The Hunt Board Game Review
The Hunt, designed by Matthias Cramer and Engin Cramer, brings the tense naval cat-and-mouse pursuit of early World War II to your table. Published by Salt & Pepper Games in 2023, this asymmetric two-player card game recreates the historical hunt for the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee in the South Atlantic. With games lasting 20-45 minutes and suitable for ages 14 and up, The Hunt delivers strategic depth in a compact package.
The Hunt Board Game Overview
Set in September 1939, The Hunt places one player in command of the German Kriegsmarine and the other as the British Royal Navy. The German player must sink five British cargo ships while staying hidden. The British player commands multiple task forces attempting to locate and destroy the Graf Spee before it causes too much damage.
The game earned a 2023 Golden Geek Best Wargame nomination and a Charles S. Roberts Best World War II Game nomination. These accolades reflect the game’s success at capturing historical tension while remaining accessible.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Designer | Matthias Cramer, Engin Cramer |
| Publisher | Salt & Pepper Games, 25th Century Games |
| Year Released | 2023 |
| Players | 2 Players Only |
| Age Range | 14+ |
| Playing Time | 20-45 Minutes |
| Game Type | Wargame, Bluffing, Deduction |
| Complexity Rating | 2.27 / 5 |
What’s in The Hunt Box
The Hunt includes components designed for quick setup and smooth gameplay. Albert Monteys provides artwork throughout, giving the cards a distinctive visual style that reinforces the historical setting.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Board | 36 hex spaces with 2-digit numbers, Strategy Track |
| Card Decks | 18-card asymmetric deck per player (Hunt Events, Mandatory Events, Battle Events) |
| Ship Counters | Graf Spee, Altmark, British Freight Ships |
| Task Force Counters | Royal British Navy task forces |
| Dice | For search and battle resolution |
| Tokens & Markers | Action Point tokens, Damage markers, Reconnaissance token, Hint markers |
The Hunt Pros and Cons
Pros
- High tension throughout gameplay, especially during searches
- Asymmetric design creates two distinct play experiences
- Quick playtime of 20-45 minutes keeps sessions focused
- Strong historical theme without overwhelming complexity
- Beautiful card illustrations by Albert Monteys
- Meaningful decisions each turn despite simple rules
Cons
- Dice rolls can swing outcomes significantly
- Hidden movement tracking requires careful attention
- Limited action points force difficult trade-offs
- Two-player only restricts group play options
- Extensive card text requires language-specific editions
How to Play The Hunt
Setup
Place the board between players. Each player takes their 18-card deck. The German player secretly logs their starting position on paper. The British player positions Task Force counters along the Strategy Track according to setup rules.
Turn Structure
Players alternate turns using cards from their hands. Each card shows an Action Point value. Players choose whether to use a card for its AP value or trigger its special event. The German player moves secretly across the hex grid, recording positions on paper.
Search Phase
British task forces search for the Graf Spee by rolling dice. The reconnaissance token and hint markers modify search results. Successful searches narrow down the German ship’s location.
Battle Resolution
When the British locate the Graf Spee, combat begins. Players compare Action Point values from played cards and apply modifiers. Damage markers track hits on both sides.
Victory Conditions
The German player wins by sinking five British freight ships while avoiding destruction. The British player wins by forcing a final naval battle where the Graf Spee takes more damage than the British fleet.
Where to Buy The Hunt
| Retailer | Notes |
|---|---|
| Amazon | 25th Century Games English edition available |
| BoardGameGeek Market | New and used copies from collectors |
| Local Game Stores | Check availability in specialty shops |
| eBay | Various editions and conditions |
The Hunt Game Mechanics
The Hunt builds on several interconnected systems. Hidden movement forms the core tension. The German player tracks their position privately while the British player works with incomplete information. This creates genuine uncertainty that drives strategic decisions.
Card-driven actions give players flexibility. Using a card for Action Points provides predictable value. Triggering events offers powerful effects but removes the card from your hand. Managing this trade-off shapes each game differently.
The action point allowance system limits what players accomplish each turn. Movement, searching, and strategy adjustments all cost points. Players must prioritize ruthlessly.
Combat resolution combines card play with dice. This hybrid approach rewards planning while maintaining uncertainty. The damage system creates meaningful attrition over multiple engagements.
Who Should Play The Hunt
The Hunt suits players who enjoy head-to-head strategic duels. Fans of hidden movement games like Scotland Yard or Fury of Dracula will appreciate the tension. The WWII naval theme appeals to history enthusiasts without requiring deep historical knowledge.
The 2.27 complexity rating places The Hunt in the medium-light category. Experienced gamers can teach new players within 15 minutes. However, mastering both asymmetric sides requires multiple plays.
Skip The Hunt if you prefer games with more than two players or dislike hidden information mechanics. The dice elements may frustrate players who want purely deterministic outcomes.
FAQ
Is The Hunt good for beginners?
The Hunt works for beginners who enjoy two-player games. The rules are straightforward, though the hidden movement and asymmetric sides take practice to master. Expect your first game to run longer as you learn each role’s strategy.
How long does The Hunt take to play?
Most games finish within 20-45 minutes once players know the rules. First plays may run closer to an hour. The compact timeframe makes it easy to play multiple rounds or switch sides for a rematch.
What games are similar to The Hunt?
The Hunt shares DNA with hidden movement games like Letters from Whitechapel and Fury of Dracula. Its card-driven combat resembles Twilight Struggle at a smaller scale. Fans of naval wargames like Undaunted: Battle of Britain may also enjoy it.
Is The Hunt worth buying?
The Hunt delivers excellent value for two-player households. The asymmetric design provides replayability as you explore both sides. At its price point, the production quality and strategic depth make it a strong purchase for the right audience.
Does The Hunt have expansions?
Currently, The Hunt has no official expansions. The base game offers sufficient variety through its card combinations and asymmetric play. Fan-created alternate rules exist on BoardGameGeek for players seeking additional variety.
