# Groundswell

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2026
- **BGG Rating**: —
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-5
- **Duration**: 45-75 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: Gwen Rino, Jess Beebe
- **Publishers**: (Web published)
- **Categories**: Political, Print & Play
- **Mechanics**: Cooperative Game, Dice Rolling, Events, Finale Ending, Once-Per-Game Abilities, Resource to Move, Track Movement

## Verdict
For those who enjoy cooperative games with a strong theme of political resistance and a touch of unpredictability, Groundswell might be the right pick! Get ready for a fight against time and authoritarianism.Engaging resistance themeTense cooperative challengeLuck element with eventsGameplay focused on unityRequires printing and assemblyEvents can be brutalTactical noncooperation focusFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Hey everyone! Ready to face down tyranny? In Groundswell, the outlook is grim: a would-be authoritarian has seized power and is systematically taking control to consolidate their regime. But don't despair, all is not lost! A groundswell of hopeful and determined resistance is rising, and that's where you come in.

Groundswell is a cooperative game where you, a group of activists, must band together to bring down this regime before it becomes too entrenched. The game unfolds over four rounds, culminating in a decisive election in the fourth round. The goal? Win that election and, more importantly, fiercely defend that victory when the regime refuses to accept the results. Prepare for a battle of noncooperation!

Throughout the rounds, the whole team works together to build capacity, develop power structures, and carry out acts of nonviolent resistance. The aim is to mobilize the population and shift the pillars of society from complicity to active defiance. Each activist group has five distinct roles, with each role taking a turn per round. And pay attention: after each turn, two random events will shake things up, introducing new challenges or twists. This game is a print-and-play, meaning you can print the board yourself and use a companion app for the event cards. Let's get to work and fight for freedom!

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime?
A game of Groundswell typically lasts between 45 and 75 minutes, depending on the number of players and how quickly the group makes decisions.

### How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, working well with different group sizes.

### What is the complexity level of the game?
Complexity hasn't been rated on BGG yet, but based on the description, it seems to be a game with accessible rules but important tactical decisions, ideal for those seeking a strategic challenge without being overly complicated.

### Do I need anything besides the files to play?
Yes, as it's a 'Print & Play' game, you'll need to print the board and components. Additionally, a companion app is used to manage the event cards.

### Who is Groundswell recommended for?
It's ideal for groups who enjoy cooperative games with strong social and political themes, appreciate collaboration, and don't mind a bit of randomness introduced by events.

### Are there any special abilities I can use only once?
Yes, the game features once-per-game abilities that require strategic planning for the right moment to activate them.

### Does the game have a traditional ending?
Not exactly. Groundswell has a specific finale ending tied to an election and defending its outcome, setting it apart from games that simply end after a set number of rounds.