Red November

Fantasy Flight Games, Arclight Games, Edge Entertainment · Board game · 2008
1–8 · best 4 Solo 60–120 min Weight 2.1/5
6.8 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Buy
6.8 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love tense co‑op and gnomic humor, Red November will hook you from the first dive.

Highlights
  • Well‑crafted cooperation
  • Disaster movie vibe
  • Creative dice use
Keep in mind
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Playtime can stretch
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Red November drops you and up to seven friends into a gnomic attack submarine that is literally falling apart. The hull is sinking, pressure climbs, the reactor overheats, nuclear missiles are about to ignite, fires and leaks pop up everywhere, and a hungry Kraken circles outside. The goal? Survive until rescue arrives. Each player controls a gnomic sailor, moves between submarine compartments, and takes actions such as repairing systems, extinguishing fires, clearing hatches, or gathering gear. Every action costs time; the more time you spend, the higher the chance of success, but the more events trigger, worsening the situation. Three disaster tracks – Asphyxiation, Heat and Pressure – advance as time runs out; if any reaches its limit, the sub is lost. Random emergencies can pop up at any moment, demanding quick decisions and sometimes personal sacrifice for the common good. The game uses polyhedral dice for results and a ghost‑time marker that governs turn order. If all gnomes reach the "Saved!" space before the disaster tracks max out, you win. The pace is intense, cooperation is vital, and gnomic humor lightens the tension, making the experience both challenging and fun. Perfect for groups who love cooperative games with time pressure, steampunk/fantasy themes, and a dash of dark humor.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 OK
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 REC
7 OK
8 OK
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Game details

Categories

Families

Components: Polyhedral (not D6) dice Creatures: Dwarves & Gnomes Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Series: Fantasy Flight Silver Line Theme: Firefighting Theme: Steampunk Theme: Submarines
Publisher Fantasy Flight Games, Arclight Games, Edge Entertainment, Fantasiapelit, Galakta, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Nexus Editrice, Ubik, Wargames Club Publishing
Designer Bruno Faidutti, Jef Gontier
Artist Bruno Faidutti, Christophe Madura, Jef Gontier
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can join?
1 to 8 players, including a solo mode.
What’s the typical playing time?
Between 60 and 120 minutes, varying with player count and decision speed.
How complex is the game?
Weight 2.07/5 on BGG – simple rules but demands solid coordination and planning.
What components are included?
Submarine board, gnomic miniatures, ghost‑time markers, disaster tracks, polyhedral dice (D8, D10, D12, D20) and emergency cards.
Is it good for players new to co‑op games?
Yes, the mechanics are easy to grasp, though the group should be ready to discuss tactics.