Last modified September 19, 2025 by Jarjar
Earlier this year, the prestigious German Board Game of the Year award was presented, the Kennerspiel of the year 2025. This is Endeavor: Deep Sea, the latest addition to the series Endeavor, which took top honors. It was therefore imperative that I take the time to write an article about this game. Even if it is not, as far as I am concerned, the game of the year, it is a title that I appreciate: beautiful production quality, easy to pick up, while offering a nice depth.
Unlike its predecessors, which focused on colonization and exploitation, Endeavor: Deep Sea takes an ecological turn. Players take on the role of contemporary oceanographers whose mission is to explore, map, and preserve marine ecosystems. This modern theme addresses current environmental issues, adding an interesting twist to the game.
More than 80% of the ocean surface has not yet been documented by humans
One of the most significant innovations this game brings to the series is the move away from a single map to modular ocean tiles. This change transforms the gameplay experience: at the start of the game, only a few ocean areas are visible, and players will have to explore to discover new underwater territories. This progressive exploration mechanic reinforces the thematic immersion and is a lot of fun!
The game retains the DNA that made the Endeavor series successful (technological tracks, acquisition of tiles that make progress, population that slowly increases and navigation), but adds a touch of freshness with new mechanics perfectly adapted to this universe.
GAME FACT
Endeavor: Deep Sea is manufactured in an FSC-certified factory (which is an international certification system that ensures that wood and paper products come from sustainably managed forests that meet strict ecological, social, and economic criteria). No plastic was used in its production.
My first impressions
Endeavor: Deep Sea is beautiful. The illustrations literally immerse us in the mysterious world of the ocean floor. The ocean tiles gradually reveal colorful and diverse ecosystems, creating a unique map for each game. The first few turns are very quick, and you'll even wonder if you've forgotten to do something, but the later turns are longer and more satisfying, with interesting chainings slowly taking shape.
The game offers different modes, an aspect that I particularly appreciate since it adapts well to both the number and type of players: solo, cooperative and competitive (2-4 players). The solo mode (see below) is not easy. I have not yet had the chance to try the cooperative mode in multiplayer. In competitive mode, you have to outperform your opponents on the objectives to collect as many points as possible. A total of 10 scenarios are offered. The scenario sheets include the starting configuration of the ocean map, your scoring objectives at the end of the game, a unique impact board where you will mark your progress and unlock valuable bonuses, as well as some special rules.
There is also the specialist phase which replaces the building phase, where we will recruit specialists who will not only make us progress on the technological tracks but will also allow us to play more actions. The specialists arrive as juniors and eventually we will be able to make them progress in order to increase their capacity (turn the tile), a mechanic borrowed from Lost Ruins of Arnak here 😉
Extension in preparation
The Uncharted Waters expansion is expected to arrive next year and will feature new, more challenging missions (oh yeah? :)), uncharted depths, and new specialists to recruit. It also includes mini-expansions focused on saving endangered aquatic wildlife and restoring marine balance, as well as four new scenarios with unique phenomena like "Tectonic Split" (which divides the sea in two) and "The Fog" (a mysterious fog on the surface), each bringing new gameplay components.
SOLO MODE
No automaton to manage, we simply have to reveal the proposed challenges in 7 turns (instead of 6 in multiplayer). In easy mode, you have to validate 4 objectives. I still found the challenges difficult. No success in fact so far :/ (1-2 objectives validated on average). Yes, I understand that we have to find the synergy between the objectives and focus on that, but it's not always easy! It gives me the impression that having to complete so many objectives dictates our actions to take too much and breaks a little the freedom to do actions that seem more satisfying. I had a similar feeling with the game Paladins of the West Kingdom.
TECHNICAL SHEET
Number of games played: 5 (solo and 4 players)
Best player configuration: 3-4
Price paid: CAD 106
Level: family ++ (BGG complexity: 2.90/5)
My best score: 52
MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I loved :
>> The game can be taught in about 10 minutes and remains accessible even for the family.
>> The rulebook is well designed with clear examples, bold sections, and boxes that make each icon and special case understandable.
>> 10 scenarios included offer good variability.
>> 37 sea map tiles are included in the box, and exploration is fun.
>> Multiple game modes: solo, cooperative and competitive.
I liked less :
>> The early rounds of the game never create the excitement that the later rounds do.
>> Why no game help with all these icons?
>> Seems to get repetitive after a while, I'll see what I can do next.
Endeavor: Deep Sea manages the difficult challenge of renewing an established franchise while retaining its DNA. Its modern ecological approach, exploration mechanics, and meticulous production make it a must-have for board game enthusiasts; it is the Kennerspiel des Jahres 2025, after all!
FUN FACTOR 🙂🙂🙂🙂
