Abyss

About this board game

Abyss is a development, combination, and collection game for 2–4 players, with a playing time of about 60 minutes. Set in an underwater city, it challenges players to compete for the vacant power of the Abyss and control its most strategic locations.

To build authority, players develop across three connected levels. They first collect allies, then use those allies to recruit the Lords of the Abyss, and finally use those Lords to gain access to different parts of the city. Each stage supports the next, making careful timing and smart combinations essential.

1. Collect allies through a draft-like process.
2. Recruit Lords by using the allies gathered.
3. Claim locations and compete for control of the city.

The Lords you recruit are more than a step toward territory. They grant special powers to the player who holds them, creating opportunities to shape your position and pursue the most useful advantages. However, using those cards to acquire a location switches off the power they provide.

This creates a meaningful decision at every stage: hold on to a Lord for its ability, or spend it to secure a valuable part of the city. Players must also use cunning to win or buy votes in the Council, recruit the most influential Lords, and position themselves for the final struggle.

In Abyss, control is built through a combination of allies, influence, powers, and territory. The player who best manages these connected choices can emerge as the one able to rule the Abyssal people.