When *Undaunted: Normandy* hit the shelves in 2019, it instantly became a smash hit. This game belongs to the fascinating genre of deck-building games, where you start with a basic deck of cards that you can enhance and modify as you play, eventually building a formidable and efficient engine. What sets *Undaunted: Normandy* apart is its brilliant integration of these mechanics with a squad-level tactical war board game.
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### Undaunted: Normandy
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### Undaunted: North Africa
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### Undaunted: Reinforcements
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### Undaunted: Stalingrad
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### Undaunted: Battle of Britain
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### Undaunted 2200: Callisto
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In *Undaunted: Normandy*, soldier cards enable you to maneuver and engage with corresponding units on the game's modular board to achieve scenario objectives. Meanwhile, officer cards allow you to fine-tune your deck, focusing on specific squads. This combination offers strategic depth in deck construction, tactical excitement on the board, and a realistic simulation of combat where officers enhance the morale and capabilities of their squads.
The success of *Undaunted: Normandy* has spawned a series of games that utilize the same core system, expanding into various settings and levels of complexity, even venturing into outer space with a sci-fi version. The *Undaunted* franchise is exceptional, and this buying guide aims to assist you in choosing the perfect title from its diverse lineup.
Undaunted: Normandy
### Undaunted: Normandy
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Best for: Those seeking the simplest, fastest version without objection to the military theme.
The inaugural game in the series is set in the aftermath of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. While none of the games in the series are overly complex, *Undaunted: Normandy* is the most accessible, focusing solely on different types of infantry units and featuring quick-playing maps. This makes it perfect for casual play, though it might feel repetitive for those looking to complete all the scenarios in the box. Its strong historical accuracy, aside from *Undaunted: Stalingrad*, appeals to enthusiasts of military history, though it might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Undaunted: North Africa
### Undaunted: North Africa
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Best for: Players interested in vehicles in their wargames or who enjoy cinematic action.
Responding to fan demand, *Undaunted: North Africa* introduces vehicles such as armored cars and small tanks. These additions require some additional rules to differentiate between anti-armor and small arms fire, but they are still governed by the same straightforward card play system. The setting shifts to the North African theater, with the scale reduced to individual combatants, giving the game a more dynamic, cinematic feel. The inclusion of the Long Range Desert Group, precursors to Britain's SAS, adds to the game's thrilling atmosphere.
Undaunted: Reinforcements
### Undaunted: Reinforcements
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Best for: Hardcore fans and gamers interested in solo play of Normandy or North Africa.
Many military game enthusiasts enjoy solo play, but *Undaunted*'s initiative bidding system made this challenging. *Undaunted: Reinforcements* addresses this with a sophisticated set of AI routines that allow for engaging solo play, tailored specifically for each scenario in the original games. Additionally, it offers new units and scenarios, as well as a larger box for storing both *Normandy* and *North Africa*. These features are primarily for dedicated fans who own both original games and are keen on solo play.
Undaunted: Stalingrad
### Undaunted: Stalingrad
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Best for: Players willing to engage in repeat plays for the ultimate Undaunted experience.
While the first two games offered a loose campaign structure, *Undaunted: Stalingrad* elevates this with a branching campaign that includes narrative elements. The outcomes of each scenario influence subsequent ones, with soldiers gaining experience or suffering injuries, and the cityscape evolving into a battleground of rubble, cover, and fortifications. This game is a masterpiece, earning a perfect 10/10 in our *Undaunted: Stalingrad review*, retaining the beloved mechanics of its predecessors while adding strategic depth and a compelling story. However, it requires a significant commitment to repeated play to fully appreciate.
Undaunted: Battle of Britain
### Undaunted: Battle of Britain
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Best for: Veteran Undaunted players looking for a fresh take on familiar mechanics.
*Undaunted: Battle of Britain* breaks from the series' norm by focusing on aerial combat. While deck-building remains central, the dynamics of units on the board change to reflect the capabilities of aircraft. Units have a facing and must move each time their card is played, necessitating strategic planning to outmaneuver opponents, much like in real dogfights. Although the deck-building aspect doesn't mesh as seamlessly with the theme as in the ground-based games, it's still a thrilling and innovative addition to the franchise.
Undaunted 2200: Callisto
### Undaunted 2200: Callisto
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Best for: Those who enjoy the action and strategy but prefer to avoid historical military themes.
Following the popularity of the original game, fans requested a version without the military focus, leading to *Undaunted 2200: Callisto*, set in outer space. This sci-fi adaptation retains the franchise's core elements while introducing improvements. Players can pilot vehicles, experience greater asymmetry between factions, and enjoy a varied mix of scenarios. As highlighted in our *Undaunted 2200 review*, this game is ideal for those put off by the military themes of earlier titles and is mechanically superior to all but *Stalingrad*.
Undaunted Promo Scenarios
Fans of the series will be pleased to know that numerous additional scenarios have been released in magazines and at conventions since the series' inception. The publisher has made most of these available for free download on its website, providing even more content to enhance your *Undaunted* experience.
