The best games with Secret Unit Deployment 🪂 2024

Looking for a really good game with hidden units 🪂? Then we have just the thing for you: the list of the best covert units games 2024.

What are hidden units games?

Covert unit games are games that contain hidden information. Only the player who controls certain game pieces has perfect information about the nature (or even the whereabouts) of those pieces. This mechanic is often used in war games to simulate the "Fog of War" familiar from copmuter games.

There is a strongly related category "Hidden Drawing". In "hidden draw" (e.g. Scotland Yard) the difference is that the units cannot actively influence the opponent (e.g. destroy units).

"Secret Unit Deployment" is also called "covert units".

Examples of games with hidden unit deployment

A good example of a covert unit game is the submarine game Captain Sonar.

List of best covert unit games 2024 🪂

This list was last updated on November 6, 2024. We compared 1342 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Survive: Escape from Atlantis!

    All details for the board game Survive: Escape from Atlantis! and similar games

    Survive: Escape from Atlantis! is a thrilling and competitive board game where players aim to evacuate their pieces from a sinking island. The game is known for its intense gameplay and strategic decisions.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Survive: Escape from Atlantis!
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  2. Captain Sonar

    All details for the board game Captain Sonar and similar games

    Embark on an adrenaline-pumping undersea adventure with Captain Sonar, a board game that plunges you into the heart of intense submarine warfare. In this gripping scenario, every move and decision can be the difference between victory and defeat. Form a skilled crew aboard a cutting-edge submarine as you strive to locate and eliminate an enemy sub before they do the same to you. The underwater battlefield is unforgiving, and effective communication and coordination are paramount for success.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 3.

    More details for Captain Sonar
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Captain Sonar

    • YouTube Review for the game "Captain Sonar" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Captain Sonar" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  3. Fugitive

    All details for the board game Fugitive and similar games

    Fugitive is a tense, fast-paced two-player card game set in the thrilling universe of Burgle Bros. In this game, one player assumes the role of a fugitive on the run, while the other takes on the role of a relentless agent on the fugitive’s trail. The game involves a strategic cat-and-mouse chase where the fugitive must reach their goal without getting caught.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Fugitive
    • 2 Players
    • 5 - 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Fugitive

    • YouTube Review for the game "Fugitive" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  4. Whitehall Mystery

    All details for the board game Whitehall Mystery and similar games

    Whitehall Mystery is a thrilling board game that transports players to London in October 1888, a time marked by a gruesome discovery near the future site of Scotland Yard. This game unfolds against the backdrop of a macabre treasure hunt by an unknown murderer, scattering the remains of a victim across Whitehall.

    More details for Whitehall Mystery
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  5. Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation

    All details for the board game Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation and similar games

    Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation Deluxe Edition is a celebrated two-player board game designed by Reiner Knizia. Set in the rich world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, this game allows players to immerse themselves in the epic struggle between the forces of Sauron and the Free Peoples. Renowned for its blend of strategy, bluffing, and adventure, this deluxe edition elevates the experience with enhanced components and new gameplay elements.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan

    All details for the board game Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan and similar games

    Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan is a strategic war game for two players, allowing them to relive the pivotal battle of Sekigahara in 1600, which unified Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate for over 250 years. Players take on the roles of either Ishida Mitsunari, defending the rightful heir, or Tokugawa Ieyasu, the most powerful daimyo, as they gather armies from their allies, all the while questioning their loyalty. With no use of dice, the game emphasizes strategy and loyalty through card mechanics, where cards are essential for motivating armies to fight. Loyalty is a fluctuating resource, represented by hand size, and battles involve deploying hidden units based on loyalty, with the potential for defections. The game aims to provide a historically accurate experience within a concise and intuitive set of rules, focusing on strategic deployment and the significance of loyalty without relying on luck to determine outcomes.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 2.

    More details for Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan
    • 2 Players
    • 180 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  7. Felicity: The Cat in the Sack

    All details for the board game Felicity: The Cat in the Sack and similar games

    Felicity: The Cat in the Sack is a clever and engaging auction-style game where players aim to collect the most valuable cats while avoiding the less desirable ones. The game involves bluffing and strategic bidding, as players use their mice to bid for cats hidden in a sack.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    More details for Felicity: The Cat in the Sack
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  8. Survive: Escape from Atlantis!

    All details for the board game Survive: Escape from Atlantis! and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. BattleLore: Second Edition

    All details for the board game BattleLore: Second Edition and similar games

    BattleLore: Second Edition is a deeply immersive and strategically rich board game set in the fantasy realm of Terrinoth. Designed for two players, this game pits the stalwart forces of the Daqan Lords against the malevolent Uthuk Y’llan in epic, squad-based battles. With an emphasis on strategic command and the use of lore to influence battles, BattleLore Second Edition offers a robust and varied wargaming experience.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for BattleLore: Second Edition
    • 2 Players
    • 45 - 90 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  10. Treasure Island

    All details for the board game Treasure Island and similar games

    Treasure Island is a thrilling game of bluffing and adventure where players are immersed in a high-stakes treasure hunt. One player takes on the role of Long John Silver, using cunning and misdirection to lead the others astray in their quest to find his hidden treasure. The game builds to an exciting climax as Long John makes his daring escape to reclaim his treasure.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Treasure Island
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Treasure Island

    • YouTube Review for the game "Treasure Island" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Treasure Island" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Treasure Island" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  11. Julius Caesar: Caesar, Pompey, and the Roman Civil War

    All details for the board game Julius Caesar: Caesar, Pompey, and the Roman Civil War and similar games
    • 2 Players
    • 60 - 180 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  12. Thunder & Lightning

    All details for the board game Thunder & Lightning and similar games
    • 2 Players
    • 40 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Thunder & Lightning

    • YouTube Review for the game "Thunder & Lightning" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  13. Escape from the Aliens in Outer Space

    All details for the board game Escape from the Aliens in Outer Space and similar games

    Escape from the Aliens in Outer Space is a suspenseful card game set in the dark and treacherous confines of a space research ship afflicted by an alien plague. This game uniquely combines strategy, bluffing, and a claustrophobic science fiction theme.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Escape from the Aliens in Outer Space
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 20 - 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  14. Jaws

    All details for the board game Jaws and similar games

    JAWS is a suspenseful and strategic board game that captures the essence of the classic film. In this game, players are immersed in the iconic struggle between the monstrous great white shark and the determined crew of the Orca. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, where one player assumes the role of the shark, while the others take on the characters of Brody, Hooper, and Quint.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Jaws
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  15. Wildlands

    All details for the board game Wildlands and similar games

    Wildlands brings to life a rich, lawless fantasy realm where players vie for dominance, survival, and treasure amidst the ruins of a fallen kingdom. Designed by the acclaimed Martin Wallace, this game combines the thrill of skirmish battles with the depth of strategic card play, offering a dynamic tabletop experience that's accessible yet full of tactical depth.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Wildlands
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Wildlands

    • YouTube Review for the game "Wildlands" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Wildlands" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  16. Costume Party Detective

    All details for the board game Costume Party Detective and similar games
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  17. Rumble in the Dungeon

    All details for the board game Rumble in the Dungeon and similar games
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  18. Letters from Whitechapel

    All details for the board game Letters from Whitechapel and similar games

    Letters from Whitechapel is a thrilling and suspense-filled board game that transports players to the grim streets of London's Whitechapel district in 1888, the setting of the infamous Jack the Ripper murders. The game pits one player, taking on the role of Jack the Ripper, against others who play as police detectives. Their goal is to catch Jack before he claims his fifth victim.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Letters from Whitechapel
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Letters from Whitechapel

    • YouTube Review for the game "Letters from Whitechapel" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  19. Evolution: Climate

    All details for the board game Evolution: Climate and similar games

    Evolution: Climate is a compelling standalone game that expands on the well-regarded Evolution game system by integrating the aspect of climate into its dynamic ecosystem. This addition brings new layers of strategy and thematic depth, making for a unique gaming experience.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Evolution: Climate
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Evolution: Climate

    • YouTube Review for the game "Evolution: Climate" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  20. Android: Netrunner

    All details for the board game Android: Netrunner and similar games

    Android: Netrunner is an asymmetrical Living Card Game for two players, set in a cyberpunk future. It involves strategic card play, where one player controls a megacorporation and the other plays as a lone runner.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.

    More details for Android: Netrunner
    • 2 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  21. Polizei-Alarm!

    All details for the board game Polizei-Alarm! and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  22. Rumble in the House

    All details for the board game Rumble in the House and similar games
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  23. Paper Tales

    All details for the board game Paper Tales and similar games

    Paper Tales is a dynamic card game that blends elements of drafting and kingdom-building. Set in a mythical world, players guide their realms through centuries, facing challenges and opportunities as they emerge.

    More details for Paper Tales
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Paper Tales

    • YouTube Review for the game "Paper Tales" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Paper Tales" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  24. Good & Bad Ghosts

    All details for the board game Good & Bad Ghosts and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Good & Bad Ghosts
    • 2 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  25. Specter Ops

    All details for the board game Specter Ops and similar games

    Specter Ops is a thrilling, sci-fi themed board game that plunges players into a tense world of stealth, strategy, and hidden movement. In this game, players are divided into two distinct roles: a solo secret agent of A.R.K infiltrating a high-security Raxxon facility, and the team of genetically modified Raxxon Hunters tasked with tracking down and capturing the agent. The game is reminiscent of classic hidden movement games like Scotland Yard, but with a futuristic twist.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Specter Ops
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Specter Ops

    • YouTube Review for the game "Specter Ops" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  26. Cthulhu in the House

    All details for the board game Cthulhu in the House and similar games
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 10 - 20 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  27. Sonar Family

    All details for the board game Sonar Family and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Sonar Family
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Sonar Family

    • YouTube Review for the game "Sonar Family" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  28. Sweet Nose

    All details for the board game Sweet Nose and similar games
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Sweet Nose

    • YouTube Review for the game "Sweet Nose" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  29. Lockup: A Roll Player Tale

    All details for the board game Lockup: A Roll Player Tale and similar games
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 45 - 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  30. Pathfinder

    All details for the board game Pathfinder and similar games
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

Didn't find the game you were looking for?

We're positive that you'll find it in one of our other lists! To make the search easier for you, we split our website into different categories. The following board game categories will help you find the right list: