When Undaunted: Normandy hit the shelves in 2019, it instantly captured the hearts of gamers with its innovative blend of deck-building and tactical war board game mechanics. This genre, known for starting players with a modest deck of cards that can be improved throughout the game, offers a unique and engaging experience. In Undaunted: Normandy, players use soldier cards to maneuver and engage on a modular board, while officer cards enhance deck customization and strategic depth. This harmonious combination not only offers a strategic deck-building challenge but also provides a realistic simulation of squad-level combat where officers play a crucial role in boosting morale and squad composition.
The success of Undaunted: Normandy has spawned a series of games that expand on its core mechanics, exploring diverse settings and varying levels of complexity—even venturing into outer space with a sci-fi variant. The Undaunted franchise is renowned for its quality and versatility, and this guide aims to help you navigate its extensive range of titles to find the one that best suits your gaming preferences.
Undaunted: Normandy
### Undaunted: Normandy
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Best for: Those seeking the simplest, quickest version of the game, comfortable with a military theme.
The inaugural game in the series transports players to the days following the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. As the most accessible entry, it focuses solely on infantry units and offers a concise set of scenarios. Its simplicity is perfect for casual play, though it might feel repetitive if you aim to complete all scenarios. Its historical accuracy, especially compared to Undaunted: Stalingrad, appeals to those intrigued by military history, but might not be for everyone.
Undaunted: North Africa
### Undaunted: North Africa
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Best for: Players interested in vehicles or those who enjoy cinematic action.
Responding to fans' requests, Undaunted: North Africa introduces vehicles such as armored cars and small tanks, adding new strategic elements while maintaining the core card mechanics. This installment shifts the setting to the North African theater, scaling down from squad-level to individual combatants, which intensifies the cinematic feel. It also features the Long Range Desert Group, a precursor to the famous British SAS, enhancing the game's narrative depth.
Undaunted: Reinforcements
### Undaunted: Reinforcements
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Best for: Hardcore fans and solo players of Normandy or North Africa.
This expansion caters to dedicated fans and solo gamers by introducing AI routines tailored for each scenario in both Normandy and North Africa. It also includes new units and scenarios, along with a storage solution for both original games. However, its value is primarily for those deeply invested in solo play and owning the initial games.
Undaunted: Stalingrad
### Undaunted: Stalingrad
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Best for: Players willing to commit to multiple plays for an unparalleled experience.
Elevating the series, Undaunted: Stalingrad features a branching campaign with narrative elements where outcomes affect subsequent scenarios. Soldiers gain experience or suffer injuries, and the environment evolves from battle to battle. Praised as the pinnacle of the series in our Undaunted: Stalingrad review, it offers strategic depth and a compelling story but requires repeated plays to fully appreciate.
Undaunted: Battle of Britain
### Undaunted: Battle of Britain
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Best for: Veterans of the series looking for a fresh twist on familiar mechanics.
Breaking from the ground-based combat of earlier games, Battle of Britain introduces aerial warfare. The mechanics adapt to reflect the dynamics of dogfights, with units requiring careful positioning and movement. Though the deck-building aspect fits less seamlessly with the theme, the game remains thrilling and offers a unique experience within the franchise.
Undaunted 2200: Callisto
### Undaunted 2200: Callisto
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Best for: Those who enjoy the mechanics but prefer a non-historical military theme.
In response to requests for a non-military themed version, Undaunted 2200: Callisto sets the action in space. As detailed in our Undaunted 2200 review, it retains the series' engaging mechanics while introducing vehicles, greater faction asymmetry, and a variety of scenarios. This entry is perfect for those who prefer a sci-fi setting and offers the best gameplay mechanics after Stalingrad.
Undaunted Promo Scenarios
Fans of the series should note that additional scenarios have been released over time through magazines and conventions. Many of these are available for free download on the publisher's website, providing even more content to explore.
