The China Challenge introduces a new thematic map compatible with The Leeghwater Project expansion, featuring three major innovations:
1) Landscape Tiles:
18 additional structures covered by construction tiles showing the required building costs. When constructed, the tile is removed to reveal the completed structure and reconfigure the map. Building a Landscape Tile grants a bonus of your choice from the appropriate region level (mountain, hill, or plain). Landscape Tiles have various effects: modifying the map, adding new common action spaces, or providing permanent effects;
1) New Map - The Yellow River
Introduces two Natural Lakes on the board where water droplets stop if space is available;
3) Final Company - China
China joins Barrage as the last company ever, compatible with the base game and all expansions. This faction features unique characteristics:
Pressure Conduits (Penstocks): Provide a +1 bonus to normal value but require 1 additional concrete mixer to build. The bonus applies when used by other players, with increasing costs after the second and fourth conduits are built.
Chinese Powerhouses: Have different shapes and can be built in any order:
1st Powerhouse: no special bonus
2nd Powerhouse: production value increased by +2
3rd Powerhouse: gain 1 VP for every 2 energies produced
4th Powerhouse: produces energy as if 1 additional water drop was used