If you're a fan of strategic board gaming, then Undaunted: Normandy likely needs no introduction. When it launched in 2019, it was an instant sensation—blending two distinct mechanics into one seamless experience. At its core, Undaunted is a deck-building game, where players start with a limited set of basic cards and gradually construct a more powerful, efficient deck as the game progresses. But what sets it apart is how it pairs this mechanic with a squad-level tactical war game played on a modular board.
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Each soldier card allows you to move and fire with the corresponding unit on the battlefield, working toward the specific objectives of each scenario. Officer cards help fine-tune your strategy, letting you focus on particular squads or tactics. It's a perfect synergy—offering both strategic depth in deck construction and exciting tactical gameplay on the board. The result feels like a natural simulation of combat, where officers inspire and direct their troops effectively.
The success of Undaunted: Normandy sparked a growing franchise that now spans multiple settings and complexity levels—including even a sci-fi spin-off. If you’re trying to decide which title suits your interests best, this guide will walk you through each release in the series.
Undaunted: Normandy
Best for: Players seeking the most straightforward and accessible entry point into the series who don't mind a military theme.
Set during the aftermath of the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II, Normandy remains the simplest and quickest-playing version of the game. It focuses entirely on infantry units and offers a variety of short scenarios across a compact set of maps. While ideal for casual play and newcomers, long-time fans may find some repetition if they work through all included missions. That said, it delivers the most historically grounded experience—second only to Stalingrad—which can be a major draw for those interested in military history, though potentially off-putting for others.
Undaunted: North Africa
Best for: Gamers who enjoy vehicle mechanics or prefer cinematic action.
One of the biggest requests from fans of Normandy was the inclusion of vehicles—and Osprey Games answered with North Africa. This sequel introduces armored cars and light tanks, expanding the gameplay while maintaining the same intuitive card-driven system. These additions do bring slightly more complex rules, particularly around anti-armor vs. small arms fire, but the overall feel remains smooth and engaging.
Shifting the setting to the North African campaign also changes the scale: instead of squad-level counters, you control individual soldiers. This gives the game a more dynamic, cinematic tone, especially since the allied forces represent the Long Range Desert Group—the precursor to Britain’s elite SAS. It’s a fresh take that still fits comfortably within the Undaunted framework.
Undaunted: Reinforcements
Best for: Hardcore fans and solo players looking to expand Normandy or North Africa.
While many board gamers enjoy playing solo, the original Undaunted games made it tricky due to their initiative bidding system. Enter Reinforcements—an expansion that introduces a sophisticated yet effective AI system for solo play. Each scenario includes tailored routines for every unit, making the automated opponent feel challenging and intelligent.
In addition to solo rules, the expansion adds new units and missions for both Normandy and North Africa, along with a storage box that lets you keep both titles together. However, this expansion is definitely aimed at dedicated fans—since you need to own both base games to get the most out of it.
Undaunted: Stalingrad
Best for: Players ready for deep, repeatable gameplay and narrative-driven campaigns.
While earlier Undaunted entries allowed loose campaign play through sequential scenarios, Stalingrad elevates the experience with a fully fleshed-out branching narrative campaign. In this mode, each mission impacts the next—soldiers gain experience or suffer injuries, and the city itself transforms over time, offering new tactical options like rubble cover and fortifications.
This added layer of storytelling and evolving strategy makes Stalingrad the crown jewel of the series. It retains everything great about previous entries while introducing compelling new mechanics and dramatic progression. Just be prepared—you and your opponent will need to commit to multiple sessions to truly appreciate its full scope.
Undaunted: Battle of Britain
Best for: Series veterans looking for a fresh twist on familiar mechanics.
A bold departure from ground-based combat, Battle of Britain takes the Undaunted formula skyward. While the deck-building system remains intact, the movement and engagement mechanics are completely reimagined to reflect aerial dogfights. Units now have directionality and must move when their cards are drawn, encouraging players to anticipate enemy paths and set up ambushes.
Though the thematic fit isn’t quite as tight as in earlier entries, the gameplay remains thrilling and inventive. For seasoned players looking for something different within the franchise, this title offers a satisfyingly unique challenge.
Undaunted 2200: Callisto
Best for: Gamers who want the strategic action without a military backdrop.
Following the popularity of the original titles, many fans requested a version free from real-world warfare themes. The designers responded by launching Undaunted into outer space with Callisto. As detailed in our Undaunted 2200 review, this sci-fi adaptation successfully translates the core mechanics while refining them based on lessons learned from earlier games.
Featuring piloted vehicles, asymmetric factions, and diverse scenarios, Callisto delivers all the strategic depth of its predecessors with a futuristic flair. Whether you were turned off by the military themes or simply love well-crafted sci-fi games, this title stands out as one of the strongest entries after Stalingrad.
Undaunted Promo Scenarios
For longtime fans, there's more to explore beyond the boxed sets. Since the launch of Undaunted: Normandy, Osprey Games has released several promo scenarios via magazines, conventions, and online downloads. Most of these additional missions are now available for free on the publisher’s official website, so be sure to check them out and expand your battlefield arsenal.
