# Steam: Map Expansion #4

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2014
- **BGG Rating**: 7.8
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 3, 4, 6)
- **Duration**: 60-120 min
- **Weight**: 4.00 / 5
- **Designers**: Morgan Dontanville
- **Artists**: Jared Blando
- **Publishers**: Mayfair Games
- **Categories**: Expansion for Base-game, Trains, Transportation
- **Mechanics**: Auction / Bidding, Network and Route Building, Pick-up and Deliver, Tile Placement

## Verdict
If you love building routes and trading resources, this expansion adds two distinct regions to spice up your game.New geographic areasRules scaled to player countAdditional transition tilesSlightly higher complexityLonger play timeRECOMMENDED

## Description
Steam: Map Expansion #4 transports the railway adventure to two brand‑new regions. In South Africa, 3‑6 players must juggle mining resources with local market trade, adding a fresh economic twist to the base game. The Polish side introduces "Broad to Standard Gage Transitions", letting games of 2‑4 players adjust track gauges to fit the scenario. The expansion provides two rule sets: one streamlined for 3‑4 players and a tighter version for head‑to‑head 2‑player duels. Beyond the new geographic boards, it adds a fresh tile sheet compatible with Steam's standard boards and extra transition tiles that complement Map Expansion #3. Core Steam mechanics—auction, network building, pick‑up‑and‑deliver, and tile placement—remain, but gain new depth thanks to the South African and Polish routes. Playtime ranges from 60 to 120 minutes, depending on player count and rule familiarity. With a 4/5 weight, the expansion offers solid strategic depth without overwhelming complexity, perfect for fans of the original looking to expand their rail empire.

## FAQ
### How many players can use the expansion?
It supports 2 to 6 players, with separate rules for 2‑player duels and 3‑4 player games.

### What is the typical play time with the expansion?
Between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on player count and familiarity with the new rules.

### Do I need the base Steam game to use this expansion?
Yes, it is a supplement and requires the base Steam game to play.

### What new components are included?
An extra tile sheet for the new maps, additional transition tiles, and region‑specific rule sets.

### Does the expansion change the auction mechanic?
No, auction works as in the base game, but now applies to the new mining and market routes.

### Is it suitable for beginners?
It’s best for players already familiar with Steam, as it adds rules and options that can be a bit complex for newcomers.

### Can I mix tiles from Expansion #3 with #4?
Yes, #4 includes tiles that complement those from Expansion #3, allowing both to be used together.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 16.14 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=1666042&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 29.09 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=1420386&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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