- BGG rank
- BGG #20,538
- BGG rating
- 6.3
Dschungelrennen
- 2–5 players
- 30 min
- Complexity 1.3/5
- 1989
- BGG rank
- BGG #20,487
- BGG rating
- 6.1
Secrets of the Deep
1991
Rules assistance for Secrets of the Deep
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–5 players
- 30 min
- 7+
- Complexity 1.5/5
Rules assistant for Secrets of the Deep
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Secrets of the Deep is a board game released in 1991 for 2–5 players, 30 minutes per game, and ages 7 and up. It was designed by Wolfgang Riedesser and its main mechanics are Take That, Push Your Luck, and Pick-up and Deliver.
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About the game
Secrets of the Deep is a fun, fast filler in which players play as scuba divers who are trying to raise as much treasure from the ocean as possible before time runs out. This task is complicated by limited air supply, hazards, and fierce competition from other divers. In the course of a turn, players balance using different air tanks to dive the ocean for treasure and return to the boat. The treasures are distributed in three depths, and their values are hidden underneath like the swimmers in the Survive! family of games. If a player fails to strike the correct balance to make it back to the boat, they will have to drop their treasure. Players can also use dolphins to either aid themselves or hinder other divers. A player must ask themselves if they will go for the deep chests and get left by the boat or if they will dive shallow and leave their buddies behind. Secrets of the Deep is a mix of light strategy and calculation, yet there is some random chance and the cards add a bit of suspense. Although the game is a bit luck based, the moving ship keeps the game short and adds a “press-your-luck” appeal, and there are opportunities for some good tactical moves in the midst of all the chaos.
Categories
Designers
Publishers
- Otto Maier Verlag
Questions and answers
Secrets of the Deep supports 2–5 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Secrets of the Deep is 30 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Secrets of the Deep for ages 7 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Secrets of the Deep has a complexity rating of 1.5 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Secrets of the Deep belongs to these categories: Children's Game and Nautical. Its main mechanics are Take That, Push Your Luck, and Pick-up and Deliver. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Secrets of the Deep are: Wolfgang Riedesser. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Secrets of the Deep as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.