Endeavor: Deep Sea

Burnt Island Games, Grand Gamers Guild, Arclight Games · Board game · 2024
1–4 · best 3 Solo 60–120 min Weight 2.9/5
9.1 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
9.1 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

For fans of strong themes and cooperative gameplay without the bloat, this is an ocean gem. The balance between simplicity and strategy is its strongest suit.

Highlights
  • Streamlined yet deep rules
  • Well-built maritime theme
  • Plays well solo or in group
  • Chaining actions is addictive
  • Modular board with good replay value
Keep in mind
  • May feel light for players wanting heavy mechanics
  • Pacing can be slow for impatient players
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Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game
Set sail for the last great frontier: the ocean. In Endeavor: Deep Sea, you lead an independent research institute with a clear mission — protect the sea and develop sustainable projects. Time to recruit field experts, embark on expeditions, research dive sites, and publish critical ecological papers that make a difference. Every decision counts: the actions your institute takes now can ensure a healthier future for the planet.

The game follows the same creative team behind Endeavor: Age of Sail — Jarratt Gray and Carl de Visser — but with more streamlined rules, making it easier for newcomers to jump in without sacrificing strategic depth. There are action points, action chaining, grid movement, and end-game bonuses. The board is modular, bringing solid replay value. It plays smoothly solo or with up to four players, giving you room to test strategies on your own.

The game's domains — exploration, research, and conservation — are well woven into the gameplay loop. You feel like you're actually building something: expanding your team, unlocking new capabilities, discovering locations. The pacing is satisfying: each round delivers progress, and planning the order of actions is almost as fun as executing them. The cooperative dynamic works because everyone's in the same boat — literally — and each player contributes differently based on the experts they've recruited.

In short: it's a cooperative game that blends maritime exploration, scientific research, and conservation in an accessible, polished package. If you love strong themes and want something that engages without being heavy, this is a great pick.
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Endeavor: Deep Sea English · PDF
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BEST PLAYER COUNT
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3 BEST
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Game details

Families

Animals: Coral / Jellyfish / Anemones Animals: Dolphins Animals: Sharks Animals: Turtles Animals: Whales Crowdfunding: Gamefound Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Game: Endeavor Game: Endeavor Deep Sea Occupation: Engineer Occupation: Researcher / Scientist Players: Games with expansions that change player count Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Theme: Biology Theme: Ecology Theme: Environmental Protection / Degradation / Pollution Theme: Science Theme: Submarines Theme: Under the Sea
Publisher Burnt Island Games, Grand Gamers Guild, Arclight Games, Board Game Circus, Cranio Creations, CrowD Games
Designer Carl de Visser, Jarratt Gray
Artist Fahed Alrajil, Josh Cappel, Maruša Gorjup
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does it support?
1 to 4 players. The solo mode works well.
How long is a typical game?
60 to 120 minutes, depending on player count and group pace.
Do I need to have played Endeavor: Age of Sail?
No. The rules are standalone, though fans of Age of Sail will recognize the familiarity.
Is it hard to learn?
No. The rules are streamlined and well explained, with very little text at the table.
What's on the board?
A modular board that changes location layout each game, plus expert cards, action markers, and exploration components.
Is it good for fans of light cooperative games?
Perfect fit. It has enough depth for strategy without the heavy complexity of larger co-ops.