Quick Answer
This expansion adds two distinct maps—Australia's rugged terrain with Long Distance hexes and Canada's city clusters with Toronto's bonus—so your strategy must shift based on which side you play.
Why the Two Maps Play Differently
Australia's board introduces Long Distance hexes that connect faraway cities for massive bonuses, but the rugged terrain reduces your build capacity even further. This means you'll need to plan longer routes while accepting fewer track placements per turn.
Canada's map features multiple clusters of cities, and Toronto provides a bonus for all railroad companies that connect there. This encourages competition for early access to Toronto while still balancing connections to other clusters.
Trade-Offs to Consider
On Australia, the Long Distance hexes are tempting because of their high bonuses, but they require significant investment and may leave you vulnerable if opponents block key paths. The rugged terrain means you'll have fewer build actions, so prioritize routes that maximize bonus potential.
On Canada, Toronto's universal bonus makes it a shared goal, but connecting there early might not always be optimal if it delays your access to other city clusters. Weigh the immediate bonus against long-term route efficiency.
How to Approach Each Map
- Assess the Map Before You Start: Look at the board and identify the Long Distance hexes (Australia) or city clusters and Toronto (Canada). Determine which routes offer the highest bonus relative to the number of track segments needed. Checkpoint: Note the terrain restrictions on Australia—you'll have fewer builds, so plan accordingly.
- Prioritize Long Distance Hexes on Australia: On Australia, focus on connecting cities that are linked by Long Distance hexes early, as they provide massive bonuses. However, be mindful of the rugged terrain that reduces your build capacity—choose routes that require the fewest segments to reach a bonus. Checkpoint: Avoid spreading too thin; concentrate on one or two Long Distance routes to secure bonuses.
- Compete for Toronto on Canada: On Canada, aim to connect to Toronto as soon as feasible to claim its bonus for all your railroad companies. But don't neglect other city clusters—balance your expansion to maintain a strong network. Checkpoint: Watch opponents' moves; if someone else is heading to Toronto, decide whether to race or pivot to other clusters.
Product Facts
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Ride the Rails: Australia & Canada Expansion: The expansion features a double-sided game board of Australia and Canada, with Australia introducing Long Distance hexes and rugged terrain, while Canada has city clusters and Toronto's bonus. This means you get two distinct gameplay experiences in one box, each requiring different strategic priorities.
Ride the Rails: Australia & Canada Expansion
