How to Play Arkham Horror (Third Edition): Under Dark Waves

Fantasy Flight Games, Delta Vision Publishing, Galakta · Board game · 2020
1–6 · best 2 Solo 120–180 min Weight 3.5/5
9.0 rating Ludopedia
8.4 rating BGG

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Game Objective

In Beneath Ominous Waves, investigators are taken beyond the boundaries of Arkham to investigate strange events in the coastal towns of Innsmouth and Kingsport. The goal is to face new threats, gather clues, and overcome complex plots that threaten the world. Victory occurs when the investigators manage to solve the central mystery of the chosen scenario, while defeat happens if they are overwhelmed by the forces of chaos or if time runs out.

Setup

To prepare the game, follow the steps below:

  • Add the investigator and scenario tokens, investigator stands, map pieces, and all tokens to their respective pools.
  • Shuffle the encounter, headline, ally, item, and spell cards into their respective decks.
  • Separate the archive, special, initial, condition, and monster cards into their respective decks.
  • Separate the anomaly, terror, and event decks as specified in each scenario. Do not mix event cards with encounter decks.

Consult the manual for details on this section.

Game Flow

The game is divided into rounds, each consisting of three main phases:

  1. Action Phase: Investigators perform actions to explore, fight monsters, or gather clues.
  2. Monster Activation Phase: Monsters move and attack according to their abilities.
  3. Encounter Phase: Investigators resolve encounters based on their location on the board.

Consult the manual for details on this section.

Actions and How to Play

Investigators can perform various actions during the action phase. The main ones include:

  • Move: Move between spaces on the board.
  • Investigate: Attempt to gather clues at a location.
  • Attack: Fight engaged monsters.
  • Use Abilities: Activate special abilities from cards or resources.

Consult the manual for details on this section.

End of Game and Scoring

The game ends when the investigators solve the central mystery of the scenario or when they are defeated by the forces of chaos. Victory is achieved by completing the specific objectives of the scenario, while defeat occurs if all investigators are eliminated or if time runs out. Consult the manual for details on this section.

Tips for Winning

Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

  • Work as a team: Helping each other is essential to surviving the game's threats.
  • Manage resources: Use your resources efficiently to maximize your actions.
  • Focus on objectives: Prioritize tasks that lead to solving the central mystery.

Consult the manual for details on this section.

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Prefer the Official PDF? Download the official Arkham Horror (Third Edition): Under Dark Waves rulebook or browse it online with our AI rules assistant.
View Rulebook PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about the rules

5 questions
What is the objective of Arkham Horror (Third Edition): Under Dark Waves?
In Beneath Ominous Waves, investigators are taken beyond the boundaries of Arkham to investigate strange events in the coastal towns of Innsmouth and Kingsport. The goal is to face new threats, gather clues, and overcome complex plots that threaten the world. Victory occurs when the investigators manage to solve the central mystery of the chosen scenario, while defeat happens if they are overwhelmed by the forces of chaos or if time runs out.
How do you set up Arkham Horror (Third Edition): Under Dark Waves?
To prepare the game, follow the steps below: Add the investigator and scenario tokens, investigator stands, map pieces, and all tokens to their respective pools. Shuffle the encounter, headline, ally, item, and spell cards into their respective decks. Separate the archive, special, initial, condition, and monster cards into their respective decks. Separate the anomaly, terror, and event decks as specified in each scenario. Do not mix event cards with encounter decks. Consult the manual for…
How do you play Arkham Horror (Third Edition): Under Dark Waves?
The game is divided into rounds, each consisting of three main phases: Action Phase: Investigators perform actions to explore, fight monsters, or gather clues. Monster Activation Phase: Monsters move and attack according to their abilities. Encounter Phase: Investigators resolve encounters based on their location on the board. Consult the manual for details on this section. Investigators can perform various actions during the action phase. The main ones include: Move: Move between spaces on…
How does Arkham Horror (Third Edition): Under Dark Waves end, and how do you score?
The game ends when the investigators solve the central mystery of the scenario or when they are defeated by the forces of chaos. Victory is achieved by completing the specific objectives of the scenario, while defeat occurs if all investigators are eliminated or if time runs out. Consult the manual for details on this section.
What are some tips for winning Arkham Horror (Third Edition): Under Dark Waves?
Here are some tips to increase your chances of success: Work as a team: Helping each other is essential to surviving the game's threats. Manage resources: Use your resources efficiently to maximize your actions. Focus on objectives: Prioritize tasks that lead to solving the central mystery. Consult the manual for details on this section.
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