Steam Power: Cat Power

Wallace Designs, Arclight Games · Board game · 2025
2–5 · best 4 45–90 min Weight 2.3/5
rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy Steam Power and love a dash of cat humor, Cat Power will delight you – the extra puzzle layer spices up each game.

Highlights
  • Charming cat humor
  • New map cards
  • Additional puzzle challenge
Keep in mind
  • Slightly higher complexity
  • Requires base game
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Steam Power: Cat Power arrives as the first expansion for the beloved Steam Power, adding two new whimsical cat‑themed maps and an unexpected twist: sleeping cats that may block your tracks. The core game stays the same – you still lay hexagonal rails, build transportation routes and fulfill contracts – but waking a sleeping cat introduces an extra puzzle that forces you to rethink tile placement. Each map features a variable set‑up, so the board changes every play, keeping strategies fresh. The sleeping felines act as temporary obstacles; once awakened, you can move or remove them, opening up chainable routes that award extra points. The pick‑up‑and‑deliver mechanic remains, but now cats can serve as "cargo" that, when delivered to the right destination, grant bonus scoring. The expansion retains the lighthearted theme with amusing engineer‑cat artwork while still offering strategic depth through chaining, connections, and ownership of lines. Perfect for fans of the base game who want a dash of feline chaos without a steep learning curve. With a weight of 2.25/5, the learning curve stays gentle, and playtime ranges from 45 to 90 minutes depending on player count (2‑5). In short, Cat Power adds variety, humor, and an extra layer of challenge that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned Steam Power players.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Animals: Cats Crowdfunding: Gamefound
Publisher Wallace Designs, Arclight Games
Designer Martin Wallace
Artist Leith Walton

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can play?
2 to 5 players, just like the base game.
What is the typical play time?
Between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on player count and familiarity with the expansion.
Do I need the Steam Power base game?
Yes, Cat Power is an expansion and only works together with the base game.
What are the main new features?
Two new map cards, a sleeping‑cat mechanic that blocks tracks, and an extra puzzle challenge when waking them.
Does the expansion increase game complexity?
Slightly, but the 2.25/5 weight suggests the learning curve remains gentle.
Are the components of good quality?
Yes, they match the base game's art style and material quality, featuring fun engineer‑cat illustrations.
Can I play only with the expansion?
No, the expansion requires the board, tiles and rules from Steam Power to function.