World Order · Board game rules
When do I pay for Production and Prosperity Boosts from cards?
Quick answer
You pay for Production and Prosperity boosts immediately when you choose them during the Preparation Phase's Focus step, before gaining the resource. [p.11 — Choose Focus]
Details
When you choose your Focus at the start of each round, the Focus section on your Player board lists instructions you perform in order. Some of these instructions allow you to increase a Production on your board by spending the cost listed next to it. You spend that cost immediately and move the corresponding Production cube one space to the right. [p.11 — Choose Focus]
If you increase the Production of a primary resource (Energy, Raw Materials, or Food) this way, you immediately gain 1 of that resource as part of the same action. [p.11 — Choose Focus]
For secondary resources (Consumer Goods, Services, Diplomacy, or Armies), you can produce up to the number indicated by your Production cube, but you must spend the corresponding requirements for each one produced. These costs are paid from your resources at that moment. [p.11 — Choose Focus]
Watch out: The Prosperity track works differently—you spend Consumer Goods during the Aftermath phase (not during Preparation), and only then do you move your Prosperity marker and gain the listed VPs and money. [p.19 — Increase Prosperity]