# Terraforming Mars: Directed Heat Usage Promo Card

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2023
- **BGG Rating**: 7.9
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 1-5 (Best with: 3, 4)
- **Duration**: 120-180 min
- **Weight**: 3.50 / 5
- **Designers**: Jacob Fryxelius
- **Artists**: Isaac Fryxelius
- **Publishers**: FryxGames, MeepleBR, MINDOK, Rebel Sp. z o.o., Schwerkraft-Verlag
- **Categories**: Economic, Environmental, Expansion for Base-game, Industry / Manufacturing, Science Fiction, Space Exploration, Territory Building
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Open Drafting, Set Collection, Take That, Tile Placement, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
Fans of resource optimization will love this card, and the best part: it gives two payoff options in one click!Quick strategic choiceImmediate game impactWorks with any heat deckDoesn’t alter the base gameMinor effect on already mastered decksRECOMMENDED

## Description
The *Directed Heat Usage* promo card adds a fresh twist (or heat, depending on your strategy) to the Terraforming Mars universe. It appears as a blue card costing 1 M€, offering a simple yet strategic choice: spend 3 heat and decide between gaining 4 M€ or 2 plants. This decision can swing a 120‑to‑180‑minute game for 1‑to‑5 players. Hand‑management mechanics kick in as you decide whether to keep the heat in hand for future turns or use it immediately. Open drafting lets you pick this card alongside other options, while set collection can be used to combine heat cards into combos. The “Take That” ability can be used to block another player’s heat move, creating tension and competition. In terms of experience, the card adds a small but impactful decision element that can favor economic growth, biomes expansion, or energy project acceleration. If you already have a well‑balanced heat deck, this promo might be the key to turning the tide in your favor. If not, you might want to wait to see how it fits your play style. In short, it’s a fun addition that doesn’t change the base game but offers a new layer of strategy for those who love optimizing resources and planning each step toward a habitable planet.

The card is available in 48‑unit promo packs, typically sold online or as a bonus with other FryxGames purchases. If you’re looking for a cheap upgrade to your base game, this could be the ideal choice. However, if you already master all the heat mechanics, you may not notice much difference in regular play. Still, for those who enjoy experimenting and testing new combos, it’s worth a look.

Overall, the *Directed Heat Usage* card offers a short‑term strategic choice that can open doors to long‑term plans while keeping the fun and tension typical of Terraforming Mars.

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime with this promo card?
The playtime stays between 120 and 180 minutes, as the card only adds an extra decision, not changing the total duration.

### Can I use this card with any edition of Terraforming Mars?
Yes, it works with the 2023 base edition and other expansions that include the heat system.

### How does the card affect resource gathering strategy?
It lets you convert heat into money or plants, giving flexibility to choose between economic growth or biomes expansion.

### Do I need heat cards in my deck to use this card?
No, you can use any amount of heat you have on hand; the card only requires 3 heat to activate.

### What is the difference between gaining 4 M€ and 2 plants?
Earning 4 M€ speeds up infrastructure projects, while 2 plants help accelerate biome production and heat generation.

### Does the card have a turn limit for use?
There is no turn limit; you can use the card whenever you have 3 heat available.