Sub Terra II: Inferno’s Edge (2023) Board Game

Sub Terra II: Inferno’s Edge is a sequel to the original Sub Terra game, which was released in in 2023. Designed by Tim Pinder and published by Inside the Box Board Games LLP (ITB), this cooperative board game takes players on an immersive adventure into the depths of the earth. With a mix of horror, mythology, and fantasy elements, players must work together to navigate treacherous caves and escape before it’s too late.

Game Components of Sub Terra II: Inferno’s Edge

Modular board tiles forming the volcanic temple

Highly detailed plastic character miniatures

Cast metal artifact

Bad news dice

Volcano tracker

Hazard tiles

Character cards with unique powers

Keys and artifact tokens

Guardian miniatures (including volatile, ranged, and eternal guardians in expansions)

Additional components in expansions like Arima’s Light and Typhaon Wakes, including new characters, game modes, and hazard tiles.

How To Setup Sub Terra II: Inferno’s Edge

To set up the game, players start by preparing the modular board by placing the starting tiles. Each player selects an explorer with unique abilities and places their corresponding meeple on the board. The bad news dice, volcano tracker, and other components are set according to the game’s rules. For solo play, the player controls three to six explorers. The game requires at least three explorers in play for any game mode.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile-Laying: Players explore the temple by revealing and placing new tiles.

Cooperative Play: Players work together to navigate the temple.

Action Points: Each player has two action points per turn, which can be used for actions like moving, revealing tiles, or using special abilities.

Hazards and Guardians: After each player’s turn, a random hazard activates, introducing challenges like traps and guardians.

Push-Your-Luck: Players can choose between cautious and aggressive strategies when exploring.

Volcano Eruption Timer: The game features a timer that moves up at the end of each round; if the volcano erupts before players find the artifact, the game is lost.

Objective: Players must find three keys, retrieve the artifact, and escape the temple before the volcano erupts. Even with the artifact, players must navigate the increasingly dangerous environment as tiles turn to lava.

Player Experience

Playing **Sub Terra II: Inferno’s Edge** is a thrilling adventure that combines strategic planning with a dash of luck. Players must balance between cautious exploration and aggressive progress to beat the volcano’s eruption. The game’s cooperative nature encourages teamwork, as players leverage their unique character abilities to overcome obstacles. The dynamic board and random hazards ensure each game is different, making it highly replayable.

Pros

High Replayability: The modular board and random hazards offer a unique experience each time.

Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and strategic planning.

Unique Characters: Each character has distinct abilities, adding variety to gameplay.

Themed Experience: The volcanic temple setting with traps and guardians creates an immersive atmosphere.

Expansions: Additional content like Arima’s Light and Typhaon Wakes adds new mechanics and challenges.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game has complex rules, especially for new players.

Resource Management: Managing action points and character abilities can be challenging.

Luck Factor: The random hazards can sometimes feel unfair.

Lengthy Games: Games can sometimes extend beyond the estimated playtime.

Personal Thoughts on Sub Terra II: Inferno’s Edge

**Sub Terra II: Inferno’s Edge** is ideal for fans of cooperative board games and those who enjoy a mix of strategy and luck. It is particularly suited for groups of three to four players, though it supports solo play and larger groups as well. The game’s challenging gameplay and high replayability make it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best choice for casual players due to its complexity and the time commitment required. For hardcore fans of the series or cooperative games, the expansions offer additional layers of complexity and enjoyment.

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