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rating
Ludopedia
7.3
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
The essential upgrade for players seeking fresh geographic and strategic challenges on the rails.
Highlights
- Challenging new maps
- Massive long-distance bonuses
- Increased replayability
- Fresh company dynamics
Keep in mind
- Requires base game
- Rugged Australian terrain
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
If you're already a fan of Ride the Rails and feel the world is too small for your locomotives, get ready to expand your horizons (literally!). This expansion introduces a double-sided board that takes you on two completely different journeys: Australia and Canada.
In Australia, the challenge is rugged. The terrain is tough and can significantly hinder your building capacity, but don't let that fool you: new long-distance hexes are available to connect far-off cities. If you can master these leaps, the bonuses they provide are absolutely massive! It's perfect for players who love planning daring routes and taking risks in difficult landscapes.
Canada offers a different vibe altogether. You'll find various clusters of cities waiting to be linked. Pro tip: keep an eye on Toronto; any railroad company that manages to connect there receives a special bonus. It's exactly the kind of strategic hub you want to occupy to gain a competitive edge.
Beyond the new maps, the expansion introduces new ways for the six railroad companies to enter the game, providing much-needed freshness for veterans of the base game. Just a friendly heads-up: don't grab this expansion if you don't already own the original Ride the Rails! It is an add-on, not a standalone game. If you're looking for new strategic challenges and want to test your route management skills in diverse settings, this expansion is the perfect upgrade for your rail empire!
In Australia, the challenge is rugged. The terrain is tough and can significantly hinder your building capacity, but don't let that fool you: new long-distance hexes are available to connect far-off cities. If you can master these leaps, the bonuses they provide are absolutely massive! It's perfect for players who love planning daring routes and taking risks in difficult landscapes.
Canada offers a different vibe altogether. You'll find various clusters of cities waiting to be linked. Pro tip: keep an eye on Toronto; any railroad company that manages to connect there receives a special bonus. It's exactly the kind of strategic hub you want to occupy to gain a competitive edge.
Beyond the new maps, the expansion introduces new ways for the six railroad companies to enter the game, providing much-needed freshness for veterans of the base game. Just a friendly heads-up: don't grab this expansion if you don't already own the original Ride the Rails! It is an add-on, not a standalone game. If you're looking for new strategic challenges and want to test your route management skills in diverse settings, this expansion is the perfect upgrade for your rail empire!
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
3
REC
4
BEST
5
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Capstone Games
Designer
John Bohrer
Artist
Ian O'Toole
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Can I play with only this expansion?
No, you absolutely need the Ride the Rails base game to play.
Does the game get harder with these new maps?
Yes, especially in Australia, where the terrain can make building routes more challenging.
How many players can play?
The expansion supports 3 to 5 players, just like the original.
How long does a game last?
Expect around 60 minutes, keeping the snappy pace of the base game.
Who is this recommended for?
For those who have mastered the base game and want new settings and strategies without changing the core gameplay style.
Is there a language barrier?
Language dependency is moderate; it's wise to check if components or cards require translation.