Heat: Pedal to the Metal review

Heat: Pedal to the Metal is a car racing game built on hand management: players push for speed but must manage their engine's heat, and car upgrades help them take corners and stay cool. The Asmodee US store lists it at $74.99 for 1 to 6 players, age 10 and up, with a 60 minute average play time. Days of Wonder adds a Championship System that plays a full season in one night, with weather, road conditions and events changing between races. The Legends Module adds a solo mode and automated drivers for multiplayer games, which no other game on this list offers. It is the most expensive game here and has more rules than Ticket to Ride, so it fits families with older kids who already play strategy games. Families buying their first board game should start with Ticket to Ride or Codenames.

Who it is for

racing fans aged 10 and up and families who also want a solo mode

Price

$74.99 on the Asmodee US store.

Regular price $74.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• 1 to 6 players, age 10+, about 60 minutes per game
• Hand management: manage speed so your car does not overheat
• Car upgrades for corners and engine cooling
• Championship System plays a full season in one night
• Solo mode with the Legends Module and automated drivers

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The only game here with a solo mode
• Strength: Seats up to 6
• Strength: Weather, road conditions and events change each championship race
• Weakness: $74.99, the highest price on this list
• Weakness: Age 10+ and 60 minutes per game
• Weakness: More rules to learn than Ticket to Ride

Key facts

• Players: 1 to 6
• Age: 10+
• Play time: 60 minutes
• Publisher: Days of Wonder
• SKU: DOW9101

Where it ranks

Heat: Pedal to the Metal is No. 9 in our Best Family Board Games verdict.