BoardGameArchiveHeat Boost Rules: Paying Heat, Revealing Speed Cards & Corner Risk
Heat Pedal to the Metal Boost rules explained: one Boost per turn, paying Heat, revealing cards, adding Speed and how Boost affects corner checks.
In Heat: Pedal to the Metal, Boost is an optional React-step ability that lets you push for extra speed at the cost of engine Heat.
In Heat: Pedal to the Metal, Boost is an optional React-step ability that lets you push for extra speed at the cost of engine Heat.
At a glance
Heat Pedal to the Metal Boost rules explained: one Boost per turn, paying Heat, revealing cards, adding Speed and how Boost affects corner checks.
About this guide
In Heat: Pedal to the Metal, Boost is an optional React-step ability that lets you push for extra speed at the cost of engine Heat.
What this guide covers
How much does Boost cost?
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How often can you Boost?
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How is the Boost value determined?
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Does Boost count for corner speed?
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How much does Boost cost?
Pay 1 Heat from your Engine to use Boost.
How often can you Boost?
You may Boost at most once per turn, regardless of your gear.
How is the Boost value determined?
Resolve the Boost’s plus-symbol effect by revealing cards from your draw deck until you reveal a Speed card, following the same reveal procedure used by the game’s plus effects. Add that Speed value to your movement; non-Speed cards revealed during the process are handled as instructed by the rules.
Does Boost count for corner speed?
Yes. Boost increases your Speed value for the Check Corner step. That means a late Boost can make you exceed a corner’s speed limit and force additional Heat payment.
Can you Boost if you cannot pay the Heat?
No. You must be able to pay the 1 Heat cost from your Engine unless a specific effect says the Boost is free.
Can a road effect make Boost free?
Yes. Advanced road/weather effects can explicitly remove the Heat cost while still keeping the once-per-turn limit.
How is Boost different from Slipstream?
Boost adds to your Speed for corner checks. Standard Slipstream moves your car additional spaces but does not add those spaces to your Speed value.
Related Heat guides
Official source
Rules checked September 2026.