BoardGameReviews
Underwater Cities Board Game
🏆 15 Awards

Underwater Cities

⭐ BGG 8 / 10

Explore underwater cities, manage resources, and outmaneuver opponents in this strategic board game for 1-4 players.

👥 1-4 Players
⏱ 80-150 mins
📅 2018

⚙️ Gameplay Mechanics

End Game Bonuses Hand Management Income Network and Route Building Solo / Solitaire Game Turn Order: Claim Action Turn Order: Stat-Based Worker Placement
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📊Vibe & Intensity Profile

How this game feels at the table (Scale 1–10)

⚖️ Luck vs. Skill Balance

Balanced Sweet Spot

Equal parts chance and tactics — perfect for casual rivalry.

🎲 Luck: 50%
Skill: 50% ♟️
Casual & Spontaneous Calculated & Strategic
💡 Why this ratio? (Mechanics & Table Dynamics)

The game requires strategic planning and resource management, but players also need to adapt to new cards and resource availability, adding a touch of luck to the game.

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Who Will Love This?

Underwater Cities is perfect for families, casual game nights, and competitive friends who enjoy strategic planning and resource management.

⚠️

Who Should Think Twice?

Players who dislike strategic planning, long setup times, or competitive games may want to skip Underwater Cities.

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Awards & Critical Acclaim

Celebrated across the global tabletop gaming community (15 honors)

🎖 2018 Golden Geek Best Strategy Board Game Nominee
🎖 2018 Golden Geek Board Game of the Year Nominee
🎖 2018 Meeples Choice Award Nominee
🎖 2018 Swiss Gamers Award Nominee
🎖 2018 Swiss Gamers Award Winner
🎖 2019 Cardboard Republic Tactician Laurel Nominee
Show all 15 awards and nominations ▼
🎖 2019 Goblin Magnifico Nominee
🎖 2019 International Gamers Award - General Strategy: Multi-player Nominee
🎖 2019 Jogo do Ano Nominee
🎖 2019 JUG Adult Game of the Year Finalist
🎖 2019 JUG Adult Game of the Year Winner
🎖 2019 Tric Trac Nominee
🎖 2020 Kennerspiel des Jahres Recommended
🎖 2021 MinD-Spielepreis Complex Game Nominee
🎖 2021 MinD-Spielepreis Complex Game Winner
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What We Love

Highlights & standout strengths

  • ✓ Immersive underwater theme
  • ✓ Strategic planning and resource management
  • ✓ High replayability with over 220 unique cards
  • ✓ Competitive gameplay for friends and family
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Things to Consider

Trade-offs & honest heads-up

  • ✕ Long setup time due to card management
  • ✕ Can be overwhelming for new players with many mechanics

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