Heat: Race through the future at full speed – a look at the game and the “Dark Tunnels” expansion
4. March 2025 Board Game

The world of board games has produced numerous exciting new releases in recent years, but few can match the thrilling mix of speed, strategy and thrills that Heat by Days of Wonder offers. But it’s not just the base game that has delighted fans and critics, the latest expansion “Dark Tunnels” also brings a breath of fresh air to the game and provides even more action-packed moments.

What is Heat?

Heat is a racing game that takes you into the exciting world of high-speed cars. But it’s not just a classic racing game – it also requires a lot of tactical skill and forward planning. Players must use a mixture of tickets and heat cards to control their vehicles in order to cross the finish line first. Speed is the key to victory, but if you overuse your heat cards, you risk overheating the vehicle and losing valuable time.

The game offers a successful combination of fast-paced action and in-depth strategy, in which every race becomes a thrilling race.

Heat: Race through the future at full speed – a look at the game and the “Dark Tunnels” expansion

What’s special about Heat

  • Resource management: Every step must be considered, as driving too fast carries the risk of overheating the car. The map mechanics are a central element in this.
  • Overtaking maneuvers and tactics: It’s not just about driving fast – clever overtaking and the right timing for using cards are just as crucial.
  • Beginner-friendly yet in-depth: The game is exciting for both beginners and experienced players. The rules are quickly learned, but the strategic decisions during the game challenge the players.

Dark tunnels – The new expansion

The “Dark Tunnels” expansion brings fresh elements and additional excitement to the Heat series. Dark Tunnels” is not only about the classic race on open roads, but also about new challenges that make the game even more unpredictable.

What are the benefits of the extension?

  • Tunnel sections: In the expansion, there are tunnels that must be driven through during the race. These sections introduce new tactical elements, as driving in tunnels restricts your visibility and therefore your movement options. It becomes more difficult to plan ahead as you cannot see what lies ahead.
  • Chicanes: Chicanes are another new element of the expansion. They consist of 2 consecutive cornering lines with the same speed limit. The chicanes increase the excitement in the race and provide a real thrill.
  • Expanded game rules: The expansion also introduces new rules and cards that make the game even more varied. The tunnel sections also have an impact on card management and the risk of overheating is even more present in certain areas.
  • More variety and replay value: With new tracks, additional material and extended game options, the expansion offers a refreshing change to the game, providing exciting new challenges for newcomers and experienced players alike.
Heat: Race through the future at full speed – a look at the game and the “Dark Tunnels” expansion

Why should you play Heat?

  • Diverse gaming experiences: Thanks to the different track layouts, the different maps and the new expansion, each race offers a unique challenge. The combination of speed and strategy ensures that no two games are the same.
  • Suitable for all age groups: Heat is easy to learn but difficult to master. Ideal for families, but also for experienced players looking for a demanding challenge.
  • Excitement right up to the last lap: No matter how well you prepare, anything can happen at any time during the race. Overheating, a risky overtaking maneuver or an unexpected turn – Heat always remains exciting.

Our conclusion:

With “Heat” and the new expansion “Dark Tunnels”, Days of Wonder has once again created a game that will delight both casual players and experienced tacticians. The expansion brings a fresh, tactical dimension to the already gripping game and ensures that Heat never gets boring, even after many games.

Whether you prefer the fast roads of the base game or want to master the secret tunnel systems of the new expansion, Heat is a game that gets the pulse racing and gives every race a whole new meaning.

Heat

Heat: Race through the future at full speed – a look at the game and the “Dark Tunnels” expansion

The countdown starts, the engines roar and the cars race off. The Grand Prix has begun. Dust blows towards you as you enter the first corner. You get everything out of your machine and almost skid. But with a firm grip on the steering wheel, you hurtle through the apex of the bend, still in the lead. No one can get past you that quickly!
There are no compromises in this race, so full throttle until the tires are smoking!

Heat - Dark tunnels

Heat: Race through the future at full speed – a look at the game and the “Dark Tunnels” expansion

The roar of an engine emerges from the darkness. Shortly afterwards, racing cars speed out of the mouth of the tunnel and pass you in blurred streaks. In the mountains, any mistake can be disastrous. Only those who are focused and aggressive can win the Spanish Grand Prix. High speeds in the tunnel are extremely dangerous. But nobody brakes, so … full throttle until the tires are smoking!

Heat - Wet asphalt

Heat: Race through the future at full speed – a look at the game and the “Dark Tunnels” expansion

Heat – Wet Asphalt adds two new, exciting tracks to the acclaimed racing game. The Japanese Grand Prix takes place in the rain, which makes braking before the corners more difficult. The notorious race track in Mexico offers a special thrill for top drivers with its many chicanes.