Vanuatu: The Rising Waters

Krok Nik Douil editions · Board game · 2012
3–5 · best 4 Weight 3.0/5
2.7 rating Ludopedia
5.0 rating BGG
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2.7 rating Ludopedia
5.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Want more tension and drama in your Vanuatu? This expansion brings global warming into play and forces you to think twice before acting.

Highlights
  • Increases dramatic tension
  • Cooperation vs. competition challenge
  • Relevant and current theme
Keep in mind
  • Game can end early
  • Requires care for islands
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Get ready for the tide! Vanuatu: The Rising Waters isn't just another expansion; it's a splash of reality (and saltwater) into your base game. Here, global warming has become the villain, threatening to swallow the paradise islands of Vanuatu. The new game is about saving your neck, or rather, the islands, by building dikes to hold back the relentless advance of the sea. But hey, don't think it's all cooperative fun. It's every player for themselves, each thinking about their own interests, while the water rises. The beauty (and tension!) lies precisely in this: you need to cooperate so everything doesn't sink, but at the same time, you want to ensure your part of the island and your points remain safe. If you slip up, houses can go down the drain, an entire island can disappear for good, and the worst part: the game can end prematurely, with no one to call a winner. This expansion adds a strategic layer and a sense of urgency that will make you sweat, even while playing in a tropical setting. It's proof that individual interests don't always align with the common good, and managing this duality is the main challenge. Perfect for those who enjoy Vanuatu and want more depth, or for those who like games with a touch of drama and a very relevant theme. Just don't expect a leisurely beach stroll, because here the tide is rough!
BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
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Game details

Families

Country: Vanuatu Region: Oceania Theme: Climate Change
Publisher Krok Nik Douil editions
Designer Alain Epron
Artist Cédrick Le Bihan
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the base game Vanuatu to play with this expansion?
Absolutely! This is an expansion, so the base game Vanuatu is essential to enjoy the new features of The Rising Waters.
How many players can participate with the expansion?
The expansion maintains the player count of the base game, so you can play with 3 to 5 people.
Does the game become more difficult with this expansion?
Yes, the expansion adds a semi-cooperative element and the constant threat of rising waters, which increases complexity and tension.
What is the main theme of the expansion?
The central theme is global warming and its effects, with rising sea levels threatening the islands.
Does the expansion significantly change the base game rules?
It adds the mechanic of building dikes as an option within the Build action, introducing the threat of rising waters and a semi-cooperative element.
Can the game end without a winner because of the expansion?
Yes, if the islands are submerged by the rising waters, the game can end before the planned time and without a clear winner.