Feature Request: Display Track Building Costs in the UI (Map‑Adjusted)

[lordscarlet]

Age of Steam uses a detailed cost structure for building, replacing, and redirecting track. These costs vary based on terrain, tile type (simple, coexist, crossing), and whether a town is being placed. Many maps also modify these costs—sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically. The current UI does not surface any of this information, requiring players to reference the rulebook or external aids.

Adding a clear, always‑available track cost reference—automatically adjusted for the current map—would significantly improve usability, particularly for new players.

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Proposed Feature: Map‑Aware Track Cost Reference

Add a UI element (panel, tooltip, or collapsible section) that displays the track costs for the current map, including all modifications defined by that map’s rules.

Base Game Costs (as defaults)

Placing Track

• Simple: $2 (or $3 in river, $4 in mountains)
• Complex Coexist: $3 (or $4 in river, $5 in mountains)
• Complex Crossing: $4 (or $5 in river, $6 in mountains)
• Town: $1 + $1 per track leading into the town

Replacing Track

• Simple → Complex Crossing: $3
• Town replacement: $3
• All other replacements: $2

Redirecting Track

• All redirects: $2

Map‑Specific Adjustments

When a map modifies any of the above (e.g., different mountain costs, special terrain, unique town rules, or custom tile types), the UI should:

• Override the base values with the map’s rules
• Clearly label any modified costs (e.g., “Mountains cost $5 on this map”)
• Hide or disable costs for tile types not used on that map
• Include any special rules that affect track placement or replacement

This ensures the cost reference always reflects the actual rules in play.

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Benefits

• Eliminates rulebook lookup during track building
• Prevents mistakes caused by map‑specific cost differences
• Helps new players understand terrain and tile‑type interactions
• Makes the Build Track phase faster, clearer, and more accurate
• Ensures consistency across all official and fan‑made maps

A dynamic, map‑aware track cost reference would be a major quality‑of‑life improvement for all players.

Bonus points

• When you hover over a tile, show the base cost (terrain cost) to build there