Undaunted: Essential Buying Guide for Board Game and Expansions

When *Undaunted: Normandy* hit the shelves in 2019, it quickly became a smash hit among board game enthusiasts. This innovative deck-building game seamlessly blends the mechanics of deck construction with the strategic depth of a squad-level tactical war game. Players begin with a basic deck of cards, which they can improve and modify throughout the game, ultimately building a powerful and reliable engine. The game's genius lies in its use of soldier and officer cards, which allow players to move units on a modular board and fine-tune their deck to focus on specific squads, adding strategic depth and tactical thrills to the gameplay.

The success of *Undaunted: Normandy* has led to a series of games that utilize the same core mechanics, expanding into various settings and complexity levels, even venturing into outer space with a sci-fi variant. This buying guide is designed to help you navigate the *Undaunted* franchise and choose the game that best suits your preferences.

Undaunted: Normandy

### Undaunted: Normandy

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Best for: Individuals seeking the simplest and fastest version who are comfortable with a military theme.

The inaugural game in the series, set in the days following the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, is the most accessible entry. It focuses on different types of infantry units and offers a limited range of quick-playing maps, ideal for casual play. However, the game might feel repetitive if all scenarios are played through. Its strong historical focus may appeal to those interested in military history but could be off-putting for some.

Undaunted: North Africa

### Undaunted: North Africa

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Best for: Players who want to incorporate vehicles into their wargames or enjoy a more cinematic experience.

Following fan demand, *Undaunted: North Africa* introduced vehicles such as armored cars and small tanks, adding a new layer of complexity. The setting shifts to the North African theater, and the game scale changes to individual combatants, giving it a more action-packed and cinematic feel. The game features the Long Range Desert Group, adding to its dramatic appeal.

Undaunted: Reinforcements

### Undaunted: Reinforcements

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Best for: Hardcore fans and gamers interested in solo play of *Normandy* or *North Africa*.

This expansion introduces AI routines for solo play, tailored to each scenario in the original games, making it challenging and engaging. It also includes new units and scenarios for both *Normandy* and *North Africa*, along with an expanded box for storage. However, to fully appreciate this expansion, you'll need to own both previous games and be interested in solo play.

Undaunted: Stalingrad

### Undaunted: Stalingrad

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Best for: Players willing to commit to multiple playthroughs for the ultimate *Undaunted* experience.

*Undaunted: Stalingrad* elevates the series with a branching campaign that incorporates narrative elements. The outcomes of each scenario affect future games, with soldiers gaining experience or suffering injuries, and the cityscape evolving. This game earned a perfect 10/10 in our Undaunted: Stalingrad review for retaining the best elements of the series while adding a new strategic layer and a compelling story. However, it requires a significant commitment to multiple playthroughs.

Undaunted: Battle of Britain

### Undaunted: Battle of Britain

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Best for: Veterans of the *Undaunted* series seeking a fresh take on the mechanics.

This game shifts the focus to aerial combat, with units representing aircraft that must move and have a facing, adding a new strategic dimension. While deck construction remains central, it fits less seamlessly into the theme of aerial warfare. Nonetheless, the game remains thrilling and offers a novel experience within the franchise.

Undaunted 2200: Callisto

### Undaunted 2200: Callisto

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Best for: Gamers who enjoy the action and strategy but prefer to avoid a historical military theme.

Responding to player feedback, *Undaunted 2200: Callisto* moves the setting to outer space, offering a sci-fi alternative. It retains the best elements of the series while introducing new features like piloting vehicles and greater faction asymmetry. As our Undaunted 2200 review noted, it's an excellent choice for those put off by the military theme and is mechanically one of the best in the series after *Stalingrad*.

Undaunted Promo Scenarios

For fans eager for more content, additional scenarios have been published in magazines and at conventions. Most of these are available for free download on the publisher's website, providing an excellent way to expand your *Undaunted* experience.