How to Play Underwater Cities: Cards, Actions & Production
Underwater Cities is a card-driven worker-placement game. Each turn pairs one card with one board action, and matching their colors lets you resolve both effects.
Place an action marker
Choose an open action space and place one of your action markers there.
Play one card
Play a card from hand at the same time. If its color matches the action space, resolve the card and the board action; otherwise resolve only the board action unless an effect says differently.
Build tunnels and cities
Tunnels connect your personal network; cities and facilities create production, scoring and capacity.
Build farms, desalination plants and laboratories
Specialized facilities generate food, kelp/credits, science and other resources during production.
Upgrade structures
Upgraded facilities produce more or create stronger final scoring.
Card engine
Cards can give immediate actions, production bonuses, ongoing abilities and end-game scoring. Matching color is important, but a powerful long-term card can justify a less-than-perfect action pairing.
Three production phases
Production occurs at the end of each era. Connected cities and facilities generate resources and points according to their current state.
Final scoring
After the third era, score your connected city network, upgraded facilities, cards and remaining categories.