea of a dynamic board, you'll have a great time!