Underwater Cities
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 150 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.6 / 5
- Year
- 2018
About the game
Underwater Cities casts players as visionary planners tasked with building humanity's most livable underwater colonies. Using a clever card-placement system, you slot colored cards into matching slots on a shared board to trigger both a board action and the card's own bonus. Over three eras you'll construct domes, tunnels, and production buildings while managing a tight economy of metal, energy, and karma. It's an elegant medium-heavy euro for 1-4 players that rewards efficient combos and careful long-term planning.
Hobbli's Notes
Underwater Cities hits a rare sweet spot: it's meaty enough to satisfy euro veterans but its dual-use card system keeps turns snappy and downtime low for its complexity. The tension between short-term resource needs and long-term city development makes every choice feel meaningful without ever feeling punishing.
What we like
- Dual-purpose card placement keeps turns fast despite deep strategic options.
- Low downtime relative to its complexity, thanks to the simultaneous income phase.
- Strong solo mode makes it flexible for any group size.
- Great component quality and a satisfying sense of long-term city growth.
Keep in mind
- The underwater theme is mostly cosmetic over a fairly abstract euro engine.
- Can feel formulaic across repeated plays once optimal card combos are known.
Who it's for
Great for euro-game fans aged 12+ who enjoy engine-building and tight resource management; works well solo or with 2-4 players in a strategy-focused session.
