Too Many Bones: Undertow
- Players
- 1-2
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 180 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 4.0 / 5
- Year
- 2018
About the game
Too Many Bones: Undertow is a standalone expansion and sequel that introduces new playable Gearlocs, Stanza and Duster, as they journey down the Sibron River searching for answers. Playable for 1-2 out of the box, and expandable to four players by bringing in Gearlocs from the original game, it features all-new baddies, encounters, and tyrants across a double-sided battle mat that lets combat unfold on both land and raft. Players build out their character through a dice-based skill system, customizing abilities as they level up between fights. It layers dungeon-crawl-style tactical combat over a deep character-progression system for a rich, replayable co-op experience.
Hobbli's Notes
Too Many Bones has some of the best character-building tactility in tabletop gaming, with its chunky dice literally representing your abilities, and Undertow keeps that magic alive in a fresh setting. The dual land-and-raft battle mat is a great structural addition that keeps combat interesting. It's a heavy investment in both rules and money, so it's best suited to fans already sold on the base game's system rather than as a first entry point.
What we like
- The dice-based character-building system is tactile and deeply satisfying.
- Component quality and production values are excellent.
- The dual land-and-raft battle mat adds welcome tactical variety.
- Solo and two-player play are both well supported.
Keep in mind
- The learning curve and rules density are significant.
- Sessions run long, often close to three hours.
- It's an expensive investment, especially to unlock full player-count variety.
- Best enjoyed after already knowing the base Too Many Bones system.
Who it's for
Best for dedicated co-op gamers ages 12+ who enjoy deep character-building and tactical combat, playing solo or in small groups.
