How to Play

Oceans

2-4 players 60-90 min 7.4 Board Game Geek Rating

In Oceans, players evolve species in a dynamic underwater ecosystem using trait cards. The game progresses from stable Surface traits to chaotic Deep cards that disrupt gameplay. Success requires adapting interconnected species to survive aging, predators, and changing conditions while building an engine of synergistic traits that work together effectively.

Published 2020

Oceans

Get Ready

Setup the game with these step-by-step instructions before diving into your turn.

1
Determine player count compatibility
Oceans is designed for 2-4 players; playing with 5-6 players requires all players to be very familiar with the game to minimize downtime
2
Gather expansion contents
The 5-6 player expansion includes 40 population tokens, 10 species boards, 2 player screens/bags, and 2 bonus tokens
3
Create population token supply
Calculate tokens needed using the formula: 60 population + 20 population per player
4
Return unused tokens
Place any population tokens not needed for your player count back in the box
5
Distribute bonus tokens
Give each player their correct bonus token based on turn order position

On Your Turn

What you can do during your turn.

1
Note
This expansion document only provides setup modifications for 5-6 players and does not include turn structure rules
2
Refer to base game
Consult the main Oceans rulebook for complete turn actions and gameplay mechanics

Winning

How to claim victory.

1
Note
This expansion document only provides setup modifications for 5-6 players and does not include victory conditions
2
Refer to base game
Consult the main Oceans rulebook for complete winning conditions and game end triggers
3
Account for bonus tokens
Remember that starting bonus points from setup are added to each player's final score

watch & Learn

Let the pros teach you with these top videos.

Uitleg & review door Nox' Spellenzolder.

Uitleg & review door Nox' Spellenzolder.

Instructional

Before You Buy Oceans — Evolution’s Standalone Sequel

Before You Buy Oceans — Evolution’s Standalone Sequel

Review

MORE VIDEOS

FULL rules

Looking for the full details? Grab the complete rulebook as a downloadable PDF.

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