How To Play: Submarine

Ahoy, fellow gamers! Master Submarine by focusing on three key strategies: smart underwater mine placement, expert resource management, and sharp enemy detection. Set up components, follow rules, and use sonar and patterns. Dominate the ocean, and show your friends how it's done. Happy gaming!
Submarine cover

Ahoy, fellow gamers! Whether you’re a seasoned submariner or a newbie to the deep sea, this guide has everything you need. We’ll outline the game rules and share the best strategies to ensure your victory. Grab your periscope, because you’re about to learn how to play submarine like a pro!

Overview

What’s in the box

  • 1 Game Board
  • 4 Submarine Miniatures
  • 1 Rulebook
  • 16 Resource Tokens
  • 24 Mine Tokens
  • 1 Sonar Die
  • 4 Player Screens
  • 20 Enemy Markers
  • 1 Turn Tracker

How To Play Submarine: Rules Summary

Setup

Let’s start with setting up the game:

  1. Unfold the game board and place it on a flat surface.
  2. Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding submarine miniatures.
  3. Shuffle the deck of mission cards and deal two to each player. Place the remaining deck face-down.
  4. Distribute resource tokens equally among the players.
  5. Place the underwater mine tokens in a pile near the board.
  6. Finally, determine the starting player by rolling a die.
Gameplay

Gameplay happens in turns:

  1. The starting player moves their submarine by rolling the dice.
  2. Players can choose to move, lay a mine, or complete a mission based on their position.
  3. Collect resource tokens from spaces you land on.
  4. Engage in battle if you end your move on the same spot as an opponent’s submarine.
  5. Rotate turns clockwise until all players have moved.
Winning

Winning isn’t just about tactics; it’s about completing objectives:

  1. Check your mission cards for specific objectives.
  2. Complete missions by reaching designated spots and fulfilling the requirements.
  3. The first player to complete three missions wins the game.
Special Rules & Conditions

Keep these special rules in mind:

  1. If two submarines occupy the same space, a battle ensues. Roll dice to determine the winner.
  2. The winner of the battle claims a resource token from the loser.
  3. If a player lands on a space with a mine, they lose a turn.
  4. Special mission cards provide unique advantages. Use them wisely.

Best Submarine Strategies

Mastering Underwater Mine Placement

Winning requires smart underwater mine placement. Mines can turn tides in your favor if used well. Here’s how:

1. Block Enemy Routes

To disrupt enemy movement:

  1. Identify key paths enemies use.
  2. Place mines strategically along these paths.

2. Protect Your Base

Keep your base safe:

  1. Surround your base with mines.
  2. Leave some gaps to lure enemies in.

3. Create Decoys

Confuse enemies:

  1. Place fake mines in obvious spots.
  2. Hide real mines around decoys.

4. Use the Environment

Take advantage of terrain:

  1. Hide mines in coral reefs.
  2. Use shipwrecks to cover mines.

5. Save Some Mines

Avoid using all mines at once:

  1. Keep some mines for later stages.
  2. Deploy them when enemies least expect.

Mastering Resource Management: The Key to Victory

1. Allocate Your Resources Wisely

  1. Always keep track of your resources and prioritize. Don’t waste them on unnecessary items.

2. Trade with Caution

  1. Trade only when you gain a clear advantage. Otherwise, hold onto your assets.

3. Keep an Eye on Opponents’ Resources

  1. Monitor your opponents’ resources. This helps in predicting their moves and countering them.

4. Save for Critical Moments

  1. Build up your resources for game-changing actions. Timing is everything in resource management.

5. Adapt to Situations

  1. Be flexible in your tactics. If the game changes, adjust your resource strategy accordingly.

Crack the Code: Enemy Detection Strategies

Winning at Submarine requires keen enemy detection. Here are top strategies to detect foes and come out on top:

1. Utilize Sonar Wisely

Sonar is your best friend.

  1. Activate sonar at regular intervals.
  2. Analyze sonar readings quickly.
  3. Use sonar decoys to confuse opponents.

2. Track Movement Patterns

Observe and remember enemy routines:

  1. Track enemy course changes.
  2. Predict rival movements.
  3. Ambush based on patterns.

3. Intercept Communications

Eavesdrop to gather intel:

  1. Monitor enemy frequencies.
  2. Decode secret messages.
  3. Use intercepted info to your advantage.

4. Use Environmental Clues

Nature can be telling:

  1. Watch for water disturbances.
  2. Listen to underwater sounds.
  3. Check for unexpected movements.

## Time to Command the Seas!

Alright, brave captains, it’s time to take what you’ve learned and dominate the ocean deep. Remember, placement of underwater mines can make or break your strategy. Keep an eye on your resources, and don’t let your enemies slip past your sonar. Combine these tactics, and you’ll be king of the underwater world in no time.

Now, go ahead and show your friends how it’s done. And when they ask, ‘How to play Submarine?’ you’ll already have all the answers. Happy gaming!

Want to know what we think of Submarine? Read our detailed review of Submarine here

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.