Heat: Pedal to the Metal
- Designer Asger Aleksandrov Granerud , Daniel Skjold Pedersen
- Publisher Days of Wonder , ADC Blackfire Entertainment , CoolPlay , Galápagos Jogos , Gém Klub Kft.
- Illustration Vincent Dutrait
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play cards to drive race cars around a circuit, balancing speed and heat to finish ahead. Gameplay combines hand management with programmed movement and deck/pool-building elements. Weather, track events and other variables change between races; a Championship System lets you play a season in one session. A solo mode (Legends Module) and automated opponents are available.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at hobby gamers and racing fans aged 10+, Heat suits players who enjoy medium-complexity thematic games. Games run about 60 minutes, making it suitable for a typical game night. Some experience with hand-management or engine-building mechanics helps.
How It Works
Players choose cards to control acceleration, cornering and heat—core resources to manage while moving around the track. The game mixes Hand Management with Programmed Movement and Deck, Bag, and Pool Building to create evolving strategies. Catch the Leader and Race mechanics drive positional battles, while Push Your Luck moments appear when risking high speed and rising heat. The Championship mode allows car customization between races.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Asger Aleksandrov Granerud and Daniel Skjold Pedersen with art by Vincent Dutrait, Heat won Golden Geek awards in 2022 including Best Thematic Board Game and Medium Game of the Year. Its blend of heat-management and programmed card play gives a distinct thematic racing experience.
Awards
2023
2022
- 2022 Board Game Quest Awards Best Thematic Game — Nominated
Pro
- Strong thematic racing through programmed movement and heat mechanics
- Hand management plus deck/pool-building offers strategic depth
- Championship mode enables multiple races and car customization
- Includes solo play and automated opponents for scalability
Contra
- Learning curve for heat and card selection
- Approximately 60-minute games may be long for quick sessions
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the world of auto racing (Formula/Auto Racing), races feature changing weather and track events that influence each race. The theme emphasizes racecraft and engine management rather than deep simulation.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding hand-management and the heat mechanic first; try the Championship mode to learn over multiple races.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The publisher notes a solo mode using the Legends Module.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 60 minutes; playing a full championship will extend total playtime.
What prior experience do I need?
Some experience with hand-management or medium-complexity thematic games is helpful.
How does this compare to similar games?
Heat combines programmed movement with heat-management and deck/pool-building, giving it a different emphasis than pure race or pure engine-building titles.
Is this suitable for families?
Suitable for families with children 10 and up; younger or newer players may need extra explanation.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Hand Management, Programmed Movement and Heat management is the standout mechanic.
Fazit
Heat delivers accessible yet strategic racing in ~60 minutes, recommended for players seeking thematic racing with solo and multiplayer options.
