Endeavor: Deep Sea
- Designer Carl de Visser , Jarratt Gray
- Publisher Burnt Island Games , Grand Gamers Guild , Arclight Games , Board Game Circus , Cranio Creations
- Illustration Fahed Alrajil , Josh Cappel , Maruša Gorjup
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
You run an independent research institute, explore dive sites with modern submersibles, recruit experts, publish ecological research, and launch conservation projects. The game blends exploration, research and conservation choices that carry long-term consequences. Rules are streamlined from Endeavor: Age of Sail but will feel familiar to fans. It can be played competitively or cooperatively.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at gamers who enjoy medium-to-heavy strategy: suitable from age 10 and for players comfortable with multiple interlocking mechanics. At roughly 120 minutes it is on the extended/evening-length side and rewards planning and patience. Solo play is supported.
How It Works
Endeavor: Deep Sea mixes Action Points, Action Retrieval and Grid Movement with Chaining effects and End Game Bonuses. You spend action points, retrieve used actions, and move on a grid to explore locations and deploy experts. Recruited experts provide abilities that chain together and influence late-game scoring. The flow balances exploration, publication of research, and conservation efforts.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Carl de Visser and Jarratt Gray, the team behind Endeavor: Age of Sail. The title received multiple 2024 award nominations (Board Game Quest Awards, Golden Geek) and won the 2024 Origins Awards Best Heavy Strategy Game. It combines environmental themes with Euro-style strategy and both competitive and cooperative play options.
Awards
2025
2024
- 2025 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game 2nd Place — Nominated
- 2024 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game — Nominated
- 2024 Origins Awards Best Heavy Strategy Game — Winner
Pro
- Thematic focus on research and conservation (Environmental, Exploration, Nautical).
- Rich mechanic mix: Action Points, Action Retrieval, Grid Movement, Chaining.
- Flexible modes: competitive and cooperative play available.
- Award recognition: Origins Awards Best Heavy Strategy Game 2024 winner.
Contra
- Long playtime (~120 minutes) — needs commitment.
- Medium-to-high complexity may be steep for newcomers.
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the modern deep sea, the game focuses on marine research, ecology and conservation. Players explore dive sites, gather knowledge, and work to preserve fragile ocean ecosystems.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on learning the action sequence and how expert abilities interact; the streamlined rules help compared to the original Endeavor.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game supports solo play.
How long does a game really take?
Duration is listed at about 120 minutes; initial plays with rule explanation and setup can take longer.
What prior experience do I need?
Best for experienced or intermediate players; familiarity with Euro-style mechanics is useful.
How does this compare to similar games?
It continues the Endeavor design lineage, streamlining rules from Endeavor: Age of Sail and applying them to a modern deep-sea theme with cooperative options.
Is this suitable for families?
Conditionally: minimum age is 10, but the length and complexity make it better suited to experienced family groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Action Points, Action Retrieval and Grid Movement with Chaining effects defines its gameplay.
Fazit
A strong pick for players who want thematic exploration with Euro-style strategy. Recommended if you enjoy ~120-minute sessions and medium-to-high complexity.
