When *Undaunted: Normandy* hit the shelves in 2019, it quickly became a smash hit. This game masterfully blends the mechanics of a deck-building game with a squad-level tactical war board game. In deck-building games, players start with a basic set of cards that they can enhance and modify during gameplay, building a more powerful and efficient deck. *Undaunted: Normandy* ingeniously couples this with a board game that simulates tactical combat, where you command squads using soldier and officer cards to achieve specific scenario goals on a modular board.
The success of *Undaunted: Normandy* spawned a series of games that expand on its mechanics, exploring different settings and complexities, including a venture into sci-fi with *Undaunted 2200: Callisto*. This buying guide will help you navigate through the various titles in the Undaunted franchise to find the one that best suits your gaming preferences.
Undaunted: Normandy
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Best for: Those seeking the simplest, fastest version without objections to a military theme.
The inaugural game of the series transports players to the days following the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. It's the most accessible entry in the series, focusing solely on infantry units and offering a quick-play experience with a limited map range. This simplicity is perfect for casual play, though it might feel repetitive for those looking to delve into all the scenarios. Its strong historical focus could appeal to those interested in military history, yet might deter some players.
Undaunted: North Africa
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Best for: Players wanting to incorporate vehicles into their wargames or those who enjoy a more cinematic experience.
Following fan demand, *Undaunted: North Africa* introduces vehicles such as armored cars and small tanks into the gameplay. While maintaining the core card-driven mechanics, it adds rules to differentiate between anti-armor and small arms fire. The game shifts the setting to the North African theater and scales down to individual combatants, offering a more dynamic and action-packed feel. It also features the Long Range Desert Group, adding a thrilling, cinematic element to the gameplay.
Undaunted: Reinforcements
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Best for: Hardcore fans and those interested in solo play of *Normandy* or *North Africa*.
This expansion addresses the desire for solo play by introducing AI routines that allow for engaging solo experiences. It supports both *Normandy* and *North Africa*, offering new units and scenarios, as well as an expanded storage box. The AI routines are tailored for each scenario and unit, ensuring a challenging gameplay experience. However, this expansion is most valuable for dedicated fans who own the previous games and are keen on solo play.
Undaunted: Stalingrad
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Best for: Players committed to multiple playthroughs for the ultimate Undaunted experience.
*Undaunted: Stalingrad* elevates the series with a branching campaign that integrates narrative elements and consequences from one scenario to the next. Soldiers can gain experience or suffer injuries, and the cityscape evolves, offering strategic depth with cover and fortifications. This game retains the best aspects of its predecessors while adding a compelling story, making it a standout in the franchise. However, it requires multiple playthroughs to fully appreciate its depth.
Undaunted: Battle of Britain
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Best for: Veterans of the series seeking a fresh twist on familiar mechanics.
*Undaunted: Battle of Britain* shifts the focus from ground combat to aerial warfare, maintaining the core deck-building but adapting it to the dynamics of flying units. Planes have a facing and must move when their cards are played, adding a strategic layer reminiscent of dogfights. While the deck-building aspect doesn't fit the theme as seamlessly as in ground combat, the game remains thrilling and offers a unique experience within the franchise.
Undaunted 2200: Callisto
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Best for: Those who enjoy the mechanics but prefer a non-historical, sci-fi setting.
Responding to fans' desire for a non-military themed game, *Undaunted 2200: Callisto* transports the action to outer space. It retains the beloved mechanics of the series while introducing vehicles, greater faction asymmetry, and a varied mix of scenarios. This game is an excellent choice for those put off by the historical military theme, and it's considered one of the best entries in the series, second only to *Stalingrad*.
Undaunted Promo Scenarios
Fans of the series should note that additional scenarios have been released over time in magazines and at conventions. Most of these are available to download for free on the publisher's website, offering more content to enhance your Undaunted experience.
