When Undaunted: Normandy hit the shelves in 2019, it was an instant smash hit. This deck-building game brilliantly combines deck-building mechanics with a squad-level tactical war board game. In Undaunted, you start with a small deck of weak cards that you can upgrade and tweak during play to build a powerful, reliable engine. The genius lies in integrating these mechanics with a board game where soldier cards let you move and fire with the matching unit on the modular board in pursuit of scenario goals, while officer cards allow you to fine-tune your deck, focusing on particular squads. This marriage offers strategic levers in deck construction, tactical thrills as you maneuver on the board, and feels like a simple yet engaging combat simulation where officers bolster the morale and makeup of squads.
The success of Undaunted: Normandy has spurred a series of games using the same system, now spanning various settings and complexity levels, including a venture into outer space with a sci-fi variant. This buying guide will help you navigate through the Undaunted franchise to find the title that best suits your gaming preferences.
Undaunted: Normandy
### Undaunted: Normandy
0See it at AmazonBest for: Those seeking the simplest, fastest version and who are comfortable with the military theme.
The inaugural game in the series is set in the days following the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War 2. It's the most accessible of the series, focusing solely on infantry units and featuring quick-playing maps. Ideal for casual play, it might feel repetitive if you aim to play through all the scenarios in the box. Its realistic historical setting might appeal to those interested in military themes but could be off-putting for others.
Undaunted: North Africa
### Undaunted: North Africa
0See it at AmazonBest for: Players eager to incorporate vehicles into their wargames or who enjoy cinematic action.
Responding to fan demand, Undaunted: North Africa introduces armored cars and small tanks. These vehicles add complexity with different rules for anti-armor and small arms fire. The game shifts the setting to the North African theater, featuring the Long Range Desert Group, which gives the game a more cinematic, gung-ho feel with individual combatants rather than squad-level counters.
Undaunted: Reinforcements
### Undaunted: Reinforcements
0See it at AmazonBest for: Hardcore fans and those interested in solo play of Normandy or North Africa.
This expansion adds a complex but effective AI system for solo play, tailored to each scenario in the original games. It also includes new units and scenarios for both Normandy and North Africa, along with an expanded storage box. This expansion is best suited for dedicated fans who own the previous games and are interested in solo play.
Undaunted: Stalingrad
### Undaunted: Stalingrad
0See it at AmazonBest for: Players willing to commit to multiple plays for the ultimate Undaunted experience.
Undaunted: Stalingrad introduces a branching campaign with narrative elements where the results of each scenario influence the next. Soldiers gain experience or carry injuries, and the city itself transforms into a battlefield of rubble and fortifications. This game earned a 10/10 in our Undaunted: Stalingrad review for retaining the best aspects of the series while adding strategic depth and a compelling narrative. However, it requires a significant commitment to multiple plays to fully enjoy.
Undaunted: Battle of Britain
### Undaunted: Battle of Britain
0See it at AmazonBest for: Veterans of the Undaunted series looking for a fresh take on familiar mechanics.
Departing from ground combat, Undaunted: Battle of Britain takes the action to the skies. While the core deck-building mechanics remain, the game introduces new dynamics like unit facing and mandatory movement, reflecting aerial combat. Though deck construction may not fit the theme as seamlessly as in ground-based games, it remains thrilling and offers a novel experience within the franchise.
Undaunted 2200: Callisto
### Undaunted 2200: Callisto
0See it at AmazonBest for: Those who want the strategy and action without the historical military theme.
Responding to requests for a non-historical military-themed game, Undaunted 2200: Callisto sets the action in outer space. As detailed in our Undaunted 2200 review, it captures the essence of the franchise while introducing improvements like vehicles, greater faction asymmetry, and varied scenarios. This is an excellent alternative for those put off by the military themes of earlier titles and is considered the best in the series after Stalingrad.
Undaunted Promo Scenarios
Fans of the series should know that additional scenarios have been released in magazines and at conventions over the years. Most of these are available for free download on the publisher's website, providing more content for dedicated players.
