Small World Underground

Days of Wonder, Edge Entertainment, Giochi Uniti · Board game · 2011
7.8 Ludopedia 7.2 BGG 2–5 · best 4 30–90 min Weight 2.6/5
Buy · from US$ 34.95
7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you already enjoy Small World, or want to start with a 'darker' version, Small World Underground is an excellent choice! It maintains the fun of territorial dispute with a fresh twist.

Highlights
  • Addictive race and power mechanics
  • High replayability
  • Simple rules, easy to learn
  • Direct player interaction
  • Immersive art and theme
Keep in mind
  • Can be repetitive for some
  • Direct conflict not for everyone
  • Better with 3+ players
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for an underground adventure in Small World Underground, a standalone game that takes the essence of the acclaimed Small World and plunges it into the depths of the fantastic world! Here, the competition for territory is even fiercer, as the space is truly small for all the creatures vying for dominance. You'll encounter 15 brand-new fantasy races, each with its unique flavor, and 21 special powers that can be combined in surprising ways. Your objective? Conquer and maintain control of various subterranean regions, accumulating points each turn.

But don't think it will be easy! Some of these regions hide valuable relics or are 'Places of Power' that grant strategic bonuses, but you'll have to defeat monsters to access them. Each round, you choose a race and power combination, spend points to recruit them, and set off for conquest. When your current race can no longer expand, you put it into decline and choose a new one, maintaining the 'in and out' dynamic that is the hallmark of the series. Whoever has the most points at the end of the game claims victory! Small World Underground works perfectly on its own, but can also be combined with other Small World games to further expand your possibilities. It's a familiar experience, but with a freshness that invites you to explore a new world of strategies.

Expansions

Published additional content

12 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Small World Underground English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Small World Players: Games with expansions that add solo play
Publisher Days of Wonder, Edge Entertainment, Giochi Uniti, Hobby Japan, Hobby World, Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Designer Philippe Keyaerts
Artist Miguel Coimbra

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

20,212owners
2,062wishlist
347want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is Small World Underground an expansion or a standalone game?
It's a completely standalone game! You can play it by itself without needing any other Small World game. However, if you wish, it can also be combined with other games in the series for an even grander experience.
What's the main difference between Small World and Small World Underground?
The main difference lies in the setting and thematic elements. Underground takes you to the subterranean world, with new races, powers, and 'places of power' that add mechanics like defeating monsters to access bonuses. The core gameplay remains the same, but with a different 'flavor'.
How many players is Small World Underground for, and what's the average game duration?
The game is ideal for 2 to 5 players. A game typically lasts between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the number of participants and familiarity with the rules.
Is it a complex game? Do I need prior board game experience?
Small World Underground is considered a medium-light complexity game (BGG weight of 2.5888). The rules are quite accessible, and even new players can pick it up quickly. Experience with the original Small World helps, but isn't mandatory.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a double-sided game board, race and power tokens, victory point markers, coins, monster and relic tokens, as well as dice and the rulebook. All featuring the vibrant artwork characteristic of the Small World series.
Who will enjoy Small World Underground the most?
It's perfect for anyone who loves territory control games with lots of interaction and a fantasy twist. Fans of games with variable player powers and those who enjoy experimenting with different ability combinations will have a blast. If you're looking for a strategic game that's easy to learn, it's a great choice!

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